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March 24, 2026
竇dòu(dou4)
The character 竇 (dòu) primarily refers to the sinuses in the context of anatomy. It can also mean 'corrupt' or 'to be in a state of moral decay' in certain contexts. Additionally, it is a common Chinese surname, often found in historical references.
Strokes20Radical穴Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
The surname 竇 is associated with historical figures, such as 竇融, a well-known politician and general in the Eastern Han dynasty, which reflects the significance of family lineage in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'dough' (sounds like 'dòu')nut with holes in it, symbolizing the sinuses. The character 竇 has a structure that resembles a 'hole' (the top part) and a 'foundation' (the bottom part), much like how sinuses create spaces within the facial structure.
Meanings of 竇
dòu(dou4)
1sinuses; corrupt; surname
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About 竇
竇Simplified
20Strokes
穴Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 竇
Podcast: 竇
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AI Study Notes for 竇
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'dough' (sounds like 'dòu')nut with holes in it, symbolizing the sinuses. The character 竇 has a structure that resembles a 'hole' (the top part) and a 'foundation' (the bottom part), much like how sinuses create spaces within the facial structure.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 竇 with similar-sounding characters that have different meanings. In written contexts, it is often used in more formal discussions about health or in literary references. Common collocations include 竇腔 (dòu qiāng) for 'sinus cavity'.
HSK Study Tips
While 竇 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your comprehension of texts that discuss health or historical figures. It connects to other anatomical terms in Mandarin, so focus on related vocabulary for better retention.
Cultural Note
The surname 竇 is associated with historical figures, such as 竇融, a well-known politician and general in the Eastern Han dynasty, which reflects the significance of family lineage in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 竇 with 豆 (dòu), which means 'bean'. For example, saying '竇子' (dòu zi) instead of '豆子' (dòu zi) can change the intended meaning from 'sinus' to 'bean'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 竇
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Cultural Notes for 竇
🏮Cultural insight
The surname 竇 is associated with historical figures, such as 竇融, a well-known politician and general in the Eastern Han dynasty, which reflects the significance of family lineage in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 竇
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
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Compound Meaning
What does 窦 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 竇
In everyday conversation, 竇 is not commonly used; instead, it may appear in medical contexts or when discussing specific historical figures.
It is primarily recognized as a surname, but its meanings related to sinuses and corruption can arise in specific contexts.
It is pronounced as 'dòu', with a falling tone; practicing with phrases can help in mastering its pronunciation.
