椁 (guǒ) - Outer coffin — the outermost coffin in a

椁Tone 3

guǒ ｜ 12 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

椁 · guǒ

Outer coffin — the outermost coffin in a burial, typically made of wood or stone, enclosing the inner coffin.

Outer coffin — the outermost coffin in a

Usage highlights

Outer coffinInner and outer coffinsStone outer coffinWooden outer coffinOuter coffin chamberOuter coffin cover

Synonyms

  • 棺— inner coffin
  • 柩— bier or coffin containing a body

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The archaeologists discovered an ancient outer coffin (椁) in the tomb.
  • The burial chamber contained an inner coffin within a stone outer coffin (石椁).
  • Noble burials often featured elaborate outer coffins (棺椁).
  • The wooden outer coffin (木椁) was remarkably well-preserved.

Collocations

  • Outer coffin(椁)
  • Inner and outer coffins(棺椁)
  • Stone outer coffin(石椁)
  • Wooden outer coffin(木椁)
  • Outer coffin chamber(椁室)
  • Outer coffin cover(椁盖)

Idioms

  • Elaborate burial with inner and outer coffins(棺椁重葬)
  • To prepare the coffin and outer coffin(备棺椁)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese burial customs, the outer coffin (椁) protected the inner coffin (棺), reflecting the deceased's social status.
  • The use of outer coffins dates back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, with materials and craftsmanship indicating wealth and rank.
  • Outer coffins were often part of larger tomb structures, such as those found in royal mausoleums.

FAQ