Chinese word

兜

Pronunciation

Pinyindōu

Meaning

  • nounpocket

Example

这条裤子有两个兜。zhè tiáo kù zi yǒu liǎng gè dōu

These pants have two pockets.

Illustration for 兜 (pocket)

More examples

他把零钱揣在兜里。tā bǎ líng qián chuāi zài dōu lǐ

He tucked his change into his pocket.

Core concept

A small flexible container formed in or attached to clothing, keeping belongings close to the body.

Common phrases

  • 裤兜kù dōu

    trouser pocket

  • 兜里dōu lǐ

    inside the pocket

  • 衣兜yī dōu

    garment pocket

Similar words

口袋kǒu dài: A pocket built into clothing or a bag for storing small items.
袋子dài zi: A standalone pouch or bag for putting things in.
包bāo: A carryable bag or container for holding belongings.

Definition in Chinese

衣物上用来盛放小物件的袋状部分，也可泛指小型的袋子。yī wù shàng yòng lái shèng fàng xiǎo wù jiàn de dài zhuàng bù fèn yě kě fàn zhǐ xiǎo xíng de dài zi

Word origin

Historically, 兜 (dōu, "pocket") named a protective helmet, then developed related uses for things that cover, enclose, or hold, including pouches and garment pockets.

Usage tips

  • Location compounds make this noun useful in conversation: 裤兜 (kùdōu, "trouser pocket") identifies the garment, while 兜里 (dōu lǐ, "in the pocket") marks where something is.

Other meanings

  • drawstring pouchnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word