穹 (qióng) - vault & dome

穹Tone 2

qióng ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 穴

情仁

穹 · qióng

vault;

dome;

sky;

firmament;

arched roof;

vast and high.

vaultdomesky

Usage highlights

firmamentdomevault of heavenarched ceilingcelestial domehigh and vast

Synonyms

  • 天— sky; heaven
  • 空— sky; empty
  • 穹苍— firmament; vault of heaven

Antonyms

  • 地— earth; ground
  • 壤— soil; earth

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The blue sky (苍穹) is vast and boundless.
  • The dome of the church (穹顶) is magnificent.
  • He gazed at the starry firmament (穹苍).
  • The ancient tomb has a vaulted ceiling (穹窿).

Collocations

  • firmament(苍穹)
  • dome(穹顶)
  • vault of heaven(穹苍)
  • arched ceiling(穹窿)
  • celestial dome(天穹)
  • high and vast(穹隆)

Idioms

  • Vast as the sky and boundless as the sea(穹天瀚海)
  • Lift one's head to gaze at the firmament(仰首穹苍)
  • The dome of heaven and the round earth(天穹地圆)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient Chinese cosmology, 穹 referred to the vaulted shape of the sky, embodying the concept of a dome over the earth.
  • Used in classical poetry and literature to describe the vastness and majesty of the heavens.
  • Architecturally, it denotes domed or vaulted structures, often seen in religious buildings.

FAQ