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桁 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
桁hángthe cross-beams of a roofzg, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁hángcangue (stocks to punish criminals)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁hángpole plateunknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁hángpurlin (cross-beam in roof)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁hángridge-poleunknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁héngthe cross-beams of a roofzg, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁héngcangue (stocks to punish criminals)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁héngpole plateunknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁héngpurlin (cross-beam in roof)unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
桁héngridge-poleunknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #38936, Very Hard
háng(hang2)hang
primary
T2
  1. 1the cross-beams of a roof
  2. 2cangue (stocks to punish criminals)
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March 24, 2026

桁háng(hang2)

The character 桁 (háng) refers to structural elements in architecture, particularly the cross-beams and purlins that support a roof. It is often used in contexts related to construction, carpentry, and traditional building methods, signifying strength and support in a structure.

Strokes10Radical木Frequency#38936DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In traditional Chinese architecture, the design and placement of beams like 桁 are crucial for structural integrity, reflecting the artistry and engineering of ancient builders. The use of wooden beams is a hallmark of classic Chinese roofs, which often feature intricate designs and decorations.

Memory tip

Imagine a strong wooden beam (the character 桁) holding up the roof of a house. The top part of the character resembles a roof, while the vertical strokes symbolize the supportive beams holding everything together. Visualize a sturdy framework to remember its pronunciation 'háng'.

Meanings of 桁

háng(hang2)
primary
1the cross-beams of a roof
2cangue (stocks to punish criminals)
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 桁

桁Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 桁

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Podcast: 桁

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AI study notes for 桁

Quick Contrast

桁 (háng) vs 梁 (liáng) — use 桁 when specifically referring to cross-beams in a roof structure, while 梁 generally refers to beams that support the weight of a structure.

Usage Notes

This character is typically used in formal or technical language, especially in architectural contexts. Learners may confuse it with similar-sounding words, so paying attention to the context of use is important. Common collocations include '屋顶桁' (roof beam) and '木桁' (wooden beam).

HSK Study Tips

Though 桁 is not included in the HSK vocabulary, it connects to HSK Level 4 words related to buildings and structures, such as 房子 (house) and 建筑 (architecture). Focus on understanding context and usage in architectural discussions to enhance vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 桁 with similar characters like 梁 (liáng), which also means beam but is more commonly used. A wrong example is using 桁 to refer to any type of beam; instead, specify 'cross-beam' or 'purlin' for accuracy.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 桁

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Etymology of 桁

Formation typepictophonetic
六书 ClassificationPhono-semantic (形声字)~80-90% of characters
Memory hint

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)行
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters
Exercise 1 of 1

Origin

桁 = 木 + 行. What kind of character does that make it?

Decomposition of 桁

IDS Structure⿰木行
桁Full character
=
木Mu4
left
行hang2
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Parts

Which of these is part of 桁?

How to say the cross-beams of a roof in Chinese

“the cross-beams of a roof” in Chinese is桁háng

The character 桁 (háng) refers to structural elements in architecture, particularly the cross-beams and purlins that support a roof. It is often used in contexts related to construction, carpentry, and traditional building methods, signifying strength and support in a structure.

When to use 桁

This character is typically used in formal or technical language, especially in architectural contexts. Learners may confuse it with similar-sounding words, so paying attention to the context of use is important. Common collocations include '屋顶桁' (roof beam) and '木桁' (wooden beam).

桁 or something close to it

桁 (háng) vs 梁 (liáng) — use 桁 when specifically referring to cross-beams in a roof structure, while 梁 generally refers to beams that support the weight of a structure.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 桁 with similar characters like 梁 (liáng), which also means beam but is more commonly used. A wrong example is using 桁 to refer to any type of beam; instead, specify 'cross-beam' or 'purlin' for accuracy.

Write 桁

桁

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

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Word Family of 桁

Words containing this character2
桁hángpole plate
桁架truss (weight-bearing construction of cross-beams)
Exercise 1 of 1

Words with 桁

What does 桁架 mean?

Frequently asked questions about 桁

It is pronounced as 'háng', with a rising tone.

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