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檩 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
檩lǐncross-beam, ridge-pole; ship's hatchzg, 17 strokes, radical 木
lǐn(lin3) T3
  1. 1cross-beam, ridge-pole; ship's hatch
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March 24, 2026

檩(檁)lǐn(lin3)

The character 檩 (lǐn) primarily refers to a structural element in architecture, specifically a cross-beam or ridge-pole used in traditional building methods. It can also denote a ship's hatch, highlighting its versatility in both construction and maritime contexts. This word is often used when discussing traditional Chinese architecture or shipbuilding.

Strokes17Radical木
Cultural Note

In traditional Chinese architecture, the use of beams like 檩 is crucial for the structural integrity of wooden structures, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for craftsmanship and balance in building design. This architectural style is often seen in ancient temples and houses.

Memory Tip

Imagine a sturdy wooden beam (檩) supporting the roof of a traditional Chinese house. The character resembles a roof (the top part) resting on strong beams (the bottom part), reminding you of its role in supporting structures. The pronunciation 'lǐn' can be remembered by linking it to 'lean', as in leaning on a strong beam.

Meanings of 檩

lǐn(lin3)
1cross-beam, ridge-pole; ship's hatch
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 檩

檩Simplified
檁Traditional
17Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 檩

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Podcast: 檩

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AI Study Notes for 檩

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 檩 (lǐn) with similar-looking characters that refer to different types of beams or supports. This term is more likely to be used in formal or technical discussions rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 檩条 (lǐntiáo - 'cross-beam strip') and 檩架 (lǐnjià - 'beam framework').

HSK Study Tips

While 檩 is not part of the HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners interested in architecture or traditional culture. Students at a higher HSK level should focus on integrating this term with related vocabulary about building materials and structures to enhance their understanding.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 檩 with similar characters like 梁 (liáng). For example, saying '我需要一个梁' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè liáng - 'I need a beam') when describing a ridge-pole can lead to misunderstandings. The correct term would be '我需要一个檩'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 檩

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Etymology of 檩

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

wood

Semantic (meaning)木
+
Phonetic (sound)禀
Learn more about Phono-semantic (形声字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 檩

  1. 1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
  2. 2The sound half禀 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 檩? 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 檩?

Decomposition of 檩

IDS Structure⿰木禀
檩Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
禀bing3
right
Exercise 1 of 2

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 檩?

How to say cross-beam, ridge-pole; ship's hatch in Chinese

“cross-beam, ridge-pole; ship's hatch” in Chinese is檩lǐn

The character 檩 (lǐn) primarily refers to a structural element in architecture, specifically a cross-beam or ridge-pole used in traditional building methods. It can also denote a ship's hatch, highlighting its versatility in both construction and maritime contexts. This word is often used when discussing traditional Chinese architecture or shipbuilding.

When to use 檩

Be careful not to confuse 檩 (lǐn) with similar-looking characters that refer to different types of beams or supports. This term is more likely to be used in formal or technical discussions rather than in everyday conversation. Common collocations include 檩条 (lǐntiáo - 'cross-beam strip') and 檩架 (lǐnjià - 'beam framework').

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 檩 with similar characters like 梁 (liáng). For example, saying '我需要一个梁' (Wǒ xūyào yīgè liáng - 'I need a beam') when describing a ridge-pole can lead to misunderstandings. The correct term would be '我需要一个檩'.

Write 檩

檩

Practice writing 檩 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 檩

Words Containing This Character1
檩lǐncross-beam檁
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 檩 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 檩

It is pronounced as 'lǐn', with a third tone.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 檩?

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.