朵

• Pinyin: duǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 朵 = 几 (table/几 component) + 木 (wood/tree)

Meaning

Measure word for flowers, clouds, and similar clustered or blossoming objects.

A classifier specifically used for flowers, clouds, mushrooms, and things that have a blooming or clustered shape. Cannot be used for general counting — only for items with this specific visual quality.

Examples

1. 她买了一朵红玫瑰送给妈妈。 She bought a red rose to give to her mom.
2. 天上飘着几朵白云，看起来像棉花糖。 A few white clouds are floating in the sky, looking like cotton candy.
3. 这朵花开得真漂亮，你闻闻香不香。 This flower bloomed so beautifully — smell it and see if it's fragrant.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, everyday

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 送你一朵花。(Here's a flower for you.)
• 那朵云像一只小狗。(That cloud looks like a puppy.)

Don't Say

• 一朵树 (Don't use 朵 for trees — use 棵 instead; 朵 is only for flowers and similar clustered items)

Origin & History

Originally depicted a flower or blossom shape, naturally becoming the measure word for flowers and similar clustered forms.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal