HSK 4, unknown, 12 strokes, radical 穴, rank #3896, Hard
chuāng(chuang1) T1
1old variant of 窗[chuāng]
2window
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March 24, 2026
窗(牎)chuāng(chuang1)
窗 (chuāng) means 'window' in Mandarin. It refers to an opening in a wall or structure that allows light and air to enter, often fitted with glass. This character is commonly used in everyday language related to buildings, rooms, and interior design.
Strokes12Radical穴Frequency#3896DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, windows often symbolize opportunities and perspectives. Traditional homes such as siheyuan (四合院) feature distinctive windows that are designed to frame views of the courtyard.
Memory Tip
Imagine a big 'CHU' (like 'chew') with a 'WANG' (like 'wang' meaning king) sitting by a 'window' looking out. The character 窗 has the '户' radical, which resembles a house, emphasizing its connection to openings in buildings.
Meanings of 窗
chuāng(chuang1)
1window
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 窗
窗Simplified
牎Traditional
12Strokes
穴Radical
处所词locative noun (loc.)Part of Speech
#3896Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 窗
Podcast: 窗
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AI Study Notes for 窗
Quick Contrast
窗户 (chuānghù) vs 窗口 (chuāngkǒu) — use 窗 when referring specifically to the window structure, while 窗户 typically refers to the entire window unit including the frame.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a big 'CHU' (like 'chew') with a 'WANG' (like 'wang' meaning king) sitting by a 'window' looking out. The character 窗 has the '户' radical, which resembles a house, emphasizing its connection to openings in buildings.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 窗 (chuāng) with other similar-sounding words. This term is informal and commonly used in daily conversations. Common collocations include '窗户' (chuānghù, window) and '窗帘' (chuānglián, curtain).
HSK Study Tips
Although 窗 is not included in the HSK lists, it is essential for beginners focusing on vocabulary related to home and daily life. Students should connect this word with related terms like '门' (mén, door) and '房间' (fángjiān, room) to build a practical vocabulary base.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, windows often symbolize opportunities and perspectives. Traditional homes such as siheyuan (四合院) feature distinctive windows that are designed to frame views of the courtyard.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly pronounce 窗 as 'chuàng' (fourth tone) instead of 'chuāng' (first tone). Additionally, some may confuse it with '窗帘' (chuānglián), which means 'curtain', not realizing the specific reference to 'window'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 窗
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Grammar Patterns of 窗
窗 carries 3 distinct meanings. Below you'll find the patterns that show how it combines with other words, plus example sentences pulled directly from native usage.
Half the shops are boarded up on the estate's small shopping street.
8
橱窗里有一架相机待售。
chú chuāng lǐ yǒu yī jià xiāng jī dài shòu。
There was a camera for sale in the window.
9
几个帮派昨晚聚众闹事，他们打碎商店临街的玻璃窗，并投掷石块和瓶子。
jī gè bāng pài zuó wǎn jù zhòng nào shì， ， tā mén dǎ suì shāng diàn lín jiē de bō lí， chuāng ， bìng tóu zhì shí kuài hé。
Gangs rioted last night, breaking storefront windows and hurling rocks and bottles.
10
别忘了锁好门窗。
bié wàng le suǒ hǎo mén chuāng。
Don't forget to lock up.
Cultural Notes for 窗
💡Did you know?
In traditional Chinese architecture, windows were often designed with intricate wooden frames and paper, allowing light while providing privacy. The character '窗' reflects this as it represents a space that connects the indoors with the outdoors.
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, windows often symbolize opportunities and perspectives. Traditional homes such as siheyuan (四合院) feature distinctive windows that are designed to frame views of the courtyard.
Word Family of 窗
Words Containing This Character20
窗户chuānghuwindow窗戶
窗chuāngshutter
窗口chuāngkǒuwindow
窗帘chuāngliánwindow curtains窗簾
车窗car window車窗
窗子chuāngziwindow
橱窗display window櫥窗
天窗hatchway
窗台chuāngtáiwindow sill窗臺
百叶窗shutter百葉窗
铁窗barred window of a prison cell鐵窗
视窗Windows (the Microsoft operating system)視窗
同窗schoolmate
落地窗French window
窗框window frame
东窗事发to come to light東窗事發
开天窗to leave a blank to mark censored area開天窗
窗玻璃window pane
纱窗screen window紗窗
窗花paper cutting
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 窗户 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 窗
The character 窗 is the modern form, while its old variant also represents 'window.' The difference lies mainly in usage, as the old variant may appear in historical texts or classical literature, while the modern version is used in everyday language.
Yes, 窗 is commonly used in modern Chinese to refer to windows in homes, buildings, and vehicles. It is a fundamental vocabulary word for learners of the language, especially when discussing architecture or interior design.
窗 (chuāng) means 'window' in Chinese. It refers to an opening in a wall or structure that allows light and air to enter. The character is commonly used in both modern and classical contexts.
You can use 窗 (chuāng) in a sentence like '我打开窗' (Wǒ dǎkāi chuāng), which means 'I opened the window.' It can also be used in phrases to describe actions related to windows, such as closing or cleaning them.
窗 (chuāng) refers specifically to the window itself, while 窗户 (chuānghù) means 'window frame' or can refer to a window in a more general sense.
Yes, 窗 can be used in both informal and formal contexts, but for formal architectural discussions, you might encounter 窗户 more often.
It is pronounced 'chuāng' with a first tone, which is high and level.
