About
The character "碉" is constructed from the semantic component for stone (石) combined with the phonetic component (周), which also conveys a sense of enclosure or periphery, and its meaning has shifted from a specific architectural term to a broader military one. Originally, the character described the distinct stone watchtowers and residential structures built by ethnic groups in the mountainous regions of southwestern China, reflecting its literal stone construction and defensive purpose. Over time, this concrete architectural reference was extended and generalized to signify any sturdy, fortified military emplacement or bunker, leading to the modern compound word 碉堡 (blockhouse or pillbox). The character itself has retained its traditional form, as it was not subject to graphical simplification.
Example Sentences Hide
山上有一座碉堡。
碉堡的墙很厚。
士兵们在碉堡里守卫。
古老的碉楼保存得很好。
他们在山腰修建了一个新碉堡。
碉堡的射击孔对准了山谷。
为了防御敌人，村庄周围建起了碉楼。
在历史战争中，碉堡起到了重要的防守作用。