‘导游’ (dǎo yóu) is a compound noun meaning ‘tour guide’—a person who leads and informs visitors during trips, especially at scenic spots, historical sites, or cultural attractions. The first character, 导 (dǎo), means ‘to lead’, ‘to guide’, or ‘to direct’; the second, 游 (yóu), means ‘to travel’, ‘to tour’, or ‘to visit’. Together, they literally convey ‘one who guides travel’, emphasizing both leadership and experiential knowledge of a place.

This word is commonly used in tourism-related contexts: travel agencies hire professional 导游, museums may offer volunteer 导游, and students sometimes serve as student 导游 during school field trips. While often referring to licensed professionals, it can also describe anyone informally guiding others—e.g., a local friend showing you around their hometown. It’s neutral in register and widely understood across Mainland China, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese communities.