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March 24, 2026
闺(閨)guī(gui1)
The character 闺 (guī) refers to a private space traditionally designated for women, often associated with the women's quarters in a household or a boudoir. It carries connotations of intimacy and femininity, often used in literary or poetic contexts to evoke the inner life of women.
Strokes9Radical门Frequency#15437DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the women's quarters were often secluded spaces in a household, highlighting the distinct roles and expectations of women. The concept of the boudoir carries historical significance reflecting gender norms and family dynamics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a cozy, private room (闺) where a lady (女) spends her time. The character's radical 门 (door) symbolizes entry into this special space, while the 女 (woman) reminds you that it's specifically for her. Think of 'guys' not allowed in the 'guī'!
Meanings of 闺
guī(gui1)
1women's quarters; lady's apartment
2small arched door
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 闺
闺Simplified
閨Traditional
9Strokes
门Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 闺
Podcast: 闺
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AI Study Notes for 闺
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a cozy, private room (闺) where a lady (女) spends her time. The character's radical 门 (door) symbolizes entry into this special space, while the 女 (woman) reminds you that it's specifically for her. Think of 'guys' not allowed in the 'guī'!
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in a literary or formal context, so it might not be commonly heard in everyday conversation. Be cautious not to confuse it with similar-sounding terms that refer to public spaces. Common collocations include '闺房' (boudoir) and '闺蜜' (close female friend).
HSK Study Tips
Although 闺 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is related to HSK topics about family and home. Students should focus on understanding the context in which this term is used and how it connects to discussions about gender and space in Chinese culture.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, the women's quarters were often secluded spaces in a household, highlighting the distinct roles and expectations of women. The concept of the boudoir carries historical significance reflecting gender norms and family dynamics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 闺 with other characters that involve a door, such as 门 (mén), leading to misunderstandings about its meaning. For example, using '门' instead of '闺' when referring to a private women's space would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 闺
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Grammar Patterns of 闺
闺 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 5 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 1
Complete the Sentence
啊, 那些高楼大厦 、 华灯 、 香水 、 藏金收银的____房还有摆满山珍海味的餐桌!
Oh, the mansions, the lights , the perfume, the loaded boudoirs and tables!
Oh, the mansions, the lights , the perfume, the loaded boudoirs and tables!
Cultural Notes for 闺
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, the women's quarters were often secluded spaces in a household, highlighting the distinct roles and expectations of women. The concept of the boudoir carries historical significance reflecting gender norms and family dynamics.
Word Family of 闺
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 闺
Yes, but it is more common in literary or formal contexts rather than everyday conversation.
Common phrases include '闺房' (boudoir) and '闺蜜' (close female friend).
Not directly; however, terms like '书房' (study) can refer to a man's private space.
