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March 24, 2026
栋(棟)dòng(dong4)
The character 栋 (dòng) serves as a classifier specifically for houses or buildings, indicating the structural main supports or beams. It can also refer to the ridgepole in traditional architecture, which is crucial in supporting the roof structure. This term is commonly used in real estate and construction contexts.
Strokes9Radical木Frequency#2277DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the 栋 (dòng) is essential in the construction of temples and ancient homes, symbolizing not just physical support but also cultural heritage. The structure and design of rooftops in Chinese buildings often reflect regional styles and historical significance.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong tree (木) standing tall as the main support (栋) for a house. The tree's trunk symbolizes stability, just like the ridgepole that supports a building's roof. Picture a house with a sturdy tree beside it, helping it stand strong in a storm.
Meanings of 栋
dòng(dong4)
1classifier for houses or buildings
2ridgepole (old)
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 栋
栋Simplified
棟Traditional
9Strokes
木Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#2277Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2
Podcast: 栋
Podcast: 栋
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AI Study Notes for 栋
Quick Contrast
栋 (dòng) vs 楼 (lóu) — use 栋 for specific structural references, while 楼 refers more generally to a building or floor.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a strong tree (木) standing tall as the main support (栋) for a house. The tree's trunk symbolizes stability, just like the ridgepole that supports a building's roof. Picture a house with a sturdy tree beside it, helping it stand strong in a storm.
Usage Notes
When using 栋, it is important to pair it with the correct measure word for houses, such as '座' or '幢' in different contexts. Common mistakes include using it in informal contexts where a more casual term would be appropriate. Remember that the tone is crucial; ensure to pronounce it with the correct fourth tone (dòng).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 栋 connects with vocabulary related to architecture and housing. Students should focus on its usage in compound words or phrases, and practice distinguishing it from similar classifiers to enhance understanding of context.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the 栋 (dòng) is essential in the construction of temples and ancient homes, symbolizing not just physical support but also cultural heritage. The structure and design of rooftops in Chinese buildings often reflect regional styles and historical significance.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 栋 with other classifiers, using it incorrectly in phrases like '一栋房子' (correct) instead of '一栋屋' (incorrect). It's important to remember that 栋 should specifically refer to buildings with structural significance.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 栋
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Grammar Patterns of 栋
栋 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
There's an underground passageway that connects the five buildings.
8
每天都有人来参观那栋房子，有时人多得都无法控制。
měi tiān dū yǒu rén lái cān guān nà dòng fáng zǐ， ， yǒu shí rén duō dé dū wú fǎ kòng。
People were visiting the house every day, sometimes in unmanageable numbers.
9
几个人查看了那栋半詹姆士一世时期风格、半乔治王朝风格的大楼。
jī gè rén chá kàn le nà dòng bàn zhān mǔ shì yī shì shí qī fēng gé、 、 bàn qiáo zhì wáng zhāo fēng gé de dà。
Several people looked over the part-Jacobean, part-Georgian building.
10
离这条路最远的那栋房子
lí zhè tiáo lù zuì yuǎn de nà dòng fáng zǐ
the house farthest away from the road
Cultural Notes for 栋
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese architecture, the 栋 (dòng) is essential in the construction of temples and ancient homes, symbolizing not just physical support but also cultural heritage. The structure and design of rooftops in Chinese buildings often reflect regional styles and historical significance.
Word Family of 栋
Words Containing This Character5
栋dòngridgepole (old)棟
栋梁dòngliángridgepole棟梁
雕梁画栋richly ornamented (building)雕梁畫棟
吴作栋Goh Chok Tong (1941-), Singapore businessman and politician, prime minister 1990-2004吳作棟
汗牛充栋lit. enough books to make a pack-ox sweat or to fill a house to the rafters (idiom); fig. many books汗牛充棟
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 栋 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 栋
栋 (dòng) is specifically used for the main support or ridgepole of a building, while 幢 (zhuàng) is a more general classifier for buildings.
Generally, 栋 is used for residential buildings and larger structures, but for smaller structures, other classifiers may be more appropriate.
It's more common in formal contexts, such as real estate or architecture discussions, rather than casual conversation.
