Meanings of 斗
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 斗
Podcast: 斗
Podcast: 斗
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 斗
斗 (dòu) vs 打 (dǎ) — use 斗 when referring to competition or struggle, while 打 typically refers to the action of hitting or striking.
This character can be confused with similar-sounding words, particularly when used in different contexts (e.g., 斗[dòu] meaning to fight vs. 斗[dǒu] as a measure). It is more formal in measurement contexts but can also be used in casual conversations about competition.
斗 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, but learners should recognize it within the context of measurements and fights. Focus on its different meanings and pronunciations, especially in compound words like 北斗星 (Běi dǒu xīng).
Learners often confuse 斗 with 鬥 (dòu) when speaking about fighting. For example, saying '我斗了他' (Wǒ dǒu le tā) mistakenly implies a measurement rather than a fight; the correct form should be '我斗打他' (Wǒ dòu dǎ tā) for fighting.
Pronunciation of 斗
Drill the tone of 斗 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Etymology of 斗
Pictograph of a cup or dipper. In simplified Chinese 斗 is also used to mean "fight, struggle", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 鬥.
A hand holding a measuring dipper
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 斗
Pictograph of a cup or dipper. In simplified Chinese 斗 is also used to mean "fight, struggle", while in traditional Chinese this meaning is written with a separate character 鬥.
- 1The giveawayA hand holding a measuring dipper
- 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 斗? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 斗?
Decomposition of 斗
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 斗?
How to say dry measure for grain equal to ten 升[shēng] or one-tenth of a 石[dàn] in Chinese
“dry measure for grain equal to ten 升[shēng] or one-tenth of a 石[dàn]” in Chinese is斗
The character 斗 (dǒu) has several meanings, including a measure for grain equivalent to ten shēng or one-tenth of a dàn, and it can also refer to the act of fighting or contending. It's commonly used in contexts related to measurement and competition, highlighting both physical and metaphorical struggles.
When to use 斗
This character can be confused with similar-sounding words, particularly when used in different contexts (e.g., 斗[dòu] meaning to fight vs. 斗[dǒu] as a measure). It is more formal in measurement contexts but can also be used in casual conversations about competition.
斗 or something close to it
斗 (dòu) vs 打 (dǎ) — use 斗 when referring to competition or struggle, while 打 typically refers to the action of hitting or striking.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 斗 with 鬥 (dòu) when speaking about fighting. For example, saying '我斗了他' (Wǒ dǒu le tā) mistakenly implies a measurement rather than a fight; the correct form should be '我斗打他' (Wǒ dòu dǎ tā) for fighting.
Write 斗
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 斗 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 斗
斗 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 16 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.
Complete the Sentence
成功的基础是奋____，奋斗的目的是成功，所以，只有不断努力的人才有机会走上成功的道路。
The foundation of success is hard work, and the goal of hard work is success; therefore, only those who strive continuously have the chance to walk the road to success.
Common Confusions with 斗
Similar shape but different meaning.
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "dry measure for grain equal to ten 升[shēng] or one-tenth of a 石[dàn]"?
Example Sentences for 斗 (10)
Reorder the Sentence
I thought that we had a lot of fight in us.
Word Family of 斗
Compound Meaning
What does 科 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 斗
斗 (dǒu) and 陡 (dǒu) are both pronounced the same way but have different meanings. 斗 typically refers to a measurement, a cup-shaped object, or fighting, while 陡 means 'steep' or 'abrupt.' The context in which these characters are used will clarify their meanings.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 斗?
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.