Learn a Chinese Character - 廊

1. Character Basics

Radical: 广 (roof radical)

Stroke Count: 11

Stroke Order:

2. Pronunciation

Pinyin: láng (Second tone)

3. Meaning

Corridor; porch; veranda; gallery; covered walkway

4. Common Words

• 走廊 (zǒuláng) - corridor; passageway
• 长廊 (chángláng) - long corridor
• 画廊 (huàláng) - art gallery; picture gallery
• 游廊 (yóuláng) - covered walkway; veranda
• 廊桥 (lángqiáo) - covered bridge
• 走廊 (zǒuláng) - corridor
• 长廊 (chángláng) - long corridor
• 廊腰缦回 (lángyāo mànhuí) - corridors winding like ribbons (describing magnificent architecture)

5. Grammar & Usage

The character "廊" is primarily used as a noun, referring to various types of covered walkways or corridors.

Grammar Patterns:

• 名+廊: 长廊 (long corridor)
• 廊+名: 走廊 (corridor)
• 画廊: 画廊 (art gallery)
• 在句子中作主语: 走廊很长 (The corridor is very long)
• 在句子中作宾语: 我走过走廊 (I walk through the corridor)
• 在句子中作定语: 走廊的灯 (the lights in the corridor)
• 在句子中作状语: 他在走廊里等我 (He is waiting for me in the corridor)
• 与成语搭配: 廊腰缦回 (corridors winding like ribbons, describing magnificent architecture)

6. Cultural Background

The character "廊" has important cultural significance in Chinese architecture, particularly in traditional Chinese gardens and palaces.

In ancient Chinese architecture, covered corridors (廊) were essential elements, connecting different buildings while providing shelter from sun and rain. They were often beautifully decorated with paintings, carvings, and calligraphy.

The most famous example is the Long Corridor in the Summer Palace in Beijing, which is over 700 meters long and features thousands of paintings on its beams and ceilings.

The character's structure, with "广" (roof radical) on the top and "郎" on the bottom, reflects its meaning related to covered structures, while the bottom part provides phonetic information.

In traditional Chinese culture, corridors were not just functional but also symbolic, representing transition and connection between different spaces and experiences.

7. Example Sentence

8. Memory Tips

The character "廊" (láng) consists of two parts:

• The radical "广" (roof radical) on the top, indicating that the meaning is related to buildings or covered structures
• The component "郎" on the bottom, which provides the pronunciation

To remember the character, think of it as "a covered structure (广) for a person (郎) to walk under."

Associate the character with images of traditional Chinese architecture, especially long covered corridors in gardens and palaces.

Learn the idiom "廊腰缦回" (corridors winding like ribbons) to remember both the character and an important Chinese architectural term.

Practice writing the character following the stroke order to help remember its structure and stroke count.