Definition
斗 (dòu) is a versatile verb meaning 'to fight, struggle, or compete' — it covers verbal disputes, mental battles, and contests, unlike 战斗 (zhàn dòu) for military combat, 打架 (dǎ jià) for physical scuffles, or 斗争 (dòu zhēng) for abstract/political struggle. It can be used alone or in compounds like 斗智 (duel of wits) and 斗嘴 (bicker).
verb
to fight (physically, verbally, or psychologically)to struggle (against difficulties, adversity)to compete (in wits, games, or contests)
Easily confused
- 都dōusound-alike(adverb) all, both (indicates totality)
- 逗dòusound-alike(verb) to tease playfully; to entice
- 兜dōusound-alike(noun) pocket; small bag (as in clothing or accessories)
- 抖dǒusound-aliketo tremble, to shake (from cold, fear, etc.)
- 陡dǒusound-alikesteep, precipitous
Examples
- 斗。Liǎng guó dàibiǎo zài huìyìshì dòu le yì zhěng tiān.The representatives of the two countries argued all day long in the meeting room.
- 斗。Tāmen juéxīn hé pínkùn dòu dàodǐ.They are determined to struggle against poverty to the very end.
- 斗，斗。Zhè cì bǐsài wǒmen bùjǐn yào dòu jìshù, hái yào dòu xīnlǐ.In this competition, we not only compete in skill but also in psychology.
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