Overview
The character 丁 (dīng) primarily functions as a Chinese surname. It is a common family name and appears frequently in personal names and formal address.
Additional Meanings
Besides being a surname, 丁 also refers to a T-shaped object or junction, as seen in 丁字路口 (T-junction). It can describe shapes or intersections resembling the character's form.
Usage in Demographics
In historical and demographic contexts, 丁 can denote an adult male or a household unit, often used in census or population statistics (丁口).
Common Collocations
- 丁字路口: T-junction, a common traffic term.
- 姓丁: to have the surname Ding.
- 丁口: adult male population, used in census data.
Notes
When used as a surname, 丁 is always pronounced dīng with a high-level tone. In compound words like 丁字, it retains this pronunciation. Avoid confusing 丁 with similar-sounding characters like 定 (dìng), which means 'to set' or 'to decide.'