HSK 6, ng, 9 strokes, radical 门, rank #14740, Hard
阁
gé
pavilion (usu. two-storied)
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 门, rank #14740, Hard
阁
gé
cabinet (politics)
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 门, rank #14740, Hard
阁
gé
boudoir
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 门, rank #14740, Hard
阁
gé
woman's chamber
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 门, rank #14740, Hard
阁
gé
rack
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 门, rank #14740, Hard
阁
gé
shelf
HSK 6, unknown, 9 strokes, radical 门, rank #14740, Hard
gé(ge2) T2
1cabinet, chamber, pavilion
2pavilion (usu. two-storied)
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March 24, 2026
阁(閣)gé(ge2)
The character 阁 (gé) refers to a type of structure, often a pavilion or a two-storied building. It can also denote a cabinet in a political context, indicating a group of advisors or officials. In everyday usage, it may refer to a shelf or a specific room in a house, particularly for women.
Strokes9Radical门Frequency#14740DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, pavilions (阁) are prominent features in gardens, symbolizing leisure and contemplation. They often serve as places for gatherings and cultural events.
Memory Tip
Imagine a grand pavilion (阁) that has two stories, with the upper one being a beautiful boudoir decorated for a woman. The character itself looks like a roof (阝) over a room, symbolizing a space or chamber.
Meanings of 阁
gé(ge2)
1cabinet, chamber, pavilion
2pavilion (usu. two-storied)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 阁
阁Simplified
閣Traditional
9Strokes
门Radical
名语素míngcínoun root (n.root)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6IntermediateCEFRC1
Podcast: 阁
Podcast: 阁
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AI Study Notes for 阁
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a grand pavilion (阁) that has two stories, with the upper one being a beautiful boudoir decorated for a woman. The character itself looks like a roof (阝) over a room, symbolizing a space or chamber.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 阁, as it can imply different meanings based on the situation. It's more formal in political contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '阁楼' (gélóu - attic) and '内阁' (nèigé - cabinet).
HSK Study Tips
Although 阁 is not included in the HSK levels, it connects well with other words related to architecture and rooms, like '楼' (lóu - building) and '房' (fáng - room). Students should focus on recognizing its use in specific contexts.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, pavilions (阁) are prominent features in gardens, symbolizing leisure and contemplation. They often serve as places for gatherings and cultural events.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 阁 with similar characters like 楼 (lóu), mistakenly using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我住在阁' instead of '我住在楼' (I live in a building) is incorrect; use '楼' for buildings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 阁
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Grammar Patterns of 阁
阁 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 7 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 5
Complete the Sentence
你要是打算改造____楼，这些地址会派上用场。
If you're converting your loft, these addresses will be useful.
We would like to convert the loft into another bedroom.
7
我不想完全相信任何人，阁下。
wǒ bù xiǎng wán quán xiāng xìn rèn hé rén， ， gé。
I am reluctant to trust anyone totally, Your Excellency.
8
主要是这一问题使她的内阁产生了分歧。
zhǔ yào shì zhè yī wèn tí shǐ tā de nèi gé chǎn shēng le fēn qí。
This issue, more than any other, has divided her cabinet.
9
教士阁下毫无表情地朝他慢慢点了下头。
jiào shì gé xià háo wú biǎo qíng dì zhāo tā màn màn diǎn le xià tóu。
The Monsignor gave him a slow, expressionless nod.
10
尊敬的阁下，我叫理查德·萨维奇。
zūn jìng de gé xià， ， wǒ jiào lǐ chá· dé · sà。
My name is Richard Savage, your Lordship.
Cultural Notes for 阁
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, pavilions (阁) are prominent features in gardens, symbolizing leisure and contemplation. They often serve as places for gatherings and cultural events.
Word Family of 阁
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 阁
阁 usually refers to a pavilion or a chamber, while 楼 refers to a building or floor. Use 阁 for specific architectural styles.
Yes, but it's more common in formal or literary contexts. In daily speech, you might opt for simpler words like 房.
Yes, it is commonly used to refer to the cabinet or a group of officials in government.
