How to Write 兜 (dōu) — Meaning “pocket / bag / to wrap up”

Imagine a person with two legs (儿) holding a big bag (the top part looks like a sack) with a small dot as the knot. Picture yourself going for a "兜风" (joyride) with a bag full of snacks to help recall the character.

The top part is wide and covers the bottom; write the left stroke first, then the hook-like shape, and finally the dot inside. A common mistake is making the lower 儿 too large—keep it compact so the character stays balanced. Total strokes: 11.

Both share the 儿 radical at the bottom, but 兜 has a complex top resembling a wrapped pouch, while 党 (dǎng) has 尚 on top meaning "still" or "party." Their meanings are completely unrelated: 兜 relates to bags and wrapping, whereas 党 means political party or group.

兜 appears in common words like 兜风 (to go for a drive or stroll) and 裤兜 (trouser pocket). It also appears in 兜售 (to peddle), often used for street vendors. Culturally, 兜风 is a casual, fun activity in China, like enjoying a scenic drive with friends.

Common words containing 兜 include: 兜风 (dōu fēng) — to go for a drive / to go for a spin; 裤兜 (kù dōu) — Trouser pocket; 兜售 (dōu shòu) — to peddle / to hawk.