闈 (wéi) - Gate of a palace & examination hall

闈Tone 2

wéi ｜ 17 strokes ｜ radical:

万响

闈 · wéi

Gate of a palace;

examination hall;

women's quarters;

inner chambers.

Gate of a palaceexamination hallwomen's quarters

Usage highlights

Imperial examination hallInner chambersPalace gateProvincial examinationMetropolitan examinationExamination compound

Synonyms

  • 门— gate, door (general term)
  • 宫门— palace gate

Antonyms

  • 外— outside, exterior
  • 公— public

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The imperial examination hall (闱场) was strictly guarded.
  • She lived in the inner chambers (闺闱) of the mansion.
  • The palace gate (宫闱) was opened for the ceremony.
  • He passed the provincial examination (秋闱).

Collocations

  • Imperial examination hall(闱场)
  • Inner chambers(闺闱)
  • Palace gate(宫闱)
  • Provincial examination(秋闱)
  • Metropolitan examination(春闱)
  • Examination compound(闱墨)

Idioms

  • The three examinations(三场闱)
  • Examination compound essays(闱墨)
  • To enter the examination hall(入闱)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Historically referred to the gates of imperial palaces and the exclusive quarters within.
  • Extended to mean the examination halls for imperial civil service exams, which were highly guarded and secluded.
  • Associated with women's private living areas in traditional Chinese household architecture, reflecting gender segregation.

FAQ