dōu

pocket

HSK 6

漢字分解

Meaning and Usage

The character (dōu) primarily refers to a pocket, the small pouch sewn into clothing or bags used to carry items. It is commonly used in everyday speech when talking about clothes or accessories.

Common Collocations

  • (kù dōu): pants pocket
  • (dà dōu): big pocket
  • (dōu lǐ): inside the pocket

These collocations help specify the location or size of the pocket.

Usage Notes

is a noun and is often used in compound words related to clothing. It can also imply a small space for holding things, sometimes metaphorically. It is not used as a verb.

Common Confusions

Do not confuse with (dōu fēng), which means 'to go for a drive' or 'to catch a breeze'—a completely different usage despite sharing the same character.

Summary

Use when referring to pockets in clothing or bags, especially in casual or descriptive contexts. It is a useful word for everyday conversations about clothes and carrying items.

例文

他的裤兜里装满了零钱。

Tā de kù dōu lǐ zhuāng mǎn le língqián.

His pants pockets are full of small change.

妈妈给我买了一件带有大兜的外套。

Māmā gěi wǒ mǎi le yī jiàn dài yǒu dà dōu de wàitào.

Mom bought me a coat with big pockets.

他把钥匙放进了兜里,生怕丢了。

Tā bǎ yàoshi fàng jìn le dōu lǐ, shēngpà diū le.

He put the keys into his pocket, afraid of losing them.