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March 24, 2026
柜(櫃)guì(gui4)
The character '柜' (guì) refers to a cupboard or cabinet, commonly used in contexts related to furniture, storage, and retail environments. It can also indicate a shop counter where transactions take place. This term is crucial for understanding household items and shopping vocabulary in Mandarin.
Strokes8Radical木Frequency#3536DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
'柜' is commonly found in Chinese homes and stores, reflecting the importance of organized storage and display in daily life. The concept of shop counters ('柜台') is integral to traditional markets where goods are displayed and transactions are made.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large cabinet (柜) filled with various compartments (the character visually suggests compartments or sections). To remember its pronunciation 'guì', think of a quirky shopkeeper (who might be named 'Gui') behind the counter (柜) showcasing their wares.
Meanings of 柜
guì(gui4)
primary
1Salix multinervis
2cupboard
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 柜
柜Simplified
櫃Traditional
8Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3536Frequency Rank
Podcast: 柜
Podcast: 柜
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AI Study Notes for 柜
Quick Contrast
柜 (guì, cabinet) vs 橱 (chú, cupboard) — use 柜 for shop counters or transaction contexts, while 橱 typically refers to kitchen storage.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large cabinet (柜) filled with various compartments (the character visually suggests compartments or sections). To remember its pronunciation 'guì', think of a quirky shopkeeper (who might be named 'Gui') behind the counter (柜) showcasing their wares.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse '柜' with similar characters like '橱' (chú), which also means cabinet but refers specifically to kitchen cabinets. This word is generally used in both formal and informal contexts, and common collocations include '书柜' (shū guì - bookshelf) and '衣柜' (yī guì - wardrobe). Pay attention to the tone; 'guì' has a falling tone.
HSK Study Tips
Although '柜' may not be explicitly listed in HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at HSK 3 and above, especially in discussions about home and shopping. Students should focus on related vocabulary like '衣柜' and '书柜' to build their understanding of furniture-related terms.
Cultural Note
'柜' is commonly found in Chinese homes and stores, reflecting the importance of organized storage and display in daily life. The concept of shop counters ('柜台') is integral to traditional markets where goods are displayed and transactions are made.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes write '柜' incorrectly by confusing it with '柜' (the same character) or mixing up pronunciation with '贵' (guì - expensive). Always ensure to use the proper tone and context to avoid these confusions.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 柜
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Grammar Patterns of 柜
柜 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
用你最喜欢的香味熏香你的抽屉和衣____。
Scent your drawers and wardrobe with your favourite aromas.
Common Confusions with 柜
柜vs櫃
guì
Similar meaning but different character form.
Exercise 1 of 1
Spot the Difference
Which character means "Salix multinervis"?
or
Usage Notes for 柜
Common Mistake in WritingCommon Error
Learners often confuse the characters 柜 and 櫃 due to their similar meanings and pronunciations.
1
我需要一个柜子。
I need a cabinet.
Exercise 1 of 1
Fill in the Blank
我需要一个____子。
I need a cabinet.
Example Sentences for 柜 (10)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
用你最喜欢的香味熏香你的抽屉和衣柜。
yòng nǐ zuì xǐ huān de xiāng wèi xūn xiāng nǐ de chōu tì hé yī guì。
Scent your drawers and wardrobe with your favourite aromas.
2
他勉强能看到柜台后面的小个子男人。
tā miǎn qiáng néng kàn dào guì tái hòu miàn de xiǎo gè zǐ nán rén。
He could just about see the little man behind the counter.
3
他走到床头柜的另一边关了灯。
tā zǒu dào chuáng tóu guì de lìng yī biān guān le dēng。
He crossed to the bedside table and put out the light.
4
铺位下方有成排的储物柜可以存放东西。
pū wèi xià fāng yǒu chéng pái de chǔ wù guì kě yǐ cún fàng dōng xī。
Stowage is provided in lined lockers beneath the berths.
There was a little portable television switched on behind the bar.
Cultural Notes for 柜
🏮Cultural insight
'柜' is commonly found in Chinese homes and stores, reflecting the importance of organized storage and display in daily life. The concept of shop counters ('柜台') is integral to traditional markets where goods are displayed and transactions are made.
Word Family of 柜
Words Containing This Character16
柜guìcupboard櫃
柜台guìtáibar櫃檯
柜子guìzicupboard櫃子
专柜zhuānguìsales counter dedicated to a certain kind of product (e.g. alcohol)專櫃
衣柜wardrobe衣櫃
保险柜a safe保險櫃
橱柜cupboard櫥櫃
掌柜shopkeeper掌櫃
翻箱倒柜to overturn trunks and boxes翻箱倒櫃
床头柜bedside cabinet床頭櫃
冰柜freezer冰櫃
货柜container (for shipping)貨櫃
书柜shūguìbookcase書櫃
碗柜cupboard碗櫃
雪柜icebox雪櫃
金柜safe金櫃
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 柜 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 柜
'柜' generally refers to a cupboard or cabinet in general, while '橱' typically denotes kitchen cabinets.
Yes, '柜' can also mean a shop counter where you complete transactions.
'柜' is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
