Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
窦 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
窦dòusinuses; corrupt; surnamezg, 13 strokes, radical 穴, rank #19011, Hard
窦dòusurname Douunknown, 13 strokes, radical 穴, rank #19011, Hard
窦dòuapertureunknown, 13 strokes, radical 穴, rank #19011, Hard
窦dòu(anatomy) cavityunknown, 13 strokes, radical 穴, rank #19011, Hard
窦dòusinusunknown, 13 strokes, radical 穴, rank #19011, Hard
dòu(Dou4) T4
  1. 1sinuses; corrupt; surname
  2. 2aperture
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
窦(竇)dòu(Dou4)

The character 窦 (dòu) primarily refers to anatomical sinuses or cavities found within the body. It is also used as a surname in Chinese culture. In certain contexts, it can imply a corrupt or immoral nature, but this usage is less common.

Strokes13Radical穴Frequency#19011DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The surname 窦 (Dou) is associated with historical figures, notably in literature and the examination system of ancient China. It reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in Chinese culture.

Memory Tip

Think of 窦 as a 'window' (the radical 穴 means 'cave' or 'hole') into the body's cavities. Imagine peering through a window into a room filled with sinuses, reminding you of both the anatomical aspect and the sound of 'dòu' as you visualize this.

Meanings of 窦

dòu(Dou4)
1sinuses; corrupt; surname
2aperture
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 窦

窦Simplified
竇Traditional
13Strokes
穴Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 窦

JasonAmy

Podcast: 窦

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 窦

Memory Mnemonic

Think of 窦 as a 'window' (the radical 穴 means 'cave' or 'hole') into the body's cavities. Imagine peering through a window into a room filled with sinuses, reminding you of both the anatomical aspect and the sound of 'dòu' as you visualize this.

Usage Notes

Be cautious not to confuse 窦 with similar-sounding characters. It is typically used in formal contexts, particularly in medical or anatomical discussions. Common collocations include 窦道 (dòudào, sinus passage) and 窦腔 (dòuqiāng, sinus cavity).

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, 窦 can connect with other anatomical terms at higher levels. Students should focus on recognizing the radicals and their meanings to better understand complex terms in medical contexts.

Cultural Note

The surname 窦 (Dou) is associated with historical figures, notably in literature and the examination system of ancient China. It reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in Chinese culture.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 窦 with similar characters such as 洞 (dòng, cave) due to their visual similarities. Remember that 窦 specifically refers to cavities or sinuses, while 洞 refers to a hole or cave.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 窦

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 窦 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Etymology of 窦

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

To buy someone off 卖; a nose-hole 穴

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 窦?

Decomposition of 窦

IDS Structure⿱穴卖
窦Full Character
=
穴xue2
top
卖mai4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 窦?

Write 窦

窦

Practice writing 窦 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 窦

窦 carries 5 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.

Exercise 1 of 3

Complete the Sentence

可用电除颤使恢复____性 节律 .

Reversion to sinus rhythm , by means of electrical countershock , is indicated.

Example Sentences for 窦 (2)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
可用电除颤使恢复窦性 节律 .

kě yòng diàn chú chàn shǐ huī fù dòu xìng jié.

Reversion to sinus rhythm , by means of electrical countershock , is indicated.
2
这批心存疑窦的科学家写成的报告,读来倒像是小说而不像是事实.

zhè pī xīn cún yí dòu de kē xué jiā xiě chéng de bào gào, , dú lái dǎo xiàng shì xiǎo shuō ér bù xiàng shì shì.

These skeptical scientists wrote reports that sounded more like fiction than fact.

Cultural Notes for 窦

🏮Cultural insight

The surname 窦 (Dou) is associated with historical figures, notably in literature and the examination system of ancient China. It reflects the importance of lineage and heritage in Chinese culture.

Word Family of 窦

Words Containing This Character12
窦dòuhole竇
鼻窦炎sinusitis鼻竇炎
鼻窦paranasal sinus鼻竇
疑窦suspicions疑竇
情窦初开first awakening of love (usually of a girl) (idiom)情竇初開
利玛窦Matteo Ricci (1552-1610), Jesuit missionary and translator in Ming China利瑪竇
额窦frontal sinus額竇
情窦(lit.) love aperture情竇
狗窦dog hole狗竇
鼻旁窦paranasal sinus鼻旁竇
乳突窦mastoid antrum (bones at the back of tympanic chamber)乳突竇
狗窦大开dog hole wide open (idiom); fig. gap caused by missing teeth (used mockingly)狗竇大開
Exercise 1 of 4

Compound Meaning

What does 窦 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 窦

In a medical context, 窦 refers to sinuses or cavities in the body, often related to respiratory or anatomical discussions.