Learn a Chinese Character - 阁

1. Character Basics

Radical: 门 (mén, door/gate, indicates enclosure or building structure)

Stroke Count: 9

Structure Analysis: 上三包围结构 (Upper Three-Sided Enclosure structure) - composed of "门" (mén, door) outside and "各" (gè, each/every) inside. The radical "门" suggests a building structure, while "各" provides the sound component.

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Gé (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Core Meaning: Pavilion; chamber; cabinet; storey

The character "阁" primarily refers to a type of traditional Chinese building with multiple stories, often used for viewing scenery, storing books, or as a living space. It can also refer to certain government bodies or cabinets.

4. Common Words

• 楼阁 (lóu gé) - Tower; pavilion

  Examples: 这座古老的楼阁有很多年的历史。(Zhè zuò gǔlǎo de lóugé yǒu hěn duō nián de lìshǐ. - This ancient pavilion has a long history.)

• 内阁 (nèi gé) - Cabinet (government body)

  Examples: 新内阁已经成立了。(Xīn nèigé yǐjīng chénglìle. - The new cabinet has been formed.)

• 阁下 (gé xià) - Your Excellency (honorific title)

  Examples: 阁下，欢迎来到中国。(Géxià, huānyíng láidào Zhōngguó. - Your Excellency, welcome to China.)

• 阁楼 (gé lóu) - Attic

  Examples: 他们把阁楼改造成了书房。(Tāmen bǎ gélóu gǎizàochéngle shūfáng. - They transformed the attic into a study.)

• 亭台楼阁 (tíng tái lóu gé) - Pavilions, terraces, towers, and halls (general term for traditional Chinese architecture)

  Examples: 这个公园里有很多美丽的亭台楼阁。(Zhè ge gōngyuán lǐ yǒu hěn duō měilì de tíng tái lóu gé. - There are many beautiful pavilions, terraces, towers, and halls in this park.)

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Primarily used as a noun

Usage Patterns:

• Refer to buildings: 这座阁很漂亮。(Zhè zuò gé hěn piàoliang. - This pavilion is very beautiful.)
• Refer to government bodies: 内阁正在开会。(Nèigé zhèngzài kāihuì. - The cabinet is having a meeting.)
• As a honorific title: 阁下请坐。(Géxià qǐng zuò. - Please have a seat, Your Excellency.)

Common Collocations:

• 藏书阁 (cáng shū gé) - Library; book collection pavilion
• 观景阁 (guān jǐng gé) - Viewing pavilion
• 香妃阁 (xiāng fēi gé) - Pavilion of Fragrant Concubine
• 内阁大臣 (nèi gé dà chén) - Cabinet minister
• 阁楼上 (gé lóu shàng) - In the attic

6. Cultural Background

Historical Significance: In ancient China, "阁" was an important type of building in traditional architecture, often built in gardens, palaces, and temples. Famous examples include the "Pavilion of Prince Teng" (滕王阁) and the "Yellow Crane Tower" (黄鹤楼), which are celebrated in Chinese literature.

Cultural Symbolism: Pavilions (阁) in Chinese culture symbolize elegance, literary talent, and a connection with nature. Many poets and scholars would gather in pavilions to compose poetry, appreciate scenery, and discuss philosophy.

Modern Usage: Today, "阁" is still used in the names of traditional buildings and government bodies. It also appears in idioms and proverbs, preserving its cultural significance.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

Component Analysis: Break down the character into "门" (mén, door) and "各" (gè, each). Imagine a building with a door where different people (各) gather - this connects to the meaning of pavilion or cabinet.

Visual Association: The radical "门" at the top resembles a roof or an enclosure, which fits with the concept of a building structure like a pavilion.

Vocabulary Family: Learn related words together: 阁 (pavilion), 楼阁 (tower), 内阁 (cabinet), 阁下 (Your Excellency), 阁楼 (attic). This reinforces the character's meaning and usage.

Memory Phrase: Create a memorable phrase: "门里各有一个阁" (Mén lǐ gè yǒu yī gè gé. - Inside the door, each has a pavilion). This helps associate the components with the meaning.