Learn a Chinese Character

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木/mù (wood), 巨/jù (huge)

Stroke Count: 8 strokes

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: Guì (Fourth tone)

3. Meaning

Basic Meaning: Cabinet; cupboard; wardrobe

Extended Meaning: A piece of furniture with doors and shelves for storage

Additional Meaning: Used metaphorically to refer to something that contains or holds items

4. Common Words

柜子 (guì zi) - Cabinet; cupboard

这个柜子可以用来放衣服。(Zhè ge guì zi kě yǐ yòng lái fàng yī fu.)

This cabinet can be used to store clothes.
衣柜 (yī guì) - Wardrobe; clothes closet

我的衣柜里有很多衣服。(Wǒ de yī guì lǐ yǒu hěn duō yī fu.)

There are many clothes in my wardrobe.
书柜 (shū guì) - Bookcase; bookshelf

书柜上摆满了书。(Shū guì shàng bǎi mǎn le shū.)

The bookshelf is filled with books.
柜台 (guì tái) - Counter; desk

请到柜台办理手续。(Qǐng dào guì tái bàn lǐ shǒu xù.)

Please go to the counter to complete the procedures.
保险柜 (bǎo xiǎn guì) - Safe

重要文件放在保险柜里。(Zhòng yào wén jiàn fàng zài bǎo xiǎn guì lǐ.)

Important documents are kept in the safe.

5. Grammar & Usage

Part of Speech: Mainly used as a noun

Usage Patterns:

As a standalone noun (less common): 柜 (cabinet)
In compound words (more common): 柜子 (cabinet), 衣柜 (wardrobe)
Often used with classifiers: 一个柜 (a cabinet), 两个柜 (two cabinets)

Collocations:

木柜 (wooden cabinet)
铁柜 (iron cabinet)
抽屉柜 (chest of drawers)

6. Cultural Background

In Chinese culture, cabinets and storage furniture have played an important role in daily life for centuries. Traditional Chinese furniture, including various types of cabinets, is known for its exquisite craftsmanship, durability, and symbolic meaning.

Many traditional Chinese cabinets feature intricate carvings and are made from precious woods like mahogany or rosewood. These cabinets were not only functional but also served as status symbols, often passed down through generations.

In modern Chinese homes, both traditional and contemporary styles of cabinets are popular. The character 柜 (guì) remains an essential part of vocabulary related to furniture and storage solutions.

7. Example Sentence

Example 1:

我需要买一个新柜子。(Wǒ xū yào mǎi yí ge xīn guì zi.)

I need to buy a new cabinet.

Example 2:

请把这些书放在书柜上。(Qǐng bǎ zhè xiē shū fàng zài shū guì shàng.)

Please put these books on the bookshelf.

Example 3:

她打开衣柜，拿出一件外套。(Tā dǎ kāi yī guì, ná chū yí jiàn wài tào.)

She opened the wardrobe and took out a coat.)

8. Memory Tips

Tip 1: Break down the character. 柜 (guì) consists of 木 (mù, wood) and 巨 (jù, huge), which makes sense as cabinets are often made of wood and are large pieces of furniture.

Tip 2: Associate it with common words. Learn words like 柜子 (cabinet), 衣柜 (wardrobe), and 书柜 (bookcase) to reinforce your memory of the character.

Tip 3: Use visual association. Imagine a large (巨) wooden (木) cabinet to help you remember the meaning.

Tip 4: Practice writing the character. Pay attention to the stroke order, especially the combination of 木 and 巨.

Tip 5: Label items in your home. Write the character 柜 on sticky notes and attach them to cabinets, wardrobes, and bookshelves to practice recognition.