顿

• Pinyin: dùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 顿 = 屯 (gather, phonetic) + 页 (head/page radical)

Meaning

A measure word used for meals, scoldings, or beatings — counting events that come in distinct episodes.

Most commonly used with 饭 (meal) as in 一顿饭. Also used for scoldings (骂了一顿) and beatings (打了一顿). Conveys the idea of a complete round or bout of an activity.

Examples

1. 中午我们一起吃了一顿饭。 We had a meal together at noon.
2. 因为考试没考好，他被妈妈骂了一顿。 Because he didn't do well on the exam, his mother scolded him.
3. 昨天朋友请我吃了一顿大餐。 Yesterday a friend treated me to a big meal.

Usage Guide

Context: meals, everyday, family

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我每天吃三顿饭。(I eat three meals a day.)
• 他被老板批评了一顿。(He got a round of criticism from the boss.)

Don't Say

• 一顿水 (Don't use 顿 for drinks or liquids — 顿 is for meals and episodic events, use 杯 or 瓶 for drinks)

Origin & History

Originally meant to pause or stamp the foot; extended to count distinct episodes or bouts of activity, especially meals.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal