栋 (dòng) - ridgepole & main beam of a roof

栋Tone 4

dòng ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 木

丁恩

栋 · dòng

ridgepole;

main beam of a roof;

classifier for buildings;

pillar;

core support.

ridgepolemain beam of a roofclassifier for buildings

Usage highlights

ridgepolepillar of the statetalent as a pillarclassifier for buildingsmain beamcore support

Synonyms

  • 梁— beam; crossbeam
  • 柱— pillar; column

Antonyms

  • 茅— thatch; humble material

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The main beam of the house is solid (栋梁).
  • He is a pillar of the community (栋梁之才).
  • They built a magnificent mansion (一栋豪宅).
  • The company's core team is very strong (核心栋梁).

Collocations

  • ridgepole(栋梁)
  • pillar of the state(国家栋梁)
  • talent as a pillar(栋梁之才)
  • classifier for buildings(一栋楼)
  • main beam(正栋)
  • core support(核心栋梁)

Idioms

  • A pillar of the state(国家栋梁)
  • Talent capable of being a ridgepole(栋梁之材)
  • The beam and the ridgepole(栋梁之任)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, the '栋' is the central beam supporting the roof, symbolizing strength and importance.
  • Metaphorically extended to refer to individuals who are pillars of society or key supporters in an organization.
  • Used as a classifier for buildings, emphasizing its structural role.

FAQ