Definitions

dōng (noun) winter
dōng (noun) beating of a drum

Etymology

Depicts a rope with knots at both ends. Originally written as 𠂂. Based on the original meaning "tip, extremity", now written as . The meaning later shifted to "winter" (the final season of the year), in which the (ice) component was then added to reinforce the meaning.

About

The character 冬 initially denoted the end of a cycle, particularly the conclusion of the year, with its earliest representations suggesting a knotted cord. Structural evolution led to a form that integrates the component 夂, implying a sense of finality, along with two dots originating from the ice radical 冫 to denote cold. This combination solidified its association with the coldest season, and its meaning shifted from a broad concept of termination to the specific designation of winter.

Example Sentences Hide

天很寒冷。

Dōngtiān hěn hánlěng.

Winter is very cold.

季雪花飘。

Dōngjì xuěhuā piāo.

Snowflakes float in winter.

天的阳光温暖。

Dōngtiān de yángguāng wēnnuǎn.

The winter sunlight is warm.

我们在天堆雪人。

Wǒmen zài dōngtiān duī xuěrén.

We build snowmen in winter.

季运动很有趣。

Dōngjì yùndòng hěn yǒuqù.

Winter sports are very interesting.

至是重要的节气。

Dōngzhì shì zhòngyào de jiéqì.

Winter solstice is an important solar term.

装需要保暖性好。

Dōngzhuāng xūyào bǎonuǎn xìng hǎo.

Winter clothing needs to have good warmth retention.

在寒冷的夜,我喜欢喝热茶。

Zài hánlěng de dōng yè, wǒ xǐhuān hē rè chá.

On cold winter nights, I like to drink hot tea.