Meanings of 頓
By ear
Play it, then pick what 頓 means.
About 頓
Podcast: 頓
Podcast: 頓
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 頓
停 (tíng) - use 頓 (dùn) when emphasizing a brief pause leading to a change, while 停 (tíng) simply indicates stopping without the nuance of subsequent action.
Common mistakes include confusing 頓 with similar-sounding words that imply continued action rather than a pause. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, and is often found in phrases like 頓時 (dùnshí, meaning 'at that moment'). Pay attention to the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
Although 頓 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, its components are useful for understanding advanced characters. Learners should focus on how this word relates to words about pauses or arrangements, like 停 (tíng, to stop) or 排 (pái, to arrange).
Learners often mistakenly use 頓 in contexts where continuous action is needed, such as saying '我頓去商店' (Wǒ dùn qù shāngdiàn) instead of '我去商店' (Wǒ qù shāngdiàn, meaning 'I go to the store'). Remember, 頓 implies a pause.
Pronunciation of 頓
Drill the tone of 頓 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 頓 to You
Let me explain 頓 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 頓 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 頓?
Learning Lab
Knowing 頓 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.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Etymology of 頓
Phonosemantic compound. 页 represents the meaning and 屯 represents the sound. Simplified form of 頓.
head
Origin
頓 = 頁 + 屯. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 頓
Parts
Which of these is part of 頓?
How to say to pause; to bow; to arrange in Chinese
“to pause; to bow; to arrange” in Chinese is頓
The character 頓 (dùn) generally means to pause or to stop briefly. It can also refer to arranging or adjusting something, often used in contexts where a significant change or adjustment is made. It carries a nuance of a momentary halt that leads to a shift in action or thought.
When to use 頓
Common mistakes include confusing 頓 with similar-sounding words that imply continued action rather than a pause. It is used in both formal and informal contexts, and is often found in phrases like 頓時 (dùnshí, meaning 'at that moment'). Pay attention to the correct tone, as mispronouncing it can change the meaning entirely.
頓 or something close to it
停 (tíng) - use 頓 (dùn) when emphasizing a brief pause leading to a change, while 停 (tíng) simply indicates stopping without the nuance of subsequent action.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 頓 in contexts where continuous action is needed, such as saying '我頓去商店' (Wǒ dùn qù shāngdiàn) instead of '我去商店' (Wǒ qù shāngdiàn, meaning 'I go to the store'). Remember, 頓 implies a pause.
Write 頓
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 頓 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 頓?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Word Family of 頓
Characters with 頓
What does 顿 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 頓
You can use 頓 in a sentence like '我頓了一下，然後繼續說話' (Wǒ dùnle yīxià, ránhòu jìxù shuōhuà), meaning 'I paused for a moment, then continued speaking.'
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 頓?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.