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栋梁 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
栋梁dòngliángridgepoleHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #56940, Very Hard
栋梁dòngliángridgepole and beamsHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #56940, Very Hard
栋梁dòngliángperson able to bear heavy responsibilityHSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #56940, Very Hard
栋梁dòngliángmainstay (of organization)HSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #56940, Very Hard
栋梁dòngliángpillar (of state)HSK 7, unknown, 20 strokes, rank #56940, Very Hard
dòngliáng(dong4liang2) T4
  1. 1ridgepole
  2. 2ridgepole and beams
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March 24, 2026

栋梁(棟梁)dòngliáng(dong4liang2)

The term '栋梁' refers to the ridgepole and beams of a structure, symbolizing strength and support. In a metaphorical sense, it describes a person who can bear heavy responsibilities or who is considered a mainstay within an organization or society. This word is commonly used to highlight the importance of individuals who play crucial roles in supporting and sustaining groups or communities.

Strokes20Frequency#56940DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of '栋梁' is highly valued, reflecting the importance of individuals who uphold family, community, and state. This metaphor aligns with Confucian ideals of duty and responsibility.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sturdy building with a strong ridgepole (栋) and beams (梁) that hold it up. The sound 'dong' (栋) reminds you of 'strong' and '梁' (liang) sounds like 'lean,' as if the beams are leaning to support the structure. Visualize this strong framework as a metaphor for a dependable person who holds everything together.

Meanings of 栋梁

dòngliáng(dong4liang2)
1ridgepole
2ridgepole and beams
Exercise 1 of 2

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About 栋梁

栋梁Simplified
棟梁Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 栋梁

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Podcast: 栋梁

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AI Study Notes for 栋梁

Quick Contrast

栋 (dòng) vs 梁 (liáng) — use '栋梁' when emphasizing the metaphorical aspect of support; '栋' refers specifically to the ridgepole, while '梁' refers to beams.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using '栋梁' too casually in informal contexts or mispronouncing the tones, which can change the meaning. It often collocates with words like '人才' (talented person) or '栋梁之才' (talented mainstay). Ensure to use it in contexts that emphasize support and responsibility.

HSK Study Tips

Although '栋梁' is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it connects with themes of responsibility seen in HSK 5 and 6 vocabulary, such as '责任' (responsibility) and '支持' (support). Students should focus on understanding its metaphorical usage in describing people.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '栋梁' with similar words like '支柱' (pillar), misusing it in contexts where a simpler term is appropriate. For example, saying '他是我的支柱' (He is my pillar) instead of the more suitable '他是我的栋梁' (He is my mainstay) can dilute the intended meaning.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 栋梁

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Component Characters

栋dòngclassifier for houses or buildings
HSK 69 strokes木
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梁liángname of Kingdoms and Dynasties at different periods
HSK 611 strokes木
View full entry

How to say ridgepole in Chinese

“ridgepole” in Chinese is栋梁dòngliáng

The term '栋梁' refers to the ridgepole and beams of a structure, symbolizing strength and support. In a metaphorical sense, it describes a person who can bear heavy responsibilities or who is considered a mainstay within an organization or society. This word is commonly used to highlight the importance of individuals who play crucial roles in supporting and sustaining groups or communities.

When to use 栋梁

Common mistakes include using '栋梁' too casually in informal contexts or mispronouncing the tones, which can change the meaning. It often collocates with words like '人才' (talented person) or '栋梁之才' (talented mainstay). Ensure to use it in contexts that emphasize support and responsibility.

栋梁 or something close to it

栋 (dòng) vs 梁 (liáng) — use '栋梁' when emphasizing the metaphorical aspect of support; '栋' refers specifically to the ridgepole, while '梁' refers to beams.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '栋梁' with similar words like '支柱' (pillar), misusing it in contexts where a simpler term is appropriate. For example, saying '他是我的支柱' (He is my pillar) instead of the more suitable '他是我的栋梁' (He is my mainstay) can dilute the intended meaning.

Write 栋梁

栋
梁

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

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Frequently Asked Questions about 栋梁

'栋梁' literally refers to the structural components of a building, symbolizing strength.

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