Begin learning Chinese at your own paceStart learning
楣 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
楣
méi
crossbar; lintel
g, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #29385, Very Hard
楣
méi
crossbeam
unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #29385, Very Hard
méi(mei2)mei T2
1crossbar; lintel
2crossbeam
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
楣méi(mei2)
The character 楣 (méi) refers to a structural element in architecture, specifically a crossbar or lintel that supports a door or window. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction and traditional Chinese architecture, where such elements are vital for stability and design aesthetics.
Strokes13Radical木Frequency#29385DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the lintel (楣) is not just a functional element but also often intricately carved, reflecting the artistry and cultural values of the period. It symbolizes the entryway to a home, embodying both protection and beauty.
Memory tip
Imagine a strong wooden crossbeam (the 楣) holding up a beautiful ancient door. The character itself has a tree radical (木) on the left, suggesting strength and support from nature, while the right side hints at a building structure. Picture this beam as essential for a grand entrance, making it memorable.
Meanings of 楣
méi(mei2)
1crossbar; lintel
2crossbeam
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
Play it, then pick what 楣 means.
About 楣
楣Simplified
13Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 楣
Podcast: 楣
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 楣
Usage Notes
This word is often used in formal contexts, particularly in architectural discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters; ensure you focus on the context of structural support. Collocations include phrases like '门楣' (ménméi) meaning 'door lintel.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 楣 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, it can be beneficial to connect it with other architectural terms you may learn at this level, such as '建筑' (jiànzhù - architecture) and '结构' (jiégòu - structure). Focus on understanding the context in which such structural terms are used.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 楣 as 'nèi' instead of 'méi.' Additionally, mixing up 楣 with similar-sounding words can lead to confusion; ensure you associate it specifically with structural support.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 楣
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 楣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 楣 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How Well Do You Know 楣?
Example
Learning Lab
Knowing 楣 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
楣 = 木 + 眉. What kind of character does that make it?
Decomposition of 楣
IDS Structure⿰木眉
楣Full character
=
木Mu4
left
眉mei2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Parts
Which of these is part of 楣?
How to say crossbar; lintel in Chinese
“crossbar; lintel” in Chinese is楣méi
The character 楣 (méi) refers to a structural element in architecture, specifically a crossbar or lintel that supports a door or window. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction and traditional Chinese architecture, where such elements are vital for stability and design aesthetics.
When to use 楣
This word is often used in formal contexts, particularly in architectural discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters; ensure you focus on the context of structural support. Collocations include phrases like '门楣' (ménméi) meaning 'door lintel.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 楣 as 'nèi' instead of 'méi.' Additionally, mixing up 楣 with similar-sounding words can lead to confusion; ensure you associate it specifically with structural support.
Write 楣
楣
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 楣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 楣
楣 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
如果我不戴面纱就会有辱门____。
It would dishonour my family if I didn't wear the veil.
Example Sentences for 楣 (9)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
如果我不戴面纱就会有辱门楣。
rú guǒ wǒ bù dài miàn shā jiù huì yǒu rǔ mén méi。
It would dishonour my family if I didn't wear the veil.
