HSK 6, unknown, 19 strokes, radical 足, rank #2702, Hard
dūn(dun1) T1
1to crouch
2to squat
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March 24, 2026
蹲dūn(dun1)
The verb 蹲 (dūn) means to crouch or squat, often referring to the position of bending one's knees and lowering the body close to the ground. It can also imply staying in a place for a period of time, often used in contexts involving waiting or resting in a low position.
Strokes19Radical足Frequency#2702DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, squatting is common in public places, especially in rural areas, where people often prefer to squat rather than sit on benches. This reflects a more casual and communal approach to relaxation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'dune' in the sand where you crouch down to hide from the sun. The character 蹲 has the foot radical (足) at the bottom, reminding you that it involves a low position where you use your legs to support your weight.
Meanings of 蹲
dūn(dun1)
1to crouch
2to squat
Exercise 1 of 3
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 蹲
蹲Simplified
19Strokes
足Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2702Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L6IntermediateTOCFLL5HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 蹲
Podcast: 蹲
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AI Study Notes for 蹲
Quick Contrast
蹲 (dūn) vs 坐 (zuò) — use 蹲 when emphasizing a low position of the body, while 坐 refers to sitting in a more upright position.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'dune' in the sand where you crouch down to hide from the sun. The character 蹲 has the foot radical (足) at the bottom, reminding you that it involves a low position where you use your legs to support your weight.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 蹲 with similar verbs like 坐 (zuò, to sit) or 站 (zhàn, to stand), as they refer to different body positions. This word is more informal and is often used in everyday conversation rather than formal writing.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 蹲 connects with other verbs related to body movements and positions. Students should focus on practicing it in context, such as describing activities or positions in daily life.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, squatting is common in public places, especially in rural areas, where people often prefer to squat rather than sit on benches. This reflects a more casual and communal approach to relaxation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 蹲 with 坐, mistakenly saying '我蹲在椅子上' (Wǒ dūn zài yǐzi shàng) which translates to 'I squat on the chair.' The correct phrase should be '我坐在椅子上' (Wǒ zuò zài yǐzi shàng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 蹲
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Grammar Patterns of 蹲
蹲 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 3 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
他们每个人都俯身贴近地面____伏着前进。
They walked in a crouch, each bent over close to the ground.
Common Confusions with 蹲
蹲vs蹦
bèng
Similar shape but different action (蹲 is to squat, 蹦 is to bounce).
蹲vs蹭
cèng
Similar shape but different meaning.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "to crouch"?
or
Usage Notes for 蹲
Mixing up 蹲 and 站Common Error
Learners often confuse 蹲 (to squat) with 站 (to stand). It's important to remember their opposite meanings.
1
我不能一直蹲着。
I can't stay squatting for long.
2
他站着比蹲着高。
He is taller when standing than when squatting.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
我不能一直____着。
I can't stay squatting for long.
Example Sentences for 蹲 (10)
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1
他们每个人都俯身贴近地面蹲伏着前进。
tā mén měi gè rén dū fǔ shēn tiē jìn dì miàn dūn fú zháo qián jìn。
They walked in a crouch, each bent over close to the ground.
2
那个男人蹲在那辆梅塞德斯车后。
nà gè nán rén dūn zài nà liàng méi sāi dé sī chē hòu。
tā sī xià xiàng wǒ tòu lòu, , tā dūn guò wǔ nián jiān.
He confided to me that he had spent five years in prison.
10
猫儿蹲坐在倒放的板条箱上.
māo ér dūn zuò zài dǎo fàng de bǎn tiáo xiāng shàng.
The cat was sitting on an upturned crate.
Cultural Notes for 蹲
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, squatting is common in public places, especially in rural areas, where people often prefer to squat rather than sit on benches. This reflects a more casual and communal approach to relaxation.
Word Family of 蹲
Words Containing This Character5
蹲dūnto crouch
蹲点(dialect) taking a crap蹲點
蹲伏to crouch low and bend forward (esp. in hiding or in wait)
蹲踞squat
屁股蹲儿pratfall屁股蹲兒
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 蹲 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 蹲
You can say, '他在公园里蹲着' (Tā zài gōngyuán lǐ dūnzhe) which means 'He is squatting in the park.'
蹲 is generally used in informal contexts. For formal writing, other terms like 坐 or 休息 might be preferred.
蹲 means to crouch or squat, while 蹲下 (dūnxià) emphasizes the action of crouching down.
