牖 (yǒu) - Window — specifically a casement window or lattice & by extension, enlightenment or illumination.

牖Tone 3

yǒu ｜ 15 strokes ｜ radical:

咏与

牖 · yǒu

Window — specifically a casement window or lattice window in ancient Chinese architecture;

by extension, enlightenment or illumination.

Window — specifically a casement window or latticeby extension, enlightenment or illumination.

Usage highlights

Lattice windowWindow frameNorth windowWindow openingWooden windowWindow light

Synonyms

  • 窗— window (more general term)
  • 窗户— window (modern term)

Antonyms

  • 墙— wall (blocks view/light)
  • 壁— wall (solid barrier)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient house had wooden lattice windows (牖).
  • Sunlight streamed through the window (窗户).
  • He sat by the window reading (在牖下读书).
  • Window frames were often made of wood (木牖).

Collocations

  • Lattice window(牖户)
  • Window frame(牖框)
  • North window(北牖)
  • Window opening(牖口)
  • Wooden window(木牖)
  • Window light(牖光)

Idioms

  • Piercing the wall to admit light and opening the window to let in the sun(凿壁偷光，开牖纳日)
  • Sitting by the south window(南牖而坐)
  • Window of the soul(心灵之牖)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese architecture, 牖 referred specifically to lattice windows, often with intricate wooden patterns.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing scholar's studies and dwellings.
  • Metaphorically represents enlightenment, knowledge, and the connection between interior and exterior worlds.

FAQ