Dao is a category of single-edge Chinese swords often used for slashing and chopping like sabers. It is often referred to as a broadsword because some varieties have wide blades.

In China, the Dao is known as one of the four major weapons, along with the Gun (staff), Qiang (spear), and the Jian (sword), and referred to as "The General of All Weapons".

Dao is actually a generic word used to denote any member of a family of single-edged, broad-bladed cutting or slicing tools, but in common, everyday usage means knife.

The weapon, also known as dan dao or single knife when just one is used, is thereby thought to be an adaptation of the kitchen knives common to Chinese cuisine.

Dao also appears in the names of such pole arms as the pudao and guan dao, indicating that their blades were primarily intended for slashing and cutting attacks rather than stabbing ones.

Today, the Dao is also an event in the sport of Wushu.