都 Stroke Order — How to Write 都
都 is written in 12 strokes, following the standard Chinese stroke order. Start from the radical 阝, then complete the remaining strokes.
Stroke order matters in Chinese: it keeps the character balanced, and it is how dictionaries and handwriting input methods expect a character to be written.
都 Radical and Character Components
都 is a phono-semantic compound: 阝 (city) carries the meaning, while 者 indicates the sound.
Radical: 阝 + 9 more strokes
都 Pronunciation and Pinyin
- dū
- dōu
Meanings of 都 in Chinese
1
dū都
Refers to a large city, metropolis, or urban center.
上海是一个国际化大都市。
Shanghai is an international metropolis.
The capital city of a region or state, or a place where a capital is established.
这个城市是新王朝的建都之地。
This city is the place where the new dynasty established its capital.
To describe something as beautiful, elegant, or magnificent, often in an aesthetic context.
这座园林景致都丽，令人流连忘返。
The scenery of this garden is beautiful and magnificent, making people linger and forget to return.
All; total; to gather or form a complete set.
这批资料，都汇成了一份综合报告。
This batch of materials altogether formed a comprehensive report.
Refers to occupying a high official or important position, often within a major city or metropolis, implying leadership and significant responsibilities.
他在这个国际都市担任要职，为城市发展贡献良多
He holds an important position in this international metropolis, contributing significantly to urban development.
An ancient term for a chief or leader.
古代，有些部落的头领被称为‘都’。
In ancient times, the leaders of some tribes were referred to as 'dū'.
2
dōu都
all; entirely; without exception
他们都准时到了.
They all arrived on time.
Used to emphasize 'not at all' or 'not even a single bit' when paired with a negative.
我一点都不累。
I'm not tired at all.
Common Words and Phrases with 都
1
The Censorate; a central supervisory and control agency in the Ming and Qing dynasties.
明朝时，都察院负责监督百官，纠察贪腐
During the Ming Dynasty, the Censorate was responsible for overseeing various officials and investigating corruption.
2
capital city
这座古老的都城拥有悠久的历史和灿烂的文化。
This ancient capital city possesses a long history and brilliant culture.
3
Alphonse Daudet, a French novelist, famous for his patriotic short story 'The Last Lesson'.
都德的小说《最后一课》是世界文学史上的经典之作
Daudet's novel "The Last Lesson" is a classic work in world literary history.
4
A historical Chinese title for a high-ranking military official, often serving as a military governor or commander.
这位都督在边疆镇守多年，深得民心。
The military governor had defended the frontier for many years, earning the deep respect of the people.
5
An ancient official title for the highest administrative and military commanding officer in border regions.
唐朝时期，安西都护府在管理西域事务中扮演了重要角色。
During the Tang Dynasty, the Anxi Protectorate played a crucial role in managing affairs in the Western Regions.
6
Metropolis; a large and important city.
许多人选择在都会生活，享受便利的设施和多样的文化活动
Many people choose to live in metropolises, enjoying convenient facilities and diverse cultural activities.
7
Chief Supervising Secretary (都给事中) was an official title during the Ming Dynasty, serving as the head of the Six Offices (六科). Their responsibilities included attending to the emperor, offering remonstrance, conducting inspections, and correcting omissions or deficiencies.
在一次重要的朝会讨论中，都给事中详细阐述了调整地方赋税的利弊，以供君主参考。
During an important court assembly discussion, the Chief Supervising Secretary thoroughly explained the advantages and disadvantages of adjusting local taxes, for the monarch's reference.
8
Dujiangyan is an ancient irrigation system in Sichuan, China, built around 256 BC to divert Minjiang River water for agricultural irrigation.
都江堰是中国古代水利工程的杰出代表，至今仍在发挥重要作用。
Dujiangyan is an outstanding representative of ancient Chinese hydraulic engineering and continues to play an important role today.
9
A metropolis or large city, often referring to a major city of a country.
这座都市的夜景非常迷人。
The night view of this metropolis is very charming.
10
A military examination system in the Han Dynasty.
汉朝时，军中将士常常通过都试来检验武艺和兵法。
During the Han Dynasty, military officers and soldiers often tested their martial arts and military strategies through Dūshì.
11
A historical Chinese military and government office, similar to a Provincial Military Commission, responsible for regional military and political affairs.
这座古城曾经是都司的所在地，可见其在军事上的重要性。
This ancient city once served as the seat of the Du Si, highlighting its significance in military affairs.
12
commander-in-chief of one of the Eight Banners in the Qing Dynasty
这位都统统领着旗下精锐的骑兵部队，负责边境的防卫任务
This Banner Commander led the elite cavalry forces of his banner, responsible for border defense duties.
13
A military officer ranking below a general in ancient China.
都尉奉命巡视边境，确保地方安宁。
The commandant was ordered to patrol the border to ensure local peace.
14
Grand Censor; chief of the Censorate
这位都御使以其公正无私的品格，深受百姓敬仰
This Dū Yùshǐ was deeply respected by the common people for his impartial and selfless character.
15
A thick or large column/pillar.
这座古庙的大殿里，四根都柱支撑着屋顶，显得庄严而宏伟。
In the great hall of this ancient temple, four massive pillars support the roof, appearing solemn and magnificent.
More words with 都
- dì帝dū都imperial capital
- gǔ古dū都old capital
- gù故dū都former capital; ancient capital
- guó国dū都National capital
- jiàn建dū都establish the capital, found the capital
- jiāng江dū都Jiāngdū, another name for Yangzhou.
- jīng京dū都Kyoto, the former capital of Japan.
- jiù旧dū都former capital
- lì丽dū都beautiful and magnificent
- péi陪dū都auxiliary capital, secondary capital
- qiān迁dū都move the capital, relocate the capital
- quán全dōu都all; without exception
- dìng定dū都establish the capital, fix the capital
- chéng成dū都Chengdu
- shǒu首dū都capital
- diàn奠dū都establish the capital, found the capital
- gǔ谷dū都Valley Capital
- liú留dū都secondary capital, reserve capital
- xíng行dū都temporary capital
- liǎng两dōu都the two capitals, both capitals
Idioms with 都
- dōu都bǐ鄙yǒu有zhāng章All places have established rules and order
- qīng清dōu都zǐ紫fǔ府celestial palace of the Heavenly Emperor
- qīng清dōu都zǐ紫wēi微celestial palace of the Heavenly Emperor
- sān三xǐ徙chéng成dōu都virtuous leader draws people, forms city
- tōng通yì邑dà大dōu都thriving accessible metropolises
- cháng长míng鸣dū都wèi尉rooster
- dū都tóu头yì异xìng姓highest honor or supreme appellation
- dū都zhōng中zhǐ纸guì贵a popular literary work
- guò过dū都lì历kuài块traverse cities and cross hills
- hóng鸿dōu都mǎi买dì第bribe officials to gain position
- míng冥mò漠zhī之dōu都netherworld or celestial abode
- qīng清dōu都jiàng绛què阙magnificent heavenly palace of the Celestial Emperor
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Open the tool →Questions about 都
What does 都 mean in Chinese?
都 (dū) means “Refers to a large city” in Chinese.
How do you pronounce 都?
都 has 2 pronunciations: dū, dōu.
How many strokes does 都 have?
都 has 12 strokes.
How do you write 都?
都 is written in 12 strokes, starting from the radical 阝. See the animated stroke order on this page.
What is the radical of 都?
The radical of 都 is 阝, and 都 is a phono-semantic compound.