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甍 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
甍méngrafters supporting roof tileszg, 14 strokes, radical 瓦
甍méngrafters supporting tilesunknown, 14 strokes, radical 瓦
甍méngridge of a roofunknown, 14 strokes, radical 瓦
méng(meng2) T2
  1. 1rafters supporting roof tiles
  2. 2rafters supporting tiles
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

甍méng(meng2)

The character 甍 (méng) refers to the rafters that support roof tiles, specifically the ridge or peak of a roof. It is often used in architectural contexts when discussing traditional Chinese buildings and their structures. Understanding this term can enhance one's appreciation for traditional Chinese architecture and its intricate designs.

Strokes14Radical瓦
Cultural Note

In ancient China, the construction and design of roofs were not only functional but also symbolic, reflecting the owner's status and the importance of harmony with nature. The term 甍 is closely associated with traditional Chinese courtyard houses and palatial architecture.

Memory Tip

Imagine a mountain (the 'm' in méng) with a roof made of tiles resting on its peak, symbolizing the rafters that support these tiles. The shape of the character resembles a roof structure, with the top indicating the peak and the bottom representing the supporting rafters.

Meanings of 甍

méng(meng2)
1rafters supporting roof tiles
2rafters supporting tiles
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 甍

甍Simplified
14Strokes
瓦Radical
状态词stative word (stat.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank

Podcast: 甍

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Podcast: 甍

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AI Study Notes for 甍

Usage Notes

This term is quite formal and typically used in architectural or historical discussions rather than in everyday conversation. Learners might confuse it with other roof-related terms, so be mindful of context. It collocates well with other architectural terms and is often seen in literature related to Chinese buildings.

HSK Study Tips

Although 甍 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with HSK Level 4 terms related to architecture and construction like 建筑 (jiànzhú) meaning 'building.' Focus on recognizing how architectural vocabulary can enhance understanding of cultural heritage.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 甍 with 屋顶 (wūdǐng), which is a more general term for 'roof.' Using 甍 in everyday conversation can sound overly formal or archaic, so it's better suited for architectural contexts.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 甍

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Etymology of 甍

Formation TypeIdeographic 指事
六书 ClassificationIdeograph (指事字)~2% of characters
Memory Hint

Beams 罒 supporting roof 冖 tiles 瓦

Learn more about Ideograph (指事字) characters

Jason Etymology Detective

Case file: 甍

  1. 1The giveawayBeams 罒 supporting roof 冖 tiles 瓦
  2. 2On the record asideographic — someone drew an idea rather than an object.

Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.

Want the full history of 甍? 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 甍?

Decomposition of 甍

IDS Structure⿱⿱艹罒⿱冖瓦
甍Full Character
=
艹cao3
top
罒wang3
bottom
冖mi4
top
瓦wa3
bottom
Exercise 1 of 3

Identify the Components

Which of these is a component of 甍?

How to say rafters supporting roof tiles in Chinese

“rafters supporting roof tiles” in Chinese is甍méng

The character 甍 (méng) refers to the rafters that support roof tiles, specifically the ridge or peak of a roof. It is often used in architectural contexts when discussing traditional Chinese buildings and their structures. Understanding this term can enhance one's appreciation for traditional Chinese architecture and its intricate designs.

When to use 甍

This term is quite formal and typically used in architectural or historical discussions rather than in everyday conversation. Learners might confuse it with other roof-related terms, so be mindful of context. It collocates well with other architectural terms and is often seen in literature related to Chinese buildings.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 甍 with 屋顶 (wūdǐng), which is a more general term for 'roof.' Using 甍 in everyday conversation can sound overly formal or archaic, so it's better suited for architectural contexts.

Write 甍

甍

Practice writing 甍 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Word Family of 甍

Words Containing This Character1
甍méngridge of a roof
Exercise 1 of 1

Compound Meaning

What does 甍 mean?

Frequently Asked Questions about 甍

It is rarely used in modern architecture and is mostly associated with traditional Chinese roofing structures.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 甍?

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