HSK 4, zg, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #3720, Medium
桶
tǒng
(trash) can
HSK 4, zg, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #3720, Medium
桶
tǒng
barrel (of oil etc)
HSK 4, zg, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #3720, Medium
桶
tǒng
bucket, pail, tub; can, cask, keg
HSK 4, zg, 11 strokes, radical 木, rank #3720, Medium
tǒng(tong3)tong T3
1bucket
2(trash) can
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March 24, 2026
桶tǒng(tong3)
The character 桶 (tǒng) refers to a container, typically cylindrical, used for holding liquids or other materials, such as a bucket, barrel, or can. It is commonly used in various contexts, including storage and waste management, and can refer to both large and small containers.
Strokes11Radical木Frequency#3720DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, buckets, especially those made of bamboo or metal, are often used in traditional settings for carrying water or food, reflecting a connection to agrarian lifestyles and communal living.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large wooden barrel (桶) that holds water. The shape of the character 桶 resembles a barrel with a flat top. To remember its pronunciation, think of a 'ton' of water that can fill the barrel.
Meanings of 桶
tǒng(tong3)
1bucket
2(trash) can
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 桶 means.
About 桶
桶Simplified
11Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#3720Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 3.0L4AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 桶
Podcast: 桶
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AI Study Notes for 桶
Quick Contrast
桶 (tǒng) vs 罐 (guàn) — use 桶 for cylindrical containers like barrels, while 罐 typically refers to jars or cans.
Usage Notes
When using 桶 in sentences, be mindful of its measure word, which is '个' (gè) or '只' (zhī) depending on the context. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters like 桶 and 瓶 (bottle), which can lead to incorrect usage in contexts involving liquids.
HSK Study Tips
Though 桶 is not listed in HSK levels, it connects to basic vocabulary related to containers and measurement. Students should focus on using 桶 with its appropriate measure words and in context with other related vocabulary like 箱 (xiāng, box) and 瓶 (píng, bottle).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 桶 with similar characters and use the wrong measure word. For example, saying '一个桶' (yí gè tǒng) is correct, but saying '一桶桶' is incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 桶
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How Well Do You Know 桶?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 桶 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.
桶 = 木 + 甬. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 桶
IDS Structure⿰木甬
桶Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
甬tong3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 桶?
How to say bucket in Chinese
“bucket” in Chinese is桶tǒng
The character 桶 (tǒng) refers to a container, typically cylindrical, used for holding liquids or other materials, such as a bucket, barrel, or can. It is commonly used in various contexts, including storage and waste management, and can refer to both large and small containers.
When to use 桶
When using 桶 in sentences, be mindful of its measure word, which is '个' (gè) or '只' (zhī) depending on the context. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters like 桶 and 瓶 (bottle), which can lead to incorrect usage in contexts involving liquids.
桶 or something close to it
桶 (tǒng) vs 罐 (guàn) — use 桶 for cylindrical containers like barrels, while 罐 typically refers to jars or cans.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 桶 with similar characters and use the wrong measure word. For example, saying '一个桶' (yí gè tǒng) is correct, but saying '一桶桶' is incorrect.
Write 桶
桶
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Practice writing 桶 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 桶
桶 carries 4 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
片刻之后，他们身边出现了一只装着香槟的冰____。
A moment or two later champagne in an ice-bucket materialized beside them.
Common Confusions with 桶
桶vs筒
tǒng
Different meaning but same pronunciation.
Exercise 1 of 1
Which one
Which one means “bucket”?
or
Usage Notes for 桶
Misuse of classifiersCommon Error
When referring to buckets or barrels, ensure to use the correct classifier 个 (gè) or 隻 (zhī) depending on the context.
1
我买了一个桶。
I bought a bucket.
Exercise 1 of 1
Get it right
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
我买了一个____。
I bought a bucket.
Example Sentences for 桶 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
片刻之后，他们身边出现了一只装着香槟的冰桶。
piàn kè zhī hòu， ， tā mén shēn biān chū xiàn le yī zhī zhuāng zháo xiāng bīn de bīng。
A moment or two later champagne in an ice-bucket materialized beside them.
2
几个渔夫坐在木桶上修补渔网。
jī gè yú fū zuò zài mù tǒng shàng xiū bǔ yú wǎng。
Several fishermen sat on wooden barrels, tending their nets.
The bathroom is furnished with 2 toilets, 2 showers, and 2 sinks.
4
如果你非吐不可, 就请吐到备好的痰桶里.
rú guǒ nǐ fēi tǔ bù kě, , jiù qǐng tǔ dào bèi hǎo de tán tǒng.
If you must spit at all, please spit in the bucket provided.
5
请给我打一桶水好 吗 ?
qǐng gěi wǒ dǎ yī tǒng shuǐ hǎo?
Can you fill me a bucket of water, please ?
6
角落里那只未盖盖子的桶散发着臭味。
jiǎo luò lǐ nà zhī wèi gài gài zǐ de tǒng sàn fā zháo chòu wèi。
The uncovered bucket in the corner stank.
7
除非这些问题得到解决，否则该地区会一直是个火药桶。
chú fēi zhè xiē wèn tí dé dào jiě jué， ， fǒu zé gāi dì qū huì yī zhí shì gè huǒ yào。
Unless these questions are solved, the region will remain a powder keg.
8
他突然有一种想扔掉水桶撒腿就跑的冲动。
tā tū rán yǒu yī zhǒng xiǎng rēng diào shuǐ tǒng sā tuǐ jiù pǎo de chōng dòng。
He felt a sudden compulsion to drop the bucket and run.
9
他们在当地的酒吧里喝桶装的苦啤酒。
tā mén zài dāng dì de jiǔ bā lǐ hē tǒng zhuāng de kǔ pí jiǔ。
They drink bitter on draught in the local bar.
10
你会吃得肚子鼓鼓的，像个大酒桶。
nǐ huì chī dé dù zǐ gǔ gǔ de， ， xiàng gè dà jiǔ。
You'll eat so much your belly'll be like a barrel.
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Word Family of 桶
Words Containing This Character8
桶tǒngbucket
马桶mǎtǒngchamber pot馬桶
垃圾桶lājītǒngrubbish bin
水桶bucket
饭桶(fig.) fathead飯桶
木桶cask
抽水马桶flush toilet抽水馬桶
便桶chamber pot
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 桶
What does 马桶 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 桶
Common phrases include '水桶' (shuǐ tǒng), meaning 'water bucket,' and '垃圾桶' (lājītǒng), meaning 'trash can.' Knowing these phrases can enhance your vocabulary and help you communicate effectively.
Yes, 桶 (tǒng) is a common word in Chinese, especially in contexts involving storage and waste management. It appears in everyday conversations and written Chinese, making it useful for learners at the HSK 7 level.
桶 (tǒng) means 'bucket' or 'barrel' in Chinese. It is commonly used to refer to containers for liquids, such as oil or water, as well as trash cans. Understanding this character can help you in everyday situations involving storage or waste disposal.
You can use 桶 (tǒng) in a sentence like '我需要一个桶来装水' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè tǒng lái zhuāng shuǐ), which means 'I need a bucket to hold water.' This demonstrates its use in practical contexts.
桶 refers to any kind of bucket or barrel, while 垃圾桶 specifically means a trash can.
Yes, 桶 can refer to containers for both liquids and solid materials, depending on the context.
The correct pronunciation is 'tǒng', with a rising tone on the 't'.
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