HSK · Level 22
135 words
Chinese word
架子
Pronunciation
Pinyinjià zi
Meaning
- nounshelf
Example
把书放在架子上。bǎ shū fàng zài jià zi shàng
Put the book on the shelf.
More examples
工人正在清理架子上的灰尘。gōng rén zhèng zài qīng lǐ jià zi shàng de huī chén
The worker is cleaning dust from the shelf.
Core concept
An outer structure that holds things up or out for use, and figuratively an outer manner adopted for an audience.
Common phrases
放在架子上fàng zài jià zi shàng
put on the shelf
从架子上取下cóng jià zi shàng qǔ xià
take down from the shelf
清理架子qīng lǐ jià zi
clean the shelf
Similar words
书架shū jià: A book shelf or bookcase for keeping books organized.
货架huò jià: A display rack for goods in a shop.
衣架yī jià: A bar or hook-shaped device for storing or drying clothes.
Definition in Chinese
指用于放置或陈列物品的支撑性结构，如家庭或商店中的书架、货架等；口语中也可比喻为人在他人面前摆出的做作样子。zhǐ yòng yú fàng zhì huò chén liè wù pǐn de zhī chēng xìng jié gòu rú jiā tíng huò shāng diàn zhōng de shū jià huò jià děng kóu yǔ zhōng yě kě bǐ yù wéi rén zài tā rén miàn qián bǎi chū de zuò zuò yàng zi
Word origin
In 架子 (jiàzi, "supporting frame"), 架 (jià, "to support or frame") supplies the structural idea while 子 (zi, "noun-forming suffix") makes a noun, linking a useful structure with a displayed manner.
Usage tips
- When it describes a person rather than furniture, the word often suggests an affected manner and can make the speaker sound disapproving.