架子

jiàzi

noun HSK 7-9 #5,954

Meanings

1 frame; rack; shelf
2 airs; haughty manner

Characters

frame; shelf; to support

架 is a frame or support structure; 子 makes it a concrete noun. The figurative meaning 'airs' comes from putting up a structure/facade.

Examples

HSK 1

他一点架子都没有。

Tā yìdiǎn jiàzi dōu méiyǒu.

He doesn't put on any airs at all.

HSK 3

把书放在架子上。

Bǎ shū fàng zài jiàzi shàng.

Put the books on the shelf.

HSK 4

别摆架子了，大家都是朋友。

Bié bǎi jiàzi le, dàjiā dōu shì péngyou.

Stop putting on airs, we're all friends here.

Tips

usage

摆架子 (put on airs) and 端架子 (hold up airs) are set phrases meaning to act arrogant or superior. 没架子 is a compliment meaning someone is down-to-earth despite their status.

Stroke Order

架 jià

子 zǐ