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March 24, 2026
閨guī(gui1)
The character 閨 (guī) refers to the private quarters or apartment designated for women, particularly in traditional Chinese households. It often symbolizes a space of intimacy, domesticity, and sometimes, refinement associated with women.
Strokes14Radical門Frequency#—DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the 閨 was not just a physical space but also a reflection of women's roles in the family and society, often associated with marriage and motherhood. The concept underscores the value placed on women's domestic life in traditional Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand, ornate door (the radical 門, meaning door) opening to a secret, luxurious room just for women—this is the 'ladies’ quarters' or 閨. The sound 'guī' can be remembered by picturing a graceful lady saying 'guys, step aside, this is my domain!'
Meanings of 閨
guī(gui1)
1women's quarters; lady's apartment
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About 閨
閨Simplified
14Strokes
門Radical
非语素字non-morpheme character (n-m.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 閨
Podcast: 閨
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AI Study Notes for 閨
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand, ornate door (the radical 門, meaning door) opening to a secret, luxurious room just for women—this is the 'ladies’ quarters' or 閨. The sound 'guī' can be remembered by picturing a graceful lady saying 'guys, step aside, this is my domain!'
Usage Notes
This term is mostly used in literary or historical contexts rather than in everyday conversation. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words that pertain to men or public spaces. It often appears in phrases related to women's roles in traditional society.
HSK Study Tips
Although 閨 is not part of the HSK curriculum, understanding it can enhance your grasp of cultural contexts in literature and history. Focus on related vocabulary that describes living spaces, such as 家 (jiā, home) and 室 (shì, room).
Cultural Note
In ancient China, the 閨 was not just a physical space but also a reflection of women's roles in the family and society, often associated with marriage and motherhood. The concept underscores the value placed on women's domestic life in traditional Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners may mistakenly use 閨 in casual conversation, where more common terms like 房间 (fángjiān, room) would be more appropriate. Remember that 閨 is more formal and culturally specific.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 閨
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Cultural Notes for 閨
🏮Cultural insight
In ancient China, the 閨 was not just a physical space but also a reflection of women's roles in the family and society, often associated with marriage and motherhood. The concept underscores the value placed on women's domestic life in traditional Chinese culture.
Word Family of 閨
Words Containing This Character10
闺guīboudoir閨
闺女guīnümaiden閨女
闺房boudoir閨房
深闺boudoir深閨
大家闺秀girl from a wealthy family大家閨秀
闺秀well-bred young lady閨秀
闺阁lady's chamber閨閣
香闺a woman's rooms香閨
黄花闺女maiden黃花閨女
闺门旦young unmarried lady role in Chinese opera閨門旦
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 闺 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 閨
While it originates from historical contexts, it may appear in literary works or discussions about traditional culture.
Unlike 室 (shì, room) or 房 (fáng, house), which are neutral, 閨 specifically refers to women's private spaces.
