verb / noun HSK 4
to fight · to struggle · to contend · dipper (constellation)
Meaning
斗 means to fight or struggle against someone or something. It can refer to physical fights, verbal arguments, or metaphorical struggles like fighting injustice or competing. As a noun, it also refers to the Big Dipper constellation and was historically a unit of dry measure.
Usage
斗 is commonly used in compounds like 战斗 (to fight/battle) and 斗争 (struggle). In modern speech, it often appears in phrases about competition or conflict. The pronunciation changes to 'dǒu' when referring to the measuring container, but 'dòu' is standard for fighting/struggling.
Examples
- 01我们要跟困难斗争到底。.We must struggle against difficulties to the very end.
- 02两只公鸡在院子里斗起来了。.Two roosters started fighting in the courtyard.
Common collocations
- 斗争到底to fight to the end
- 勾心斗角to plot and scheme against each other
- 战斗力fighting strength, combat effectiveness
- 斗智斗勇to battle wits and courage
Antonyms
Origin
The character originally depicted two hands grappling with each other, representing conflict or struggle. The ancient form shows the pictographic nature of combat.