窗子

• Pinyin: chuāng zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 窗 = 穴 (hole) + 囱 (chimney opening); 子 = originally a pictograph of a child, here used as a noun suffix

Meaning

Window. An alternative colloquial form of 窗户, referring to a window opening.

Interchangeable with 窗户 in most everyday contexts. The suffix 子 gives it a slightly different colloquial flavour. Some regional dialects prefer 窗子 over 窗户. Equally common in spoken Chinese. Used with the same verbs: 开窗子 (open the window), 关窗子 (close the window).

Examples

1. 这间屋子的窗子太小了，光线不够。 The windows in this room are too small — there isn't enough light.
2. 下雨了，快把窗子关上吧。 It's raining — hurry and close the window.
3. 他们家的窗子对着一个小花园。 Their window faces a small garden.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, home

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个窗子的玻璃碎了，得换一块。(The glass in this window is broken — we need to replace it.)
• 你能帮我擦一下窗子吗？(Can you help me clean the window?)

Don't Say

• 在正式写作中用窗子 (In formal writing, prefer 窗 or 窗户 over 窗子 — the 子 suffix is more colloquial and dialectal)

Origin & History

窗 (window) + 子 (noun suffix). The suffix 子 is one of the most common noun suffixes in Chinese, making words more colloquial and easier to pronounce.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal