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March 24, 2026
痘dòu(dou4)
The character 痘 (dòu) refers to a small, raised spot on the skin, commonly known as a pimple or pustule. It is used in both medical contexts, such as referring to smallpox, and in everyday language to describe acne or similar skin conditions.
Strokes12Radical疒Frequency#12636DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions like those represented by 痘 are often seen as manifestations of internal imbalances, reflecting the holistic approach to health prevalent in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tiny dot (the character's form) that looks like a pimple on your skin. The sound 'dòu' can remind you of 'dough,' which can be puffy like a pimple when it rises, helping you visualize the connection between the character and its meaning.
Meanings of 痘
dòu(dou4)
1smallpox
2pimple
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 痘
痘Simplified
12Strokes
疒Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 痘
Podcast: 痘
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AI Study Notes for 痘
Quick Contrast
痘 (dòu) vs 粉刺 (fěncì) — use 痘 for raised spots like pimples, while 粉刺 refers specifically to blackheads or whiteheads.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tiny dot (the character's form) that looks like a pimple on your skin. The sound 'dòu' can remind you of 'dough,' which can be puffy like a pimple when it rises, helping you visualize the connection between the character and its meaning.
Usage Notes
When using 痘, it's crucial to distinguish between its medical and casual uses. In formal contexts, it may refer specifically to smallpox, while in casual conversation, it often means a pimple. Be careful with pronunciation; the fourth tone can easily be confused with similar-sounding words.
HSK Study Tips
Though not an HSK word, 痘 can be relevant for learners focusing on medical vocabulary or skin-related discussions. Students should connect it with other words related to health and skin conditions to expand their vocabulary effectively.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions like those represented by 痘 are often seen as manifestations of internal imbalances, reflecting the holistic approach to health prevalent in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 痘 with similar-sounding words like '豆' (dòu, meaning bean) due to their close pronunciation. Remember that 痘 specifically refers to skin spots, while '豆' refers to legumes.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 痘
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Grammar Patterns of 痘
痘 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
摘要水____症是一种高传染性,急性亲皮肤性病毒感染,好发于儿童,常流行于春、冬两季.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella - zoster virus.
The scar that blain blain leaves? How ability rehabilitate?
7
青春痘 、 抗疤、秃头也有特殊缓和的作用.
qīng chūn dòu、 、 kàng、 bā 、 tū tóu yě yǒu tè shū huǎn hé de.
It also has a special relaxative effect on whelk, scar , and baldhead.
Cultural Notes for 痘
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions like those represented by 痘 are often seen as manifestations of internal imbalances, reflecting the holistic approach to health prevalent in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 痘
Words Containing This Character6
痘dòupimple
水痘chickenpox
青春痘acne
痘苗vaccine
牛痘cowpox
痘痂pockmark
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 痘 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 痘
Yes, 痘 is commonly used to refer to pimples or acne in casual discussions.
It is pronounced as 'dòu' with a falling tone, which is important to convey the correct meaning.
Yes, you can also use '粉刺' (fěncì) for acne or '疱疹' (pàozhěn) for blisters.
