冬

鼕

dōng

HSK 2.0 3

Rank #1384

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 終. The meaning later shifted to "winter" (the final season of the year), in which the 冫 (ice) component was then added to reinforce the meaning.

About

The character "冬" originated from an early conceptual representation of conclusion or finality, with its initial forms embodying the idea of a completed cycle, much like the terminus of a year. Over time, this notion became specifically associated with the coldest season, and the character's structure was subsequently enhanced by the addition of the ice radical (冫), which provided a visual cue to the harsh conditions of winter. While its core meaning solidified around denoting the season itself, the ancestral sense of an ending continues to linger in some compound words and phrases, demonstrating a meaningful specialization from a broader abstract idea to a more concrete seasonal reference without entirely shedding its original connotations.

Example Sentences Hide

冬天很寒冷。

Dōngtiān hěn hánlěng.

Winter is very cold.

冬季雪花飘。

Dōngjì xuěhuā piāo.

Snowflakes float in winter.

冬天的阳光温暖。

Dōngtiān de yángguāng wēnnuǎn.

The winter sunlight is warm.

我们在冬天堆雪人。

Wǒmen zài dōngtiān duī xuěrén.

We build snowmen in winter.

冬季运动很有趣。

Dōngjì yùndòng hěn yǒuqù.

Winter sports are very interesting.

冬至是重要的节气。

Dōngzhì shì zhòngyào de jiéqì.

Winter solstice is an important solar term.

冬装需要保暖性好。

Dōngzhuāng xūyào bǎonuǎn xìng hǎo.

Winter clothing needs to have good warmth retention.

在寒冷的冬夜，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.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: ⺀

Component: 夂

Components

⺀夂

冬