Mandarin TempleMandarin Temple Beta Come for Knowledge. Stay for Wisdom.
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
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)
primary
 T2
  1. 1the cross-beams of a roof
  2. 2cangue (stocks to punish criminals)
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 桁

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

Podcast: 桁

JasonAmy

Podcast: 桁

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

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

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 桁 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

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

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 桁

  1. 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half行 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
  3. 3The giveawaywood
  4. 4On the record aspictophonetic.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 桁? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.

Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1

Character Formation Type

What type of character formation is 桁?

Decomposition of 桁

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

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component 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.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 桁

Words Containing This Character2
桁hángpole plate
桁架truss (weight-bearing construction of cross-beams)
Exercise 1 of 2

Compound Meaning

What does 桁 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 桁

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

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 桁?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.