檩 (lǐn) - Ridgepole — the main horizontal beam supporting a

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Ridgepole — the main horizontal beam supporting a roof structure in traditional Chinese architecture.

Ridgepole — the main horizontal beam supporting a

Usage highlights

Ridgepole beamWooden purlinRoof ridgeRafter and purlinRidge beamPurlin structure

Synonyms

  • 梁— beam (broader term for horizontal support)
  • 桁— purlin (similar structural element)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The carpenter installed the ridgepole (檩条).
  • Traditional architecture uses wooden ridge beams (木檩).
  • The roof structure relies on multiple purlins (檩子).
  • They replaced the decayed roof beam (房檩).

Collocations

  • Ridgepole beam(檩条)
  • Wooden purlin(木檩)
  • Roof ridge(房檩)
  • Rafter and purlin(椽檩)
  • Ridge beam(脊檩)
  • Purlin structure(檩架)

Idioms

  • Beams and ridgepoles supporting the structure(栋梁檩椽)
  • From foundation to ridgepole(从基到檩)
  • Straight as a ridge beam(直如房檩)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Essential structural element in traditional Chinese timber-frame architecture.
  • Represents strength and support in building construction.
  • Often made from durable woods like pine or fir in historical buildings.

FAQ