书架

• Pinyin: shū jià
• Hanzi breakdown: 书 = simplified from 書, a hand holding a brush; 架 = 加 (add) + 木 (wood), a wooden frame

Meaning

Bookshelf; bookcase. A piece of furniture used for storing and displaying books.

A straightforward compound noun. Can refer to a single shelf or an entire bookcase. Common in home, library, and office contexts.

Examples

1. 书架上摆满了各种各样的书。 The bookshelf is filled with all kinds of books.
2. 我想买一个新书架放在卧室。 I want to buy a new bookshelf for the bedroom.
3. 请把这本书放回书架上。 Please put this book back on the bookshelf.

Usage Guide

Context: home, library, furniture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 书架上有很多有趣的小说。(There are many interesting novels on the bookshelf.)
• 我帮你把书架整理一下。(Let me help you tidy up the bookshelf.)

Don't Say

• 请把杯子放在书架上。(Avoid putting unrelated items on a 书架 in descriptions — while physically possible, 书架 specifically implies a shelf for books. Use 架子 for general shelves.)

Origin & History

书 (book) + 架 (shelf/rack). A simple descriptive compound meaning 'book rack'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal