The kanji 斗 primarily represents a unit of measurement, specifically a container or dipper, and by extension, a measure of capacity. It can also refer to a constellation. The core meaning revolves around a vessel or a defined quantity.

・On-yomi (音読み): 　・ト (to) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): 　・none

⚫︎ 北斗七星 Translation: The Big Dipper (constellation) ⚫︎ 斗酒 Translation: A quantity of sake (a "斗" worth) ⚫︎ 米斗 Translation: A measure of rice (measured in "斗")

The kanji 斗 is a pictograph. It depicts a ladle or a dipper, which was used for measuring dry goods like grain. The shape of the character directly reflects the form of this measuring instrument. Over time, it came to represent both the physical object and the measure of capacity it defined. The evolution of the character has remained relatively consistent throughout history, reflecting its practical and fundamental role in measuring and quantifying.