Usage of 戴
The character 戴 (dài) primarily means "to wear" or "to put on" accessories or items that are worn on the head, face, or hands, such as hats, glasses, gloves, or jewelry. It is commonly used in everyday conversation when talking about wearing items for protection, fashion, or function.
Common Collocations
- 戴帽子 (dài màozi): to wear a hat
- 戴眼镜 (dài yǎnjìng): to wear glasses
- 戴手套 (dài shǒutào): to wear gloves
- 戴安全帽 (dài ānquánmào): to wear a safety helmet
These collocations are very frequent and useful for learners to describe what someone is wearing.
Notes
戴 is different from 穿 (chuān), which is used for clothing like shirts, pants, and shoes. 戴 is specifically for accessories or items worn on the head, face, or hands. Avoid confusing these two verbs.
The character can also be a surname, but this use is less common in daily conversation and more relevant in names or formal contexts.