戴

• Pinyin: dài
• Hanzi breakdown: 戴 = 𢦏 (phonetic component with 土 + 田) + 戈 (weapon/action radical)

Meaning

To wear (accessories); to put on (hat, glasses, watch, etc.). Used for items worn on the head, face, hands, or neck.

Specifically for items that are not full-body clothing: hats, glasses, watches, gloves, scarves, masks, jewellery, and headphones. Distinguished from 穿 which is for clothing you step into or pull on (shirts, trousers, shoes). This distinction is important in Chinese.

Examples

1. 天气冷了，出门记得戴帽子和手套。 The weather is getting cold — remember to wear a hat and gloves when going out.
2. 他每天都戴着一副黑框眼镜。 He wears a pair of black-framed glasses every day.
3. 进入工地必须戴安全帽。 You must wear a safety helmet when entering the construction site.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, fashion

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你戴的这条项链真好看。(The necklace you're wearing is really pretty.)
• 上课不能戴耳机。(You can't wear earphones in class.)

Don't Say

• 说'戴衣服'或'戴裤子' (Don't say 戴 for shirts, trousers, or shoes — use 穿 for body clothing; 戴 is for accessories on head, face, hands, wrist, and neck)

Origin & History

An ancient character with the phonetic component 𢦏 and a radical suggesting carrying on the head. Originally meant to carry something on top of the head, later generalised to wearing accessories.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal