How to Write 枓 (dǒu) — Meaning “square block (in architecture)”

Imagine a wooden square block (木) shaped like a measuring dipper (斗) used in architecture. You can think: "Wood (木) plus a dipper (斗) makes a block that supports beams like a tiny platform." This visual link connects the character to its function in Dougong bracketing.

Write the left radical 木 with the vertical stroke slightly longer and the right stroke becoming a dot (捺 becomes point). The right part 斗 should be narrower, with its horizontal stroke aligned with the middle of 木. Common mistake: making 斗 too wide or forgetting the dot on 木.

枓 (dǒu) means a square architectural block, while 朱 (zhū) means red or vermilion (no wood radical) and 朴 (pǔ) means simple or unadorned wood. Visually, 枓 has 斗 on the right, 朱 has a different structure (木 with a horizontal line), and 朴 has 卜 on the right. Their meanings and pronunciations are totally different.

枓 appears mainly in architectural terms like 枓栱 (dǒu gǒng), the iconic Dougong bracket sets used in ancient Chinese buildings. It is not common in daily speech but is essential for describing traditional timber structures. Cultural note: Dougong is a key feature of Chinese architectural heritage, allowing eaves to extend without nails.

Common words containing 枓 include: 枓栱 (dǒu gǒng) — Dougong (traditional Chinese bracket set); 枓子 (dǒu zi) — square block (architectural component); 枓枅 (dǒu jī) — lintel; architrave.