HSK 7, a, 9 strokes, radical 阝, rank #24222, Very Hard
陡
dǒu
precipitous
HSK 7, a, 9 strokes, radical 阝, rank #24222, Very Hard
陡
dǒu
abrubtly
HSK 7, a, 9 strokes, radical 阝, rank #24222, Very Hard
陡
dǒu
suddenly
HSK 7, a, 9 strokes, radical 阝, rank #24222, Very Hard
陡
dǒu
unexpectedly
HSK 7, a, 9 strokes, radical 阝, rank #24222, Very Hard
陡
dǒu
steep, sloping; sudden, abrupt
HSK 7, a, 9 strokes, radical 阝, rank #24222, Very Hard
dǒu(dou3) T3
1steep
2precipitous
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March 24, 2026
陡dǒu(dou3)
The character 陡 (dǒu) refers to something that is steep or precipitous. It is commonly used to describe slopes, hills, or inclines that rise sharply, and it can also convey the notion of suddenness or abruptness in actions or events.
Strokes9Radical阝Frequency#24222DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of steepness can also relate to the geography of famous mountains such as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), where steep paths and sudden changes in elevation are common and often celebrated in poetry and art.
Memory Tip
Imagine a steep cliff that suddenly drops off – this is 陡. The radical '阜' (which means 'mound' or 'hill') helps you remember that it relates to elevation or steepness, while the '斗' component can remind you of a sudden fight (斗) that might happen at the edge of a steep cliff. Think of 'dǒu' as 'doe' in 'doe, a deer, a female deer' that suddenly leaps off a steep hill.
Meanings of 陡
dǒu(dou3)
1steep
2precipitous
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 陡
陡Simplified
9Strokes
阝Radical
形容词xíngróngcíadjective (adj.)Part of Speech
#24222Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 陡
Podcast: 陡
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AI Study Notes for 陡
Quick Contrast
陡 (dǒu) vs 陡峭 (dǒuqiào) — use 陡 for general steepness, while 陡峭 specifically emphasizes a sharp, steep slope.
Usage Notes
Be cautious when using 陡, as it can often be confused with similar terms like 高 (gāo, tall) or 险 (xiǎn, dangerous). It is generally used in a neutral context, but avoid using it in overly formal writing where other terms for 'abrupt' might be more appropriate. Common collocations include 陡坡 (dǒu pō, steep slope) and 陡峭 (dǒu qiào, steep and precipitous).
HSK Study Tips
Although 陡 is not an HSK level word, it is useful for learners who are advancing beyond basic vocabulary. Focus on contextual usage in phrases related to geography or sudden changes, and practice by comparing it to other adjectives describing height or steepness.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 陡 with similar adjectives like 险 (xiǎn, dangerous), leading to phrases like 陡险 (dǒu xiǎn) which are incorrect. Instead, remember to pair 陡 with contextually appropriate nouns like 陡坡 (dǒu pō, steep slope).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 陡
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Phonosemantic compound. 阝 represents the meaning and 走 represents the sound.
1The meaning half阝 carries the sense.
2The sound half走 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawayhill
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 陡? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 陡?
Decomposition of 陡
IDS Structure⿰阝走
陡Full Character
=
阝yi4
left
走zou3
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 陡?
How to say steep in Chinese
“steep” in Chinese is陡dǒu
The character 陡 (dǒu) refers to something that is steep or precipitous. It is commonly used to describe slopes, hills, or inclines that rise sharply, and it can also convey the notion of suddenness or abruptness in actions or events.
When to use 陡
Be cautious when using 陡, as it can often be confused with similar terms like 高 (gāo, tall) or 险 (xiǎn, dangerous). It is generally used in a neutral context, but avoid using it in overly formal writing where other terms for 'abrupt' might be more appropriate. Common collocations include 陡坡 (dǒu pō, steep slope) and 陡峭 (dǒu qiào, steep and precipitous).
陡 or something close to it
陡 (dǒu) vs 陡峭 (dǒuqiào) — use 陡 for general steepness, while 陡峭 specifically emphasizes a sharp, steep slope.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 陡 with similar adjectives like 险 (xiǎn, dangerous), leading to phrases like 陡险 (dǒu xiǎn) which are incorrect. Instead, remember to pair 陡 with contextually appropriate nouns like 陡坡 (dǒu pō, steep slope).
Write 陡
陡
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Practice writing 陡 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 陡
陡 functions as an adjective. In Chinese it behaves like a stative verb: place it directly after the subject without 是 (我很高，not 我是高). Use 不 to negate (不高) and pair it with 很 in plain affirmative sentences. It carries 6 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.
