Meanings of 斗
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About 斗
Podcast: 斗
Podcast: 斗
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AI Study Notes for 斗
斗 (dòu) vs 打 (dǎ) — use 斗 when referring to competition or struggle, while 打 typically refers to the action of hitting or striking.
Imagine a large dipper (斗) used for measuring grains, with the shape resembling a cup. The pronunciation 'dǒu' can be remembered by envisioning a 'doe' (female deer) fighting for food, connecting both the struggle and the measurement aspects of the character.
This character can be confused with similar-sounding words, particularly when used in different contexts (e.g., 斗[dòu] meaning to fight vs. 斗[dǒu] as a measure). It is more formal in measurement contexts but can also be used in casual conversations about competition.
斗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, but learners should recognize it within the context of measurements and fights. Focus on its different meanings and pronunciations, especially in compound words like 北斗星 (Běi dǒu xīng).
斗 is connected to agriculture in Chinese culture, where precise measurements for grains are crucial. The Big Dipper constellation (北斗星) holds cultural significance in navigation and folklore.
Learners often confuse 斗 with 鬥 (dòu) when speaking about fighting. For example, saying '我斗了他' (Wǒ dǒu le tā) mistakenly implies a measurement rather than a fight; the correct form should be '我斗打他' (Wǒ dòu dǎ tā) for fighting.
Pronunciation of 斗
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Etymology of 斗
Pictograph of a cup or dipper. In simplified Chinese 斗 is also used to mean "fight, struggle", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 鬥.
A hand holding a measuring dipper
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 斗?
Decomposition of 斗
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Write 斗
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Practice writing 斗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 斗
斗 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 17 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
成功的基础是奋____，奋斗的目的是成功，所以，只有不断努力的人才有机会走上成功的道路。
The foundation of success is hard work, and the goal of hard work is success; therefore, only those who strive continuously have the chance to walk the road to success.
Common Confusions with 斗
Similar shape but different meaning.
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "dry measure for grain equal to ten 升[shēng] or one-tenth of a 石[dàn]"?
Example Sentences for 斗 (10)
Reorder the Sentence
I thought that we had a lot of fight in us.
Cultural Notes for 斗
斗 is connected to agriculture in Chinese culture, where precise measurements for grains are crucial. The Big Dipper constellation (北斗星) holds cultural significance in navigation and folklore.
Word Family of 斗
Compound Meaning
What does 科 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斗
斗 (dǒu) and 陡 (dǒu) are both pronounced the same way but have different meanings. 斗 typically refers to a measurement, a cup-shaped object, or fighting, while 陡 means 'steep' or 'abrupt.' The context in which these characters are used will clarify their meanings.