斗 (dǒu) - A traditional Chinese unit of dry measure for & a dipper or ladle

斗Tone 3

dǒu ｜ 4 strokes ｜ radical: 斗

丁恩

斗 · dǒu

A traditional Chinese unit of dry measure for grain (approx.

10 liters);

a dipper or ladle;

the Big Dipper constellation;

to fight or struggle.

A traditional Chinese unit of dry measure fora dipper or ladlethe Big Dipper constellation

Usage highlights

Big Dipperstrugglefightbucketeergrain measurefunnel

Synonyms

  • 升— sheng (a smaller unit of dry measure, 1 dou = 10 sheng)
  • 斛— hu (a larger unit of dry measure)
  • 搏— to fight, struggle
  • 战— to fight, war

Antonyms

  • 和— peace, harmony
  • 合— combine, unite

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The Big Dipper constellation (北斗星) is easy to spot in the night sky.
  • This container holds one dou of rice (一斗米).
  • The two boys started to fight (打架斗殴).
  • Ancient Chinese grain measures included the dou (斗).

Collocations

  • Big Dipper(北斗星)
  • struggle(斗争)
  • fight(斗殴)
  • bucketeer(斗斛)
  • grain measure(斗量)
  • funnel(斗箕)

Idioms

  • Fight with all one's might(斗智斗勇)
  • The Big Dipper and the South Dipper(北斗南箕)
  • Measure the ocean with a ladle(以斗量海)
  • Struggle against heaven and earth(与天地斗)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically a fundamental unit of dry measure in China, symbolizing sustenance and fair trade.
  • The Big Dipper (北斗) holds significant importance in Chinese astronomy, astrology, and Taoist belief, often seen as a celestial clock and guide.
  • The character embodies both practical measurement and metaphorical struggle, reflecting core aspects of Chinese life and philosophy.

FAQ