斗
KanjiJLPT N1
Dipper
Big Dipper, ten sho (vol), sake dipper, dots and cross radical (no. 68)
Mnemonic
Dot and a sweeping handle around a ladle shape — a dipper.
Details
The keyword for 斗 is dipper. This kanji refers to a ladle or dipper used for scooping liquids, and it also represents the Big Dipper constellation in the night sky. Historically, it was used as a unit of volume measurement in East Asia, equivalent to about 18 liters in Japan. The character's shape evokes the image of a long-handled scoop or ladle.
- On'yomi
- と、とう