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March 24, 2026
閣gé(ge2)
The character 閣 (gé) refers to a cabinet, chamber, or pavilion. It is commonly used in contexts involving government or official offices, signifying a place where important decisions are made or where people gather for discussions. The nuance often implies a level of formality and significance in the setting.
Strokes14Radical門Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, pavilions (閣) are often found in gardens and signify tranquility and beauty, reflecting the importance of nature in Chinese culture. They serve as spaces for contemplation and social interaction.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand pavilion where a 'ge'nius gathers to discuss important matters. The character 閣 has a roof (阝) symbolizing shelter, suggesting a place of gathering and protection, combined with the inner structure representing stability and importance.
Meanings of 閣
gé(ge2)
1cabinet, chamber, pavilion
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 閣
閣Simplified
14Strokes
門Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 閣
Podcast: 閣
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AI Study Notes for 閣
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand pavilion where a 'ge'nius gathers to discuss important matters. The character 閣 has a roof (阝) symbolizing shelter, suggesting a place of gathering and protection, combined with the inner structure representing stability and importance.
Usage Notes
This character is typically used in formal contexts, such as government references or official discussions. Common collocations include '內閣' (nèi gé - cabinet) and '閣樓' (gé lóu - attic). Be cautious with tone; it is pronounced with a rising tone (2nd tone) in Mandarin.
HSK Study Tips
Although 閣 is not in the HSK vocabulary list, it relates to other HSK words associated with government and organization, such as '政府' (zhèngfǔ - government). Students should focus on recognizing its usage in formal texts and learning related vocabulary to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, pavilions (閣) are often found in gardens and signify tranquility and beauty, reflecting the importance of nature in Chinese culture. They serve as spaces for contemplation and social interaction.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 閣 with similar-sounding characters, such as 格 (gé - standard) due to the similar pronunciation. It's important to remember that 閣 specifically refers to a physical structure or space, while 格 pertains to standards or formats.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 閣
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Cultural Notes for 閣
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, pavilions (閣) are often found in gardens and signify tranquility and beauty, reflecting the importance of nature in Chinese culture. They serve as spaces for contemplation and social interaction.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
While both cultures have spaces for gathering and decision-making, Western 'cabinets' often refer more to individuals or groups of advisors, whereas 閣 carries a more physical representation as a building or pavilion.
Word Family of 閣
Words Containing This Character20
阁下sire閣下
内阁nèigé(government) cabinet內閣
阁géboudoir閣
阁楼garret閣樓
组阁to form a cabinet組閣
束之高阁tied up in a bundle on a high shelf束之高閣
空中楼阁castles in Spain空中樓閣
楼阁building樓閣
亭台楼阁pavilions and kiosks (in Chinese gardens)亭臺樓閣
滕王阁Tengwang Tower in Nanchang, Jiangxi滕王閣
剑阁Jiange county in Guangyuan 廣元|广元[Guǎngyuán], Sichuan劍閣
暖阁warm room暖閣
阁僚cabinet member閣僚
出阁(of a girl) to marry (literary)出閣
闺阁lady's chamber閨閣
雅阁Accord (Honda brand Japanese car model)雅閣
金阁寺Kinkakuji or Golden pavilion in northwest Kyōto 京都, Japan金閣寺
影子内阁shadow cabinet影子內閣
高阁tall building高閣
剑阁县Jiange county in Guangyuan 廣元|广元[Guǎngyuán], Sichuan劍閣縣
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 阁下 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 閣
The character 閣 is pronounced as 'gé' with a rising tone.
It is more common in formal or written contexts, such as discussions about government or official matters.
Common phrases include '內閣' (nèi gé - cabinet) and '閣樓' (gé lóu - attic).
