Structure Analysis: 形声字，从足（脚部动作），尊声（zūn，表音）。本义指屈膝下坐（如"蹲坐"），现指潜伏状态（如"蹲守"）(Phonetic-semantic character: "足" (foot) + "尊" (phonetic). Originally meant "sit on heels", now means "stay in ambush".)
2. Pronunciation
Pinyin: Dūn (First tone)
3. Meaning
To squat; to crouch; to sit on one's heels; to bend down; to stay in a place; to linger; to wait in ambush; to stake out.
4. Common Words
蹲下 (dūn xià) Squat down
蹲守 (dūn shǒu) Stakeout
蹲点 (dūn diǎn) Field research
蹲坐 (dūn zuò) Sit on heels
5. Grammar & Usage
The character 蹲 (dūn) is primarily used as a verb, describing various positions and actions:
As an intransitive verb: Describing the act of squatting. Example: 他蹲在地上 (tā dūn zài dì shàng) - He squatted on the ground
With directional complements: Indicating movement. Example: 蹲下身子 (dūn xià shēn zi) - Squat down
In compound verbs: Often combined with other characters. Example: 蹲守 (dūn shǒu) - to stake out
Figurative usage: Can mean to stay in a place for a period. Example: 蹲监狱 (dūn jiān yù) - to be in prison
In idiomatic expressions: 蹲苗助长 (dūn miáo zhù zhǎng) - to help seedlings grow by pulling them up (to be overeager)
6. Cultural Background
The character 蹲 (dūn) has cultural significance in Chinese contexts:
Squatting is a common resting posture in traditional Chinese rural areas, especially before chairs became widely used.
Traditional Chinese martial arts incorporate various squatting positions (蹲马步 - dūn mǎ bù) to build strength and stability.
The concept of 蹲点 (dūn diǎn) - staying in a place for field research - became popular during China's rural development campaigns.
In Chinese medicine, certain squatting postures are believed to benefit digestion and overall health.
Chinese folk culture includes stories and sayings about people squatting together to chat, reflecting community bonding.
Modern fitness culture in China has embraced squat exercises (深蹲 - shēn dūn) as an important part of training regimens.