Structure Analysis: 象形字，像古代高脚食器。本义指盛食物的器皿（如"豆器"），现指豆类植物（如"大豆"）(Pictogram: Depicts ancient food vessel. Originally meant "container", now means "legume".)
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Dòu (Fourth tone)
3. Meaning
Bean; legume; soybean; pea; bean-like vegetable; ancient food vessel.
4. Common Words
豆腐 (dòu fu) Tofu
豆浆 (dòu jiāng) Soy milk
豆芽 (dòu yá) Bean sprout
绿豆 (lǜ dòu) Mung bean
5. Grammar & Usage
The character 豆 (dòu) is primarily used as a noun, and can be combined with other characters to form compound words:
As a noun: Refers to beans or legumes. Example: 豆子 (dòu zi) - beans
In compound words: Often combined with other characters to specify types of beans or bean products. Example: 黄豆 (huáng dòu) - soybean
In idiomatic expressions: 豆蔻年华 (dòu kòu nián huá) - teenage years (prime of youth)
As a measure word: For some small round objects. Example: 一颗红豆 (yī kē hóng dòu) - a red bean
6. Cultural Background
Beans have significant cultural importance in China:
Soybeans (大豆) have been cultivated in China for over 5,000 years and are a staple in Chinese cuisine.
Tofu (豆腐), invented in China around 2,000 years ago, is one of the most important soybean products in Chinese cooking.
Red beans (红豆) are often associated with love and romance in Chinese culture, used in traditional desserts for festivals like Valentine's Day.
The phrase "豆蔻年华" (prime of youth) comes from ancient poetry, referring to the blooming period of the cardamom flower, symbolizing youth and beauty.
In Chinese medicine, various beans are used for their health benefits, such as mung beans (绿豆) for cooling the body.
7. Example Sentence
Soy milk is a healthy breakfast choice. 豆浆是健康的早餐选择。
Bean sprouts add crunch to salads. 豆芽让沙拉更爽脆。
8. Memory Tips
Shape resembles ancient food vessel holding beans. 形状像盛放豆子的古代食器。