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March 24, 2026
囱(囪)chuāng(chuang1)
The character 囱 (chuāng) primarily refers to a chimney, which is a structure allowing smoke from a fireplace or furnace to escape outside. In some contexts, it is also considered a variant of 窗 (chuāng), which means window. This character is not commonly used in modern Mandarin, so learners might encounter it more frequently in historical texts or regional dialects.
Strokes7Radical囗
Cultural Note
Chimneys are less common in modern Chinese architecture compared to Western homes, reflecting different heating practices and home designs. However, traditional Chinese homes, especially in rural areas, may still feature chimneys as part of their design.
Memory Tip
Imagine a chimney (因 it's a variant of 窗) puffing out smoke. The character 囱 looks like a small house with a roof (口) and a chimney (小) on top, symbolizing where smoke escapes. Think of 'chuāng' as the sound of smoke wafting up, escaping through the chimney.
Meanings of 囱
chuāng(chuang1)
primary
1chimney
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 囱
囱Simplified
囪Traditional
7Strokes
囗Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 囱
Podcast: 囱
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AI Study Notes for 囱
Usage Notes
Because 囱 is not frequently used in contemporary language, learners may mistake it for 窗 (window) in conversation and writing. It's important to note the context in which it appears, as using the wrong character can lead to confusion. Both characters share the same pronunciation but differ significantly in meaning.
HSK Study Tips
Although 囱 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it can help learners understand the relationship between characters and their variants. Focusing on the pronunciation 'chuāng' can also aid in recognizing similar-sounding characters at HSK Level 1 and 2.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 囱 with 窗 due to their similar pronunciations and meanings; for example, saying '我把烟放在窗' instead of '我把烟放在囱' when referring to smoke in a chimney. It's crucial to remember that they refer to different structures.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 囱
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Variant form of 囪, which is a pictograph of a window.
1The giveawayA fire 夂 burning and giving off smoke
2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 囱? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 囱?
Decomposition of 囱
IDS Structure⿴囗夂
囱Full Character
=
囗wei2
enclosing
夂zhi3
inner
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 囱?
How to say chimney in Chinese
“chimney” in Chinese is囱chuāng
The character 囱 (chuāng) primarily refers to a chimney, which is a structure allowing smoke from a fireplace or furnace to escape outside. In some contexts, it is also considered a variant of 窗 (chuāng), which means window. This character is not commonly used in modern Mandarin, so learners might encounter it more frequently in historical texts or regional dialects.
When to use 囱
Because 囱 is not frequently used in contemporary language, learners may mistake it for 窗 (window) in conversation and writing. It's important to note the context in which it appears, as using the wrong character can lead to confusion. Both characters share the same pronunciation but differ significantly in meaning.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 囱 with 窗 due to their similar pronunciations and meanings; for example, saying '我把烟放在窗' instead of '我把烟放在囱' when referring to smoke in a chimney. It's crucial to remember that they refer to different structures.
Write 囱
囱
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Practice writing 囱 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 囱
囱 carries one core meaning. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 5
Complete the Sentence
产业结构已由烟____工业转向了高科技产业。
There has been a shift from smokestack industries into high-tech ones.
