槛 (kǎn) - Threshold & windowsill

槛Tone 3

kǎn ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

槛 · kǎn

Threshold;

windowsill;

railing;

cage;

also refers to a critical point or boundary.

Thresholdwindowsillrailing

Usage highlights

ThresholdCageWindowsillRailingCritical pointPrison cart

Synonyms

Antonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • He stepped over the threshold (门槛).
  • The lion is in the cage (兽槛).
  • She leaned against the windowsill (窗槛).
  • This is a critical juncture (槛).

Collocations

  • Threshold(门槛)
  • Cage(兽槛)
  • Windowsill(窗槛)
  • Railing(栏杆)
  • Critical point(槛)
  • Prison cart(槛车)

Idioms

  • The point of no return(门槛)
  • Caged beast(槛中之兽)
  • At the critical moment(在门槛上)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, the threshold (门槛) was both a physical barrier and a symbolic boundary between inside and outside.
  • High thresholds were often found in important buildings, symbolizing status and protection.
  • The character carries connotations of boundaries, limits, and transitional spaces.

FAQ