Comparing "dai" and "dai"

带 (dài) and 戴 (dài) are both verbs that can be confused in written Chinese because both are pronounced “dài” (fourth tone). While both can be used in informal/formal situations, their meanings are very different as 带 means "to bring" or "to carry," whereas 戴 means "to wear" (an accessory).











B1HSK4ASV4567
带 (dài) 戴 (dài)
Meaning to bring, to take, to carry along to wear (an accessory)
Part of Speech verb verb
Formality informal flexible

Use 带 for "to bring" or "to carry"

Common Phrases

In the following examples only 带 can be used.

  • méi dàinot carry
  • dài qiánto carry money
  • 手机dài shǒujīto carry mobile phone
  • 词典dài cídiǎnto bring dictionary

Example Sentences

  • 我 现在 出去 很 少 现金。Wǒ xiànzài chūqù hěn shǎo dài xiànjīn.I rarely take cash with me when I go out now.
  • 昨天 他 他 的 女朋友 来 参加 聚会。Zuótiān tā méi dài tā de nǚpéngyou lái cānjiā jùhuì.Yesterday he didn't bring his girlfriend to the party.
  • 上个 星期五 我 出 门 时 忘 了 手机。Shànggè xīngqīwǔ wǒ chū mén shí wàng dài le shǒujī.I forgot my mobile phone when I went out last Friday.
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Use 戴 to say "to wear" (accessories)

Common Phrases

  • 眼镜 dài yǎnjìng to wear glasses
  • 手套 dài shǒutào to wear gloves
  • 帽子 dài màozi to wear a hat
  • 手表 dài shǒubiǎo to wear a watch
  • 口罩 dài kǒuzhào to wear a mask
  • 戒指 dài jièzhi to wear a ring
  • 项链 dài xiàngliàn to wear a necklace
  • 领带 dài lǐngdài to wear a tie
  • 耳机 dài ěrjī to wear headphones
  • 耳环 dài ěrhuán to wear earrings
  • 围巾dài wéijīn to wear a scarf

Example Sentences

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For examples of 穿 (chuān), the other verb meaning "to wear," see this comparison of 穿 and 戴.

Sources and further reading

Websites