Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
多duō(duo1)
The character 多 (duō) means 'many' or 'much' and is used to express a large quantity or frequency of something. It can also indicate an excess or a comparative degree, as in 'more than'. Common in both spoken and written Chinese, it is versatile in various contexts, such as discussing amounts, preferences, or comparisons.
Strokes6Radical夕Frequency#80DifficultyEasy
Cultural note
In Chinese culture, the concept of abundance is often celebrated, particularly in festivals and gatherings where food and guests are plentiful, reflecting hospitality and generosity. The character 多 embodies this value of sharing and enjoying abundance.
Memory tip
Imagine a large crowd (多) of people at a festival, all shouting 'duō!' to express how many there are. The character resembles the figure of many people gathered together, symbolizing abundance and multitude.
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 多
Quick Contrast
多 (duō) vs 许多 (xǔduō): 许多 emphasizes a large quantity more informally, while 多 can indicate a comparative degree. 多 (duō) vs 很多 (hěnduō): 很多 is used for a large amount but is less formal than 多.
Usage Notes
When using 多, be mindful of its tone, as it can change meaning if pronounced incorrectly. It is often used with measure words, such as 多大 (duō dà, how big) or 多久 (duō jiǔ, how long). Avoid confusing it with fewer or lesser quantities, as this character specifically connotes abundance.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 1 word, 多 is foundational for beginners, connecting to words like 少 (shǎo, few/little) and 很 (hěn, very). Focus on practicing its use in simple sentences to express quantity or frequency, which will aid in building basic conversational skills.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mispronounce 多, especially in contexts where it means 'how' (多大) and mistakenly say 'duó' instead of 'duō'. Additionally, some may confuse 多 with 少, leading to incorrect statements about quantities, such as saying '我有多书' instead of '我有很多书' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō shū).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 多
Premium — Locked
Tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 多, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 多 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.
How well do you know 多?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 多 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 多 (duō) means 'many' or 'much' and is used to express a large quantity or frequency of something. It can also indicate an excess or a comparative degree, as in 'more than'. Common in both spoken and written Chinese, it is versatile in various contexts, such as discussing amounts, preferences, or comparisons.
When to use 多
When using 多, be mindful of its tone, as it can change meaning if pronounced incorrectly. It is often used with measure words, such as 多大 (duō dà, how big) or 多久 (duō jiǔ, how long). Avoid confusing it with fewer or lesser quantities, as this character specifically connotes abundance.
多 or something close to it
多 (duō) vs 许多 (xǔduō): 许多 emphasizes a large quantity more informally, while 多 can indicate a comparative degree. 多 (duō) vs 很多 (hěnduō): 很多 is used for a large amount but is less formal than 多.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mispronounce 多, especially in contexts where it means 'how' (多大) and mistakenly say 'duó' instead of 'duō'. Additionally, some may confuse 多 with 少, leading to incorrect statements about quantities, such as saying '我有多书' instead of '我有很多书' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō shū).
Write 多
多
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 多 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar patterns of 多
多 functions as a number. It almost always combines with a measure word before a noun (三个人, 五本书). Standalone numbers are rare outside of math or counting. It carries 12 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.
