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measure word / noun / verb HSK 4
jià
measure word for machines, planes, instruments · frame, rack, shelf · to support, to prop up · to fight, to quarrel

Meaning

架 is a versatile character with multiple related meanings centered around the concept of a supporting structure or framework. As a measure word, it counts machines like airplanes, pianos, and cameras. As a noun, it refers to physical frames, racks, or shelves. As a verb, it means to set up or support something, or alternatively, to quarrel or fight.

Usage

As a measure word, 架 is specifically used for mechanical devices and instruments (一架飞机 'one airplane', 一架钢琴 'one piano'). The verb meaning 'to fight' is colloquial and often appears in phrases like 打架 (to fight) or 吵架 (to quarrel). The noun usage appears in compound words like 书架 (bookshelf) and 货架 (shelf for goods).

Examples

  1. 01
    天上飞过一架飞机。
    Tiān shàng fēi guò yī jià fēi jī.
    An airplane flew across the sky.
  2. 02
    他们两个人又吵架了。
    Tā men liǎng gè rén yòu chǎo jià le.
    The two of them quarreled again.

Common collocations

  • 一架飞机
    yī jià fēi jī
    one airplane
  • 一架钢琴
    yī jià gāng qín
    one piano
  • 打架
    dǎ jià
    to fight
  • 吵架
    chǎo jià
    to quarrel

Origin

The character 架 consists of 加 (to add) as the phonetic component and 木 (wood) as the semantic component, suggesting a wooden structure or framework that is built up or added together.

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