unknown, 13 strokes, radical 木, rank #29385, Very Hard
méi(mei2) T2
1crossbar; lintel
2crossbeam
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March 24, 2026
楣méi(mei2)
The character 楣 (méi) refers to a structural element in architecture, specifically a crossbar or lintel that supports a door or window. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction and traditional Chinese architecture, where such elements are vital for stability and design aesthetics.
Strokes13Radical木Frequency#29385DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese architecture, the lintel (楣) is not just a functional element but also often intricately carved, reflecting the artistry and cultural values of the period. It symbolizes the entryway to a home, embodying both protection and beauty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a strong wooden crossbeam (the 楣) holding up a beautiful ancient door. The character itself has a tree radical (木) on the left, suggesting strength and support from nature, while the right side hints at a building structure. Picture this beam as essential for a grand entrance, making it memorable.
Meanings of 楣
méi(mei2)
1crossbar; lintel
2crossbeam
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 楣
楣Simplified
13Strokes
木Radical
语素morpheme (morph.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 楣
Podcast: 楣
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AI Study Notes for 楣
Usage Notes
This word is often used in formal contexts, particularly in architectural discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters; ensure you focus on the context of structural support. Collocations include phrases like '门楣' (ménméi) meaning 'door lintel.'
HSK Study Tips
Although 楣 is not listed in the HSK vocabulary, it can be beneficial to connect it with other architectural terms you may learn at this level, such as '建筑' (jiànzhù - architecture) and '结构' (jiégòu - structure). Focus on understanding the context in which such structural terms are used.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 楣 as 'nèi' instead of 'méi.' Additionally, mixing up 楣 with similar-sounding words can lead to confusion; ensure you associate it specifically with structural support.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 楣
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Drill the tone of 楣 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
2The sound half眉 is there for the reading, not the meaning.
3The giveawaywood
4On the record aspictophonetic.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 楣? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.
Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 楣?
Decomposition of 楣
IDS Structure⿰木眉
楣Full Character
=
木Mu4
left
眉mei2
right
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 楣?
How to say crossbar; lintel in Chinese
“crossbar; lintel” in Chinese is楣méi
The character 楣 (méi) refers to a structural element in architecture, specifically a crossbar or lintel that supports a door or window. It is commonly used in contexts related to construction and traditional Chinese architecture, where such elements are vital for stability and design aesthetics.
When to use 楣
This word is often used in formal contexts, particularly in architectural discussions. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar characters; ensure you focus on the context of structural support. Collocations include phrases like '门楣' (ménméi) meaning 'door lintel.'
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 楣 as 'nèi' instead of 'méi.' Additionally, mixing up 楣 with similar-sounding words can lead to confusion; ensure you associate it specifically with structural support.
Write 楣
楣
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Practice writing 楣 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
Grammar Patterns of 楣
楣 carries 2 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
如果我不戴面纱就会有辱门____。
It would dishonour my family if I didn't wear the veil.
Example Sentences for 楣 (9)
Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
如果我不戴面纱就会有辱门楣。
rú guǒ wǒ bù dài miàn shā jiù huì yǒu rǔ mén méi。
It would dishonour my family if I didn't wear the veil.
