枝干 (zhī gān) — branches and trunk (of a tree or plant); (figurative) main structure, framework (of an organization, system, etc.)

Definition

Refers to the branches and trunk of a tree — the woody structure that supports the canopy and transports nutrients. Used figuratively for the main framework or backbone of an organization or system.

noun
branches and trunk (of a tree or plant)(figurative) main structureframework (of an organization, system, etc.)

Examples

  • 枝干，。
    Zhè kē shù de zhī gān hěn cū zhuàng, néng zhī chēng qǐ zhěng gè shù guān.
    The branches and trunk of this tree are strong, able to support the whole crown.
  • 枝干。
    Zhí wù de zhī gān fù zé shū sòng shuǐ fèn hé yǎng fèn.
    A plant's branches and trunk are responsible for transporting water and nutrients.
  • 枝干。
    Yí gè gōng sī de zhī gān shì gè bù mén de fù zé rén.
    A company's main structure is the heads of each department.

Origin

Compound word
构词法gòucífǎ
联合liánhéSide by side

Two parts of equal weight, alike or opposite in meaning, standing side by side.

枝zhībranch
干gāntrunk

枝 are branches and 干 is the trunk, together naming the main parts of a plant or structure.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
木木mùtree
Sound part声符shēngfú
支
支zhī枝zhī
Same sound today

枝 shows 木 (tree) beside 支, which gives the sound.

Open 枝 →

The simplified 干 stands for more than one traditional character. In most words (饼干, 干杯) it is 乾; in others (干, 干活儿) (干扰) it is 幹 or 干.

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 乾; 干 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
乙乙yǐ
Sound part声符shēngfú
倝
倝gàn乾gān
Same sound today
Open 干 →

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