Definitions

dōu (noun) pocket; bag
dōu (verb) to wrap up; to hold in a bag
dōu (verb) to move in a circle
dōu (verb) to canvas; to solicit

Etymology

Depicts a person with a face () wearing a helmet. Based on the original meaning "helmet worn by warriors". The meaning of this character has shifted over time and now means "pouch".

About

The character "兜" initially represented a helmet, and its modern form combines the component "白" positioned above "儿", implying a covering over a person. From this concrete referent to headgear, its meaning broadened to denote any pouch or bag, likely due to similar containing shapes. This expansion facilitated verbal meanings such as to wrap, to circle around, or to solicit, evident in uses like "兜圈子" for taking a detour or "兜售" for peddling goods.

Example Sentences Hide

我们去海边风吧。

Wǒmen qù hǎibiān dōufēng ba.

Let's go for a ride to the seaside.

他的裤里有一把钥匙。

Tā de kùdōu lǐ yǒu yī bǎ yàoshi.

There is a key in his trouser pocket.

他在街上售小玩具。

Tā zài jiē shàng dōushòu xiǎo wánjù.

He is peddling small toys on the street.

妈妈在衣里找到了钱。

Māma zài yīdōu lǐ zhǎodào le qián.

Mom found money in her clothing pocket.

这个子可以装很多水果。

Zhège dōuzi kěyǐ zhuāng hěn duō shuǐguǒ.

This bag can hold a lot of fruit.

公司会为这个项目底。

Gōngsī huì wèi zhège xiàngmù dōudǐ.

The company will cover the bottom for this project.

我们转转又回到了原点。

Wǒmen dōudōuzhuǎnzhuǎn yòu huí dào le yuándiǎn.

We went around in circles and returned to the starting point.

里揣着梦想踏上了旅程。

Tā dōu lǐ chuāi zhe mèngxiǎng tà shàng le lǚchéng.

With dreams in his pocket, he embarked on the journey.