verb HSK 3
to wear (accessories) · to put on (hat, glasses, jewelry) · to support · to respect
Meaning
戴 specifically means to wear items on the head, face, neck, or hands—such as hats, glasses, masks, necklaces, rings, watches, or gloves. It contrasts with 穿 (chuān), which is used for clothing worn on the body. The character originally depicted a person carrying something on their head.
Usage
Native speakers use 戴 exclusively for accessories and items worn above the shoulders or on extremities. Common with 眼镜 (glasses), 帽子 (hat), 手套 (gloves), 项链 (necklace), and 口罩 (mask). Never use it for shirts, pants, or shoes—those require 穿.
Examples
- 01她每天都戴着一副漂亮的耳环。.She wears a beautiful pair of earrings every day.
- 02外面很冷，你应该戴帽子和手套。, .It's very cold outside, you should wear a hat and gloves.
Common collocations
- 戴眼镜to wear glasses
- 戴帽子to wear a hat
- 戴口罩to wear a mask
- 戴手表to wear a watch
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form shows a person with something balanced on top, representing the original meaning of carrying or wearing something on the head.