阧 (dǒu) - Steep, precipitous & sudden, abrupt

阧Tone 3

dǒu ｜ 6 strokes ｜ radical: 阝

丁恩

阧 · dǒu

Steep, precipitous;

sudden, abrupt;

a unit of dry measure for grain (approx.

10 liters).

Steep, precipitoussudden, abrupta unit of dry measure for grain (approx.

Usage highlights

Steep slopeSteep cliffSudden changeSuddenly riseFight courageouslySteep and dangerous

Synonyms

  • 陡— steep, precipitous
  • 斗— unit of dry measure; steep (variant)

Antonyms

  • 平— flat, level
  • 缓— gentle, slow

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The mountain path is very steep (阧峭).
  • There was a sudden change in the weather (天气阧变).
  • One dou of rice (一阧米).

Collocations

  • Steep slope(阧坡)
  • Steep cliff(阧崖)
  • Sudden change(阧变)
  • Suddenly rise(阧起)
  • Fight courageously(阧志)
  • Steep and dangerous(阧险)

Idioms

  • Steep as if cut by a knife(壁立阧峭)
  • Suddenly change countenance(阧然变色)
  • Fight with soaring morale(阧志昂扬)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Originally depicted a steep slope or embankment; the 'Fù' radical (阝) on the left indicates a mound or elevation.
  • Used as a unit of dry measure in ancient China, approximately equal to 10 liters.
  • In modern usage, often replaced by the more common character 斗 for both the steep and measure meanings.

FAQ