棟 (dòng) - Ridgepole — the main beam supporting a roof & also used metaphorically for a pillar or mainstay

棟Tone 4

dòng ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

丁恩

棟 · dòng

Ridgepole — the main beam supporting a roof;

also used metaphorically for a pillar or mainstay of society.

Ridgepole — the main beam supporting a roofalso used metaphorically for a pillar or mainstay

Usage highlights

Ridgepole and beamTalent of pillarBuilding structureRidgepole woodNational pillarSocial pillar

Synonyms

  • 梁— beam, crossbeam (structural element)
  • 柱— pillar, column (vertical support)

Antonyms

  • 榱— rafter (smaller, secondary structural element)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The main beam of the house is made of wood (栋梁).
  • He is considered a pillar of the community (栋梁之才).
  • The construction requires sturdy ridgepoles (栋木).
  • This building has many beams (栋宇).

Collocations

  • Ridgepole and beam(栋梁)
  • Talent of pillar(栋梁之才)
  • Building structure(栋宇)
  • Ridgepole wood(栋木)
  • National pillar(国家栋梁)
  • Social pillar(社会栋梁)

Idioms

  • Pillars of the state(国家栋梁)
  • Talent worthy of being a pillar(栋梁之才)
  • Collapsing beams and broken rafters(栋折榱崩)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, the ridgepole was the most important structural element, symbolizing strength and support.
  • Metaphorically extended to refer to people who are pillars of society or essential supporters of the state.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing architectural excellence and social hierarchy.

FAQ