DAO

dao(1)

dao(2)

dao(3)

倒 = to fall

摔倒 = shuai(1)dao(3) = to fall down

(of people, not of things)

dao(4)

到 = to arrive

This is one of the most versatile words of the Chinese language. It occurs in many set expressions, and can be affixed to many verbs to convey a sense of finality.

到处 = dao(4)chu(4) = everywhere

处 = chu(4) = place (but only in certain combinations)

售票处 = shou(4) piau(4) chu(4)

到国外 = dao(4)guo(2)wai(4) = abroad

But:

外国 = wai(4) guo(2) = foreign countries

我想到国外工作. = Wo(3) xiang(3) dao(4) guo(2) wai(4) gong(1)zuo(4). = I want to work abroad.