架子

• Pinyin: jià zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 架 = 木 + 加 (wood + add — a frame made of wood or other materials); 子 = pictograph of a child (common noun suffix)

Meaning

Frame; rack; shelf; stand; scaffolding. Figuratively: airs; pretentiousness; an attitude of superiority or unapproachability.

In its literal sense, 架子 refers to any supporting structure. Figuratively, 摆架子 (to put on airs) is a common expression criticising someone who acts superior or refuses to mingle with ordinary people. The dual usage is well understood by all speakers.

Examples

1. 书房里靠墙摆着一排实木书架，上面整齐地摆放着各类书籍和摆件。 Against the wall in the study stood a row of solid-wood bookshelves, neatly arranged with all kinds of books and decorations.
2. 他虽然功成名就，却从不摆架子，对待任何人都平易近人、谦逊有礼。 Even though he’s achieved fame and success, he never puts on airs—he treats everyone with warmth and humility.
3. 这位年轻教授没有丝毫学术架子，愿意耐心回答学生提出的任何问题。 This young professor has no academic pretension at all and is willing to patiently answer any question students ask.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday life, social commentary, construction, culture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 在中国传统文化语境中，一个人若是功成名就后开始摆架子、端着身份不与普通人交往，往往会被认为是忘本的表现，在民间评价中也会大打折扣。(In the context of traditional Chinese culture, if a person, after achieving success and fame, begins to put on airs and distances themselves from ordinary people by standing on ceremony, this is often seen as a sign of forgetting one's roots, which significantly detracts from their reputation in popular opinion.)
• 施工队搭好脚手架后，工人们便可以沿着这套坚固的架子逐层攀升，对整栋建筑的外立面进行全面的修缮与翻新作业。(After the construction team had erected the scaffolding, the workers were able to climb level by level along this sturdy frame to carry out comprehensive repair and renovation work on the exterior facade of the entire building.)

Don't Say

• 架子 has two clearly distinct meanings: literal (frame/rack/shelf) and figurative (airs/pretentiousness). Do not use 架子 for emotional pride (骄傲) or simple vanity (虚荣) — it specifically refers to the social behavior of acting superior or unapproachable towards others.

Origin & History

架 (frame; rack; to prop up) + 子 (noun suffix; child — forming a noun for a structural frame or stand)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal