态度 (tàidù) is a noun meaning 'attitude' — the way a person thinks, feels, or behaves toward someone or something. The first character 态 (tài) means 'state' or 'manner', often referring to outward expression or condition; the second character 度 (dù) means 'degree' or 'measure', suggesting how intensely or consistently that state is held. Together, they convey the measurable quality of one’s internal stance made visible through words, tone, body language, or actions.

This word is commonly used in social, professional, and educational contexts — for example, when evaluating someone’s approach to work, learning, or interpersonal relationships. It carries evaluative weight: positive attitudes (e.g., 积极的态度 jījí de tàidù) are praised, while negative ones (e.g., 消极的态度 xiāojí de tàidù) are discouraged. Unlike English 'attitude', which can sometimes imply arrogance colloquially, 态度 in Chinese is neutral by default and gains its connotation only from modifiers.