Learn a Chinese Character - 架

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木/mù radical (wood)

Stroke Count: 9

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: jià

Pronunciation Note: Pronounced with a falling tone (fourth tone).

3. Meaning

frame, shelf, stand, rack, to prop up, to put up, to set up, to fight

4. Common Words

• 书架 (shūjià) - bookshelf, bookcase - A piece of furniture for holding books
• 衣架 (yījià) - clothes hanger, coat rack - A device for hanging clothes
• 打架 (dǎjià) - to fight, to brawl - To engage in physical combat
• 支架 (zhījià) - support, bracket, stand - A structure that supports something
• 框架 (kuàngjià) - frame, framework - The basic structure of something
• 架设 (jiàshè) - to set up, to erect - To build or install something

5. Grammar & Usage

1. As a noun: "架" is commonly used as a noun to refer to various types of frames or supports, such as "书架" (bookshelf) and "衣架" (clothes hanger).

2. As a verb: When used as a verb, it means "to set up" or "to put up", as in "架设桥梁" (build a bridge) or "架起帐篷" (set up a tent).

3. In the phrase "打架": The word "架" is used in the common phrase "打架" (dǎjià) which means "to fight". This is a fixed collocation.

4. As a measure word: In some contexts, "架" can be used as a measure word for certain vehicles or machines, such as "一架飞机" (a plane) or "一架钢琴" (a piano).

6. Cultural Background

The character "架" has practical origins in Chinese culture, reflecting the importance of wooden structures and supports in daily life. Traditional Chinese architecture and furniture making have a long history of using wooden frames and shelves, which is mirrored in the character's composition with the wood radical. Additionally, the concept of "架" extends beyond physical structures to metaphorical frameworks, such as the structure of an argument or a plan.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "架" consists of two parts: the radical "木" (wood) and the component "加" (to add, plus). You can remember it by thinking of adding (加) wooden (木) pieces together to form a frame or shelf. The component "加" also helps with remembering the pronunciation (jià).