About
The character "阁", whose traditional form is 閣, originates from a combination of the semantic component 門 (door, gate) and the phonetic component 各. Its initial meaning referred specifically to a side door or a private passageway within a larger gate structure, often one that could be bolted shut, which aligns with the implication of control or separation found in its phonetic element. Over time, its application broadened from this specific architectural feature to denote elevated wooden structures built for observation, leisure, or storage, such as pavilions or towers, which were conceptually separate or private spaces. This architectural sense further extended metaphorically to spaces for storing valuable items, leading to words like "藏书阁" (library), and by administrative analogy, it came to be used in titles for high-level official chambers or councils, such as in "内阁" (cabinet), implying a secluded space of deliberation and authority. The simplified form 阁 retains the core structure while streamlining the traditional 門 component.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我家的阁楼很宽敞。
内阁会议即将开始。
阁下，这是您的包裹。
公园里有个漂亮的阁子。
书阁的藏书非常丰富。
这座阁楼的设计很有创意。
内阁官员讨论了经济政策。
在历史文献中，这座阁楼被描述为重要的文化遗产。