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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.
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.
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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Phonosemantic compound. 木 represents the meaning and 东 represents the sound. Simplified form of 棟.
1The meaning half木 carries the sense.
2The sound half东 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywood
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 栋? 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 栋?
Decomposition of 栋
IDS Structure⿰木东
栋Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
东Dong1
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 栋?
How to say classifier for houses or buildings in Chinese
“classifier for houses or buildings” in Chinese is栋dòng
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.
When to use 栋
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).
栋 or something close to it
栋 (dòng) vs 楼 (lóu) — use 栋 for specific structural references, while 楼 refers more generally to a building or floor.
What learners get wrong
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.
Write 栋
栋
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Practice writing 栋 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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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.
