HSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, radical 木, rank #8882, Hard
kuàng(kuang4) T4
1frame (e.g. door frame)
2casing
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March 24, 2026
框kuàng(kuang4)
The character 框 (kuàng) primarily means 'frame' or 'casing' and is often used in contexts like picture frames or door frames. Additionally, it can imply a figurative sense of a framework or template that organizes or restricts something, such as ideas or actions. It can also mean to circle something, indicating a more active role in defining boundaries.
Strokes10Radical木Frequency#8882DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese art, a well-designed frame (框) is seen as an essential component that complements the artwork, reflecting the cultural importance of aesthetics and presentation. This is akin to how frames are appreciated in Western art, but the emphasis on harmony and balance in the framing process is particularly pronounced in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Imagine a large wooden frame (框) around a beautiful painting. The frame not only holds the painting but also defines its boundaries, just like how the character 框 (kuàng) sets the limits of what is inside. The shape of the character itself resembles a structure that encases something, helping you remember its meaning and pronunciation.
Meanings of 框
kuàng(kuang4)
1frame (e.g. door frame)
2casing
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 框
框Simplified
10Strokes
木Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#8882Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 框
Podcast: 框
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AI Study Notes for 框
Quick Contrast
框 (kuàng) vs 盒 (hé) — use 框 for frames or structures that outline or contain, while 盒 refers specifically to boxes that hold items.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a large wooden frame (框) around a beautiful painting. The frame not only holds the painting but also defines its boundaries, just like how the character 框 (kuàng) sets the limits of what is inside. The shape of the character itself resembles a structure that encases something, helping you remember its meaning and pronunciation.
Usage Notes
It's important to use 框 in appropriate contexts; while it can be used literally (as in physical frames), it is also common in figurative language when discussing frameworks for ideas. A common mistake is to confuse 框 with related terms like '框架' (kuàngjià), which specifically refers to a 'framework' or 'structure', so be mindful of the nuances.
HSK Study Tips
Though 框 is not part of the HSK vocabulary list, it connects well with other terms like '框架' (framework) that might appear in higher levels. Students should focus on the context in which 框 is used, especially in descriptive or technical language, to enhance their comprehension and usage.
Cultural Note
In Chinese art, a well-designed frame (框) is seen as an essential component that complements the artwork, reflecting the cultural importance of aesthetics and presentation. This is akin to how frames are appreciated in Western art, but the emphasis on harmony and balance in the framing process is particularly pronounced in Chinese culture.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 框 with its related terms, such as using it incorrectly in a phrase like '框架' (kuàngjià) without understanding that 框 alone does not convey the full sense of a structured framework. Instead, ensure to differentiate between literal and figurative uses.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 框
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Grammar Patterns of 框
框 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 10 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 4
Complete the Sentence
____架用横杆牢牢固定在后墙上。
The frames are secured by horizontal rails to the back wall.
For that situation, frame or corner resizers are better idioms.
Cultural Notes for 框
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese art, a well-designed frame (框) is seen as an essential component that complements the artwork, reflecting the cultural importance of aesthetics and presentation. This is akin to how frames are appreciated in Western art, but the emphasis on harmony and balance in the framing process is particularly pronounced in Chinese culture.
Word Family of 框
Words Containing This Character17
框kuàngcasing
框架kuàngjiàframe
条条框框regulations and restrictions條條框框
框框to frame
门框door frame門框
边框frame邊框
镜框picture frame鏡框
画框picture frame畫框
窗框window frame
对话框dialog box (computing)對話框
框图flowchart框圖
框子frame (of spectacles, small ornament etc)
复选框check box複選框
方框图flowchart方框圖
文本框text box (computing)
木框wooden frame
取景框viewfinder
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 框 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 框
Yes, 框 can refer to any type of frame, including those used in digital contexts, like photo frames on a screen.
框 refers to a frame or casing, while 盒 (hé) specifically means a box. 框 implies a structure that supports or contains, whereas 盒 emphasizes enclosement.
While 框 itself is not commonly found in idioms, it's often used in phrases like '框架' (kuàngjià) which means framework.
