Definitions

dòu (verb) to fight; to struggle; to compete
dǒu ( noun) dry measure for grain (decaliter); cup; dipper

Etymology

Pictograph of a ladle or dipper. In simplified Chinese is also used to mean "fight, struggle", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character .

About

The character "斗" originated as a pictograph of a ladle, establishing its early meaning as a unit of dry measure. Its structure, a four-stroke abstract form, derives from the shape of this tool with a handle and bowl. Over time, this character was adopted to express the concept of fighting, replacing the traditional character "鬥", which visually represented two figures in combat. Thus, "斗" acquired a dual semantic range, encompassing both measurement and conflict.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

他们在蟋蟀。

Tāmen zài dòu xīshuài.

They are fighting crickets.

星在夜空中闪耀。

Běidǒuxīng zài yèkōng zhōng shǎnyào.

The Big Dipper shines in the night sky.

不过那个强壮的人。

Tā dòu bù guò nàgè qiángzhuàng de rén.

He can't defeat that strong person.

这个篷是红色的。

Zhège dǒupeng shì hóngsè de.

This cloak is red.

农民用量米。

Nóngmín yòng dǒu liáng mǐ.

Farmers use a dou to measure rice.

争中,他学会了勇敢。

Zài dòuzhēng zhōng, tā xuéhuìle yǒnggǎn.

In the struggle, he learned to be brave.

孩子们去,最后成了朋友。

Háizimen dòu lái dòu qù, zuìhòu chéngle péngyou.

The children fought back and forth, but finally became friends.

尽管他胆尝试,但结果并不理想。

Jǐnguǎn tā dǒudǎn chángshì, dàn jiéguǒ bìng bù lǐxiǎng.

Although he boldly tried, the result was not ideal.