kuàng
Frame, case, square, border

1. Character Basics

Radical: 木 (mù, wood/tree)
Stroke Count: 10
Stroke Order:
木 王 框

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: kuàng
Tone: 4th tone (falling)
Audio: s

3. Meaning

  • Frame, framework
  • Case, box, container
  • Square, rectangular shape
  • Border, enclosure

4. Common Words

框架 kuàng jià Frame, framework, structure
框子 kuàng zi Frame, casing
边框 biān kuàng Border, edge, frame
方框 fāng kuàng Square frame, square box
门框 mén kuàng Door frame
窗框 chuāng kuàng Window frame

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "框" is primarily used as a noun to refer to frames, cases, or square-shaped objects. It is often combined with other characters to form compound words describing various types of frames or enclosures.

As a noun (in compound words):

这个窗户需要换一个新的窗框。(Zhège chuānghu xūyào huàn yīgè xīn de chuāngkuàng.) - This window needs a new window frame.

他在纸上画了一个方框。(Tā zài zhǐ shàng huàle yīgè fāngkuàng.) - He drew a square frame on the paper.

In metaphorical usage:

我们需要先建立一个基本框架,然后再填充细节。(Wǒmen xūyào xiān jiànlì yīgè jīběn kuàngjià, ránhòu zài tiánchōng xìjié.) - We need to establish a basic framework first, then fill in the details.

这个计划还在框架阶段,尚未确定具体内容。(Zhège jìhuà hái zài kuàngjià jiēduàn, shàngwèi quèdìng jùtǐ nèiróng.) - This plan is still in the framework stage, and specific content has not been determined yet.

6. Cultural Background

The character "框" consists of "木" (mù, wood/tree) and "匡" (kuāng, frame/square). Historically, wooden frames have played an important role in Chinese architecture, furniture, and art. Traditional Chinese windows, doors, and furniture often feature intricate wooden frames with decorative carvings.

In Chinese painting, the frame ("画框", huàkuàng) is considered an integral part of the artwork. The choice of frame material, color, and design is carefully considered to complement the painting's style and content.

Metaphorically, the concept of "框架" (kuàngjià, framework) is also important in Chinese thought, representing the fundamental structure or system upon which something is built. This can be seen in various fields such as philosophy, literature, and more recently, in technology and business.

7. Example Sentence

这幅画需要一个漂亮的画框来衬托它的美丽。

Zhè fú huà xūyào yīgè piàoliang de huàkuàng lái chèntuō tā de měilì.

This painting needs a beautiful frame to set off its beauty.

8. Memory Tips

To remember the character "框", look at its structure: it has "木" (mù, wood/tree) on the left and "匡" (kuāng, frame/square) on the right. You can think of it as a wooden frame or enclosure, which connects to its meaning of "frame" or "case".

Another helpful mnemonic is to associate "框" with common objects in daily life like "门框" (ménkuàng, door frame), "窗框" (chuāngkuàng, window frame), or "画框" (huàkuàng, picture frame). Visualizing these objects can help you remember both the meaning and the pronunciation of "框" (kuàng).