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豆 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
豆
dòu
beans, peas; bean-shaped
n, 7 strokes, radical 豆, rank #4660, Hard
豆
dòu
pea
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 豆, rank #4660, Hard
豆
dòu
sacrificial vessel
unknown, 7 strokes, radical 豆, rank #4660, Hard
dòu(dou4)dou T4
1beans, peas; bean-shaped
2pea
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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
Play it, then pick what 豆 means.
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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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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Practice writing 豆 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
我喜欢在沙拉里加____。
I like to add beans to the salad.
Common confusions with 豆
豆vs斗
dòu
Similar shape and pronunciation but different meanings.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “beans, peas; bean-shaped”?
or
Example sentences for 豆 (16)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
nbeans, peas; bean-shaped4
1
我喜欢在沙拉里加豆。
Wǒ xǐhuan zài shālā lǐ jiā dòu.
I like to add beans to the salad.
2
这些豆很新鲜。
Zhèxiē dòu hěn xīnxiān.
These beans are very fresh.
3
豆汤很好喝。
Dòu tāng hěn hǎo hē.
Bean soup is very delicious.
4
他买了一些绿豆。
Tā mǎi le yīxiē lǜdòu.
He bought some mung beans.
unknownpea12
5
鹰嘴豆有独特可口的坚果风味。
yīng zuǐ dòu yǒu dútè kěkǒu de jiānguǒ fēngwèi。
Chick peas have a distinctive, delicious and nutty flavour.
