Definitions

dòng (classifier) classifier for houses or buildings
dòng (noun) ridgepole

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

栋, traditionally written as 棟, is a phono-semantic compound. The wood radical 木 on the left indicates its association with timber, while the component 東 on the right provides the phonetic value. It originally referred to the main ridgepole, the highest horizontal beam in a traditional roof that supports the rafters. As this beam is essential for structural integrity, the character's meaning extended metaphorically to describe individuals who bear heavy responsibilities or serve as foundational pillars of a nation or organization. It can also function as a measure word for buildings.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这是一高楼。

Zhè shì yī dòng gāo lóu.

This is a tall building.

房子很旧。

Nà dòng fángzi hěn jiù.

That building is very old.

我们学校有三教学楼。

Wǒmen xuéxiào yǒu sān dòng jiàoxuélóu.

Our school has three teaching buildings.

大厦是城市的标志。

Zhè dòng dàshà shì chéngshì de biāozhì.

This skyscraper is the city's landmark.

新建的公寓很受欢迎。

Nà dòng xīn jiàn de gōngyù hěn shòu huānyíng.

That newly built apartment is very popular.

建筑的风格非常独特。

Zhè dòng jiànzhù de fēnggé fēicháng dútè.

The style of this building is very unique.

他们计划拆除那危楼。

Tāmen jìhuà chāichú nà dòng wēilóu.

They plan to demolish that dangerous building.

古宅的历史可以追溯到清朝。

Zhè dòng gǔ zhái de lìshǐ kěyǐ zhuīsù dào Qīng cháo.

The history of this ancient house can be traced back to the Qing dynasty.