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.
Etymology Hide
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。