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目录 — meaning in English: table of Contents

mùlù · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for directory
目录
mùlù
地址
dìzhǐ
合同
hétóng
蓝色
lán sè
qián
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neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use the word 目录 (mùlù) when discussing books, articles, or reports, particularly when they need to reference specific sections quickly. For instance, during a meeting, someone might refer to the 目录 of a presentation to guide colleagues through the material efficiently.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym is 纲要 (gāngyào), which means 'outline.' While 目录 (mùlù) focuses on the listings of sections or chapters specifically, 纲要 (gāngyào) gives a broader overview of themes and key points in a document. Choose 目录 when you need to refer to the navigation of a text.
Culture
The characters that make up 目录 (mùlù) can be separated into 目, meaning 'eye' or 'to see,' and 录, which translates to 'to record' or 'to document.' This combination reflects the idea of a list that allows readers to 'see' the structure of a document, making it easier to navigate. Interestingly, in traditional Chinese literature, a well-structured 目录 was seen as a sign of a well-organized mind.
FAQ
Q.What does 目录 mean in English?
目录 (mùlù) translates to 'table of contents' in English, which helps readers navigate through sections or chapters of a document.
Q.How is 目录 used in a sentence?
You might say, '请看书的目录 (qǐng kàn shū de mùlù),' which means 'Please look at the table of contents of the book,' to guide someone to the relevant sections.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 目录?
A common mistake is using 目录 when referring to an index. While both help with navigation, an index provides a detailed list of topics and keywords, whereas 目录 is about main sections or chapters.
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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000