窗口

• Pinyin: chuāng kǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 窗 = 穴 (cave/hole) + 囱 (chimney), window; 口 = pictograph of a mouth, opening

Meaning

Window; service window; counter. An opening for service or access.

Beyond the literal window of a building, commonly refers to service counters at banks, hospitals, government offices, and ticket booths. Also used metaphorically for opportunities or channels of access, as in '窗口期' (window period). In computing, refers to a software window.

Examples

1. 请到三号窗口办理业务。 Please go to window number 3 to handle your business.
2. 这是了解中国文化的一个重要窗口。 This is an important window into understanding Chinese culture.
3. 银行窗口前排着长长的队伍。 There was a long queue in front of the bank window.

Usage Guide

Context: service, everyday, official

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 您好，请问哪个窗口可以办理护照？(Hello, which window handles passport applications?)
• 疫情期间有一个接种窗口期。(There was a vaccination window period during the pandemic.)

Don't Say

• 家里的窗户一般不叫'窗口'，叫'窗户' (Home windows are usually called 窗户, not 窗口 — 窗口 implies a service counter or opening)

Origin & History

Combines 窗 (window) with 口 (opening/mouth), emphasizing the opening aspect of a window.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal