Definitions
(noun)
pocket; bag
(verb)
to wrap up; to hold in a bag
(verb)
to move in a circle
(verb)
to canvas; to solicit
Etymology
Depicts a person with a face (皃) 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" originated as a pictograph representing a helmet or head covering, its structure visually suggesting a human figure crowned with protective gear, which established its initial meaning tied to headgear. Over time, its semantic range expanded to denote bag-like containers or pockets, reflecting a functional shift from covering the head to holding items, which then facilitated verbal senses such as "to wrap" or "to carry in a pouch". Further metaphorical extension led to the use of "兜" in describing circular motion or rounding, evident in phrases conveying the idea of encircling or moving in a loop, while its written form has persisted without substantial alteration, preserving the compositional cues linked to its earliest conception.
Example Sentences Hide
我们去海边兜风吧。
他的裤兜里有一把钥匙。
他在街上兜售小玩具。
妈妈在衣兜里找到了钱。
这个兜子可以装很多水果。
公司会为这个项目兜底。
我们兜兜转转又回到了原点。
他兜里揣着梦想踏上了旅程。