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March 24, 2026
棺材()guāncai(guan1cai5)
棺材 (guān cái) refers to a coffin, which is a container for a deceased person's body. It is used primarily in funerary contexts and is an important part of Chinese burial customs, reflecting respect for the dead and ancestral traditions.
Frequency#3992DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the treatment of the dead is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize respect for ancestors. The design and materials of a 棺材 can reflect social status and familial honor.
Memory Tip
Imagine 'guan' as a grand guardian, and 'cai' sounds like 'sigh'—think of a guardian sighing over the resting place of a loved one in a coffin. The character 棺 (guan) has a tree radical that might remind you of the wood used to make coffins.
Meanings of 棺材
guāncai(guan1cai5)
1coffin
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About 棺材
棺材Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
具Measure Word
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 棺材
Podcast: 棺材
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AI Study Notes for 棺材
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine 'guan' as a grand guardian, and 'cai' sounds like 'sigh'—think of a guardian sighing over the resting place of a loved one in a coffin. The character 棺 (guan) has a tree radical that might remind you of the wood used to make coffins.
Usage Notes
This term is typically used in formal contexts related to funerals or discussions about death. Be cautious of the tone; using 棺材 casually or inappropriately can be seen as disrespectful.
HSK Study Tips
While 棺材 is not included in HSK vocabulary lists, understanding it can enhance your grasp of related terms about death and funerals, which can appear in HSK readings or discussions. Focus on recognizing the character components and their meanings.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the treatment of the dead is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize respect for ancestors. The design and materials of a 棺材 can reflect social status and familial honor.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse the tones, pronouncing it as 'guan3 cai2' instead of 'guan1 cai5'. It's essential to maintain the correct tones to convey the right meaning.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 棺材
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Cultural Notes for 棺材
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the treatment of the dead is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize respect for ancestors. The design and materials of a 棺材 can reflect social status and familial honor.
Frequently Asked Questions about 棺材
No, 棺材 specifically refers to coffins and is not used metaphorically.
Common phrases may include references to funerals or discussions about death, such as '埋棺材' (to bury a coffin).
棺 (guān) is pronounced with the first tone, and 材 (cái) is pronounced with the second tone.
