dau3竇窦
Jyutpingdau3
Yaledau
Definition
The Chinese surname Dou.
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How it's used
This surname is relatively rare in Hong Kong compared to common ones like 陳 or 黃. It is often associated with the historical figure 竇娥, known for her tragic story in Chinese literature. When used as a surname, it is always read with the tone for a name, distinct from its other common meaning of a den or lair.
Examples
Mr. Dou did not go to work today.
Related words
Common mistake
Beginners often confuse the surname 竇 with the noun 竇, which means a den, nest, or hideout. Ensure you do not use it to refer to a place unless you are using the slang sense of a hangout spot.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
