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码头 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
码头mǎtóudockHSK 6, n, 13 strokes, rank #3101, Hard
码头mǎtóupierHSK 6, n, 13 strokes, rank #3101, Hard
码头mǎtóuwharfHSK 6, n, 13 strokes, rank #3101, Hard
mǎtóu(ma3tou2)ma tou T3
  1. 1dock
  2. 2pier
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March 24, 2026

码头(碼頭)mǎtóu(ma3tou2)

码头 (mǎtóu) refers to a dock, pier, or wharf where ships are loaded and unloaded. It is commonly used in contexts related to transportation, shipping, and maritime activities. This term conveys not only the physical structure but also the bustling activity associated with trade and travel.

Strokes13Frequency#3101DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

码头 has significant cultural relevance in coastal cities like Shanghai, where bustling docks are integral to trade history and economic development. The term reflects the importance of maritime trade in China's history.

Memory Tip

Imagine a large '码' (mǎ) sign at the '头' (tóu) or head of a busy dock where ships come and go. The character 码, which means code or number, can remind you of the organized chaos of shipping logistics at a pier.

Meanings of 码头

mǎtóu(ma3tou2)
1dock
2pier
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 码头

码头Simplified
碼頭Traditional
13Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3101Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRB2

Podcast: 码头

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Podcast: 码头

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AI Study Notes for 码头

Quick Contrast

码头 (mǎtóu) vs 港口 (gǎngkǒu) — use 码头 for specific loading/unloading areas, while 港口 refers to a broader harbor area.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 码头 with related terms like 港口 (gǎngkǒu), which means port and encompasses a broader area. In informal speech, 码头 may refer to informal gathering spots by the water. Ensure to use the correct tone; mispronouncing the tones can lead to confusion.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 码头 connects to other maritime vocabulary. Students should focus on using it in context with phrases related to transportation and logistics. Practicing dialogues around shipping or travel can enhance retention.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 码头 with 陆地 (lùdì), which means land. For example, saying '我在陆地工作' (I work at the dock) is incorrect; it should be '我在码头工作'. Also, mixing up the tones can lead to misunderstandings.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 码头

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Component Characters

码mǎweight
HSK 78 strokes石
View full entry
头tóuhead
HSK 25 strokes大
View full entry

How to say dock in Chinese

“dock” in Chinese is码头mǎtóu

码头 (mǎtóu) refers to a dock, pier, or wharf where ships are loaded and unloaded. It is commonly used in contexts related to transportation, shipping, and maritime activities. This term conveys not only the physical structure but also the bustling activity associated with trade and travel.

When to use 码头

Be careful not to confuse 码头 with related terms like 港口 (gǎngkǒu), which means port and encompasses a broader area. In informal speech, 码头 may refer to informal gathering spots by the water. Ensure to use the correct tone; mispronouncing the tones can lead to confusion.

码头 or something close to it

码头 (mǎtóu) vs 港口 (gǎngkǒu) — use 码头 for specific loading/unloading areas, while 港口 refers to a broader harbor area.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 码头 with 陆地 (lùdì), which means land. For example, saying '我在陆地工作' (I work at the dock) is incorrect; it should be '我在码头工作'. Also, mixing up the tones can lead to misunderstandings.

Write 码头

码
头

Practice writing 码头 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Grammar Patterns of 码头

码头 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.

镇上老____区多年来疏于维护,快要塌陷了.

The town's old quayside is collapsing after years of neglect.

Example Sentences for 码头 (10)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
镇上老码头区多年来疏于维护,快要塌陷了.

zhèn shàng lǎo mǎ tóu qū duō nián lái shū yú wéi hù, , kuài yào tā xiàn.

The town's old quayside is collapsing after years of neglect.
2
一大群人聚集在码头上，为他们送别。

yī dà qún rén jù jí zài mǎ tóu shàng， ， wéi tā mén sòng。

A large group had gathered on the quayside to see them off.
3
女王道码头将会融商店、餐馆以及其他生活便利设施为一体。

nǚ wáng dào mǎ tóu jiāng huì róng shāng diàn、 、 cān guǎn yǐ jí qí tā shēng huó biàn lì shè shī wéi yī。

Queensway Quay will incorporate shops, restaurants and other amenities.
4
他设法从码头上收票人身边溜过去.

tā shè fǎ cóng mǎ tóu shàng shōu piào rén shēn biān liū guò qù.

He tried to slip past the ticket collector at the dock.
5
香蕉在运到码头发往海外之前已经装箱。

xiāng jiāo zài yùn dào mǎ tóu fā wǎng hǎi wài zhī qián yǐ jīng zhuāng xiāng。

Bananas are packed before being transported to the docks for shipment overseas.
6
当大帆船驶进南安普顿码头时，几百只小船聚集在其周围。

dāng dà fān chuán shǐ jìn nán ān pǔ dùn mǎ tóu shí， ， jī bǎi zhī xiǎo chuán jù jí zài qí zhōu。

Hundreds of small boats clustered round the yacht as she sailed into Southampton docks.
7
这艘船横泊在码头旁。

zhè sōu chuán héng bó zài mǎ tóu páng。

The ship was moored broadside to the pier.
8
我们站在突码头上目送他们登船。

wǒ mén zhàn zài tū mǎ tóu shàng mù sòng tā mén dēng chuán。

We stood on the pier and watched as they embarked.
9
码头停泊各式各样的船.

mǎ tóu tíng bó gè shì gè yàng de chuán.

There are all kinds of ships in a quay.
10
我们陪她走到码头,将她安顿到船上.

wǒ mén péi tā zǒu dào mǎ tóu, , jiāng tā ān dùn dào chuán.

We walked her to the wharf and put her aboard the ship.

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Frequently Asked Questions about 码头

码头 specifically refers to a dock or pier, while 港口 refers to a port, which is a larger area that includes multiple docks.

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