斗
doù · HSK 7
abbr. for the Big Dipper constellation 北斗星[Bei3 dou3 xing1]
⭐🪣 The DOUble-duty word: a star pattern and a bucket for grain
斗 looks like a ladle shape — fitting, since it names both the Big Dipper (北斗星, a ladle of stars) and an old grain scoop holding ten 升. The DOU sound sits right in 'double,' matching its two meanings.
斗 — pictograph of a ladle/dipper with handle
斗 originally depicted a long-handled ladle or dipper used to scoop grain or wine, and by extension became a unit of dry measure (about 10 liters). The same graph was later borrowed for the unrelated meaning 'to fight,' which in simplified Chinese merged with the traditional character 鬥. Context tells the two senses apart.