to tease; to play with; to make fun of
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 8 examplesverb
to playfully tease; to amuse; to engage with
informalOften used in a playful, harmless context between adults and children, or with pets. Can also be used for amusing oneself with small things.
Lǎo老
rén人
zài在
dòu逗
sūn孙
zi子
wán玩
。
The old man is playing with his grandson.
Tā她
xǐ喜
huān欢
dòu逗
xiǎo小
māo猫
。
She likes to play with kittens.
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Bié别
lǎo老
zuò坐
zài在
nà那
ér儿
，
chū出
qù去
dòu逗
dou逗
lè乐
zi子
。
Don't just sit there; go out and have some fun.
Tā他
ná拿
zhe着
yī一
gēn根
cǎo草
dòu逗
mǎ蚂
yǐ蚁
。
He's teasing ants with a blade of grass.
verb
to make fun of; to tease (in a potentially annoying way); to prank
informalImplies a slightly more annoying or mischievous intent than the first definition. The action might not be appreciated by the person being '逗'd. Context often determines if it's playful or annoying.
Dòu逗
rén人
kě可
bù不
gāi该
。
Making fun of people is not right.
Bié别
dòu逗
wǒ我
，
wǒ我
zhī知
dào道
nǐ你
zài在
kāi开
wán玩
xiào笑
。
Stop teasing me, I know you're joking.
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Tā他
zǒng总
ài爱
ná拿
wǒ我
de的
kǒu口
yīn音
dòu逗
wǒ我
。
He always likes to tease me about my accent.
Zhè这
zhǒng种
yán严
sù肃
de的
chǎng场
hé合
bié别
dòu逗
tā他
。
Don't mess with him at such a serious occasion.