阁 (gé) - Pavilion, tower, cabinet, chamber & originally a side door or small door

阁Tone 2

gé ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical: 门

枫惠

阁 · gé

Pavilion, tower, cabinet, chamber;

originally a side door or small door;

later extended to mean a multi-storied building, cabinet (government), and women's chambers.

Pavilion, tower, cabinet, chamberoriginally a side door or small doorlater extended to mean a multi-storied building, cabinet

Usage highlights

CabinetPavilionWomen's chambersAtticPavilion libraryPrince's residence

Synonyms

  • 楼— tower, building (more general)
  • 亭— pavilion (usually smaller, open-sided)
  • 斋— study, studio (for scholarly pursuits)

Antonyms

  • 棚— shed, shack (humble structure)
  • 穴— cave, den (natural vs. constructed)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • We visited the ancient pavilion (古阁) in the park.
  • The cabinet meeting (内阁会议) was held yesterday.
  • She lives in the inner chambers (闺阁) of the mansion.
  • The book is stored in the pavilion library (阁楼).

Collocations

  • Cabinet(内阁)
  • Pavilion(楼阁)
  • Women's chambers(闺阁)
  • Attic(阁楼)
  • Pavilion library(藏书阁)
  • Prince's residence(王府阁)

Idioms

  • Placed in a high position(束之高阁)
  • A pavilion in the air(空中楼阁)
  • The Flying Rainbow Pavilion(飞虹阁)
  • The Tower that Reaches the Clouds(凌云阁)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese architecture, a 'ge' is an elegant, often multi-storied structure, typically built in scenic spots for viewing.
  • In imperial contexts, 'ge' referred to the inner chambers where women resided, reflecting gender segregation.
  • In modern political terminology, 'neige' (内阁) denotes the cabinet, indicating a council of high officials.
  • The character appears in many famous historical building names, such as Tian'anmen Gate Tower (天安门城楼).

FAQ