How to Write 痘 (dòu) — Meaning “pimple; smallpox”

Picture a sick face (疒) with a red bean (豆) stuck on it — that bean is the pimple. This visual connects the illness radical with the bean shape to help you recall the meaning of a pimple or bump.

First write the radical 疒 with its dot, horizontal stroke, then left-falling stroke, followed by two small dots inside. Then add 豆 below, making sure the radical is wide enough to cover the inner part, so the whole character stays balanced and doesn't look crowded.

痘 (pimple/smallpox) has 豆 (bean) inside; 疱 (blister) uses 包 (wrap), suggesting fluid-filled sacs; 疰 (chronic disease) uses 主 (master). In meaning, 痘 refers to raised, often infected bumps like acne, while 疱 is for blisters from burns or friction.

You will see it in 青春痘 (qīng chūn dòu, acne) and 水痘 (shuǐ dòu, chickenpox), both common terms in health discussions. 痘痘 (dòu dòu) is an informal, everyday word for pimples, often used by young people when talking about skin care.

Common words containing 痘 include: 痘痘 (dòu dòu) — pimple; acne; 青春痘 (qīng chūn dòu) — acne; pimples; 水痘 (shuǐ dòu) — Chickenpox.