About
The character 栋, whose traditional form is 棟, structurally combines the semantic component 木 (wood) with the phonetic component 東 (simplified to 东). Originally denoting the ridgepole, the central wooden beam that bears the weight of a roof in traditional construction, its meaning extended from this specific architectural element to any vital supporting structure. Over time, this concrete sense gave way to metaphorical usage, where 栋 came to signify a person or element of critical importance within a group or system, reflecting its role as a foundational pillar. The character's composition has maintained the wood radical, consistent with its initial material association, while the phonetic element continues to indicate its pronunciation in both orthographic variants.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
这是一栋高楼。
那栋房子很旧。
我们学校有三栋教学楼。
这栋大厦是城市的标志。
那栋新建的公寓很受欢迎。
这栋建筑的风格非常独特。
他们计划拆除那栋危楼。
这栋古宅的历史可以追溯到清朝。