砌 (qì) - To build by laying bricks or stones & to pave

砌Tone 4

qì ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

七器

砌 · qì

To build by laying bricks or stones;

to pave;

to inlay;

also refers to steps or a flight of steps.

To build by laying bricks or stonesto paveto inlay

Usage highlights

Build a wallLay bricksPave a pathStone stepsInlay with jadeStack up

Synonyms

  • 筑— to build; to construct
  • 建— to build; to establish
  • 垒— to pile up; to build by piling

Antonyms

  • 拆— to dismantle; to tear down
  • 毁— to destroy; to ruin

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • They are building a wall (砌墙).
  • The path is paved with cobblestones (用鹅卵石砌成的小路).
  • He is skilled in bricklaying (他擅长砌砖).
  • The steps were made of marble (大理石砌的台阶).

Collocations

  • Build a wall(砌墙)
  • Lay bricks(砌砖)
  • Pave a path(砌路)
  • Stone steps(石砌台阶)
  • Inlay with jade(玉砌)
  • Stack up(堆砌)

Idioms

  • Carved balustrades and marble steps(雕栏玉砌)
  • Pile up words and phrases(堆砌辞藻)
  • Build a nest of complaints(砌词捏控)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character reflects traditional Chinese construction techniques, especially in masonry and architectural foundations.
  • In classical literature, '雕栏玉砌' often describes the opulent palaces of royalty or the wealthy.
  • The term '堆砌' can carry a negative connotation in literary criticism, implying overly ornate or artificial composition.

FAQ