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架子 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
架子jiàzishelfHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #5954, Very Hard
架子jiàziframeHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #5954, Very Hard
架子jiàzistandHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #5954, Very Hard
架子jiàziframeworkHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #5954, Very Hard
架子jiàziairsHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #5954, Very Hard
架子jiàziarroganceHSK 7, unknown, 12 strokes, rank #5954, Very Hard
jiàzi(jia4zi5)jia zi T4
  1. 1shelf
  2. 2frame
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March 24, 2026

架子jiàzi(jia4zi5)

The word 架子 (jiàzi) primarily refers to a physical structure such as a shelf, frame, or stand used for holding items. It can also imply a figurative framework or structure in various contexts, and in a more colloquial sense, it can describe someone who is putting on airs or acting arrogantly.

Strokes12Frequency#5954DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the concept of humility is valued, so using 架子 to describe someone who is arrogant can reflect societal disapproval of such behavior. It’s common to hear this term in discussions about etiquette and social interactions.

Memory tip

Imagine a tall shelf (架) filled with books that have an air of superiority (子) about them. The shelves (架子) hold the weight of knowledge, but some books seem to 'look down' on others, reminding you of arrogance.

Meanings of 架子

jiàzi(jia4zi5)
1shelf
2frame
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 架子

架子Simplified
12Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

Podcast: 架子

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Podcast: 架子

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AI study notes for 架子

Quick Contrast

架 (jià) vs 框 (kuāng) — use 架子 (jiàzi) for a stand or frame that supports items, while 框 (kuāng) specifically refers to a frame, often for pictures or windows.

Usage Notes

Be careful with the context in which you use 架子; while it can refer to physical objects, it can carry negative connotations when describing someone's attitude. It is often used in informal conversations. Common collocations include '架子大' (to act arrogantly) and '架子不稳' (an unstable stand).

HSK Study Tips

Though not part of the official HSK vocabulary, understanding 架子 can help learners connect with other words related to structure and attitude. Focus on the different contexts in which it can be used, especially the figurative meanings.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 架子 with similar words like 支架 (zhījià, support) and use it incorrectly in formal contexts, for example, saying '他在工作中表现得很架子' instead of '他在工作中表现得很傲慢'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 架子

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Component characters

架jiàto support
HSK 59 strokes木
View full entry
子zison
HSK 33 strokes子
View full entry

How to say shelf in Chinese

“shelf” in Chinese is架子jiàzi

The word 架子 (jiàzi) primarily refers to a physical structure such as a shelf, frame, or stand used for holding items. It can also imply a figurative framework or structure in various contexts, and in a more colloquial sense, it can describe someone who is putting on airs or acting arrogantly.

When to use 架子

Be careful with the context in which you use 架子; while it can refer to physical objects, it can carry negative connotations when describing someone's attitude. It is often used in informal conversations. Common collocations include '架子大' (to act arrogantly) and '架子不稳' (an unstable stand).

架子 or something close to it

架 (jià) vs 框 (kuāng) — use 架子 (jiàzi) for a stand or frame that supports items, while 框 (kuāng) specifically refers to a frame, often for pictures or windows.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 架子 with similar words like 支架 (zhījià, support) and use it incorrectly in formal contexts, for example, saying '他在工作中表现得很架子' instead of '他在工作中表现得很傲慢'.

Write 架子

架
子

Practice writing 架子 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 架子

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

In Western cultures, being assertive or confident is often encouraged, while in Chinese culture, excessive displays of confidence can be frowned upon, linking the term more closely to arrogance.

Frequently asked questions about 架子

There is no difference; it's the same word. The context will determine its meaning.

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