tou5 dau1肚兜
Jyutpingtou5 dau1
Yaletóuh dāu
Definition
An ancient Chinese undergarment covering the chest and abdomen, worn by women and children.
colloquialclothingfamily
How it's used
Historically, this garment served as both a practical layer for warmth and a decorative piece often embroidered with auspicious patterns. In modern Hong Kong, the term is almost exclusively used in the context of period dramas, historical discussions, or when referring to traditional clothing for babies. It carries a strong sense of nostalgia or theatricality rather than being a functional item of modern attire.
Measure word
gin2件gínExamples
When I was small, my mother sewed a belly band for me.
Do you think people still wear belly bands nowadays?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with modern underwear or vests. Using it to describe contemporary clothing will sound very strange or archaic, as it specifically refers to the traditional diamond or square shaped cloth tied with strings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
