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March 24, 2026
豆(荳)dòu(dou4)
The character 豆 (dòu) primarily refers to beans, peas, or any leguminous plants. It is commonly used in culinary contexts, often associated with food items such as soybeans and mung beans, and can also denote objects that are bean-shaped. Additionally, it has historical significance as it refers to sacrificial vessels used in ancient Chinese rituals.
Strokes7Radical豆Frequency#4660DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, beans are an important staple food and represent prosperity and health. Dishes like 豆腐 (tofu) are integral to both traditional and modern diets, symbolizing nourishment and balance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a giant bean (豆) rolling down a hill, splashing into a soup pot. The character resembles a bean shape, with the top resembling the rounded part of a bean. By visualizing a pot filled with beans, you can remember both the pronunciation 'dòu' and its meaning.
Meanings of 豆
dòu(dou4)
1beans, peas; bean-shaped
2pea
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 豆
豆Simplified
荳Traditional
7Strokes
豆Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4660Frequency Rank
Podcast: 豆
Podcast: 豆
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AI Study Notes for 豆
Quick Contrast
豆 (dòu) vs 豆类 (dòu lèi) — use 豆 for specific types of beans, while 豆类 refers to the broader category of beans.
Usage Notes
Be cautious of the tone when using this character; it is pronounced with a falling tone (dòu). Common collocations include 豆腐 (dòufu, tofu) and 豆浆 (dòujiāng, soy milk). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, especially in casual conversations.
HSK Study Tips
While 豆 is not an HSK level word, it connects to common food vocabulary studied in lower HSK levels. Focus on its usage in culinary contexts, and practice combining it with other food-related vocabulary to build a broader lexicon.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 豆 with similar characters like 斗 (dǒu, to fight), leading to incorrect meanings in sentences. For example, using '斗' when referring to food items instead of '豆' can cause misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 豆
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How Well Do You Know 豆?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 豆 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 豆 (dòu) primarily refers to beans, peas, or any leguminous plants. It is commonly used in culinary contexts, often associated with food items such as soybeans and mung beans, and can also denote objects that are bean-shaped. Additionally, it has historical significance as it refers to sacrificial vessels used in ancient Chinese rituals.
When to use 豆
Be cautious of the tone when using this character; it is pronounced with a falling tone (dòu). Common collocations include 豆腐 (dòufu, tofu) and 豆浆 (dòujiāng, soy milk). Avoid confusing it with similar-sounding words that have different meanings, especially in casual conversations.
豆 or something close to it
豆 (dòu) vs 豆类 (dòu lèi) — use 豆 for specific types of beans, while 豆类 refers to the broader category of beans.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 豆 with similar characters like 斗 (dǒu, to fight), leading to incorrect meanings in sentences. For example, using '斗' when referring to food items instead of '豆' can cause misunderstandings.
Write 豆
豆
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Grammar Patterns of 豆
豆 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
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
鹰嘴____有独特可口的坚果风味。
Chick peas have a distinctive, delicious and nutty flavour.
Common Confusions with 豆
豆vs斗
dòu
Similar shape and pronunciation but different meanings.
