结构 (jié gòu) — (noun) structure (of a building, organism, syst… | TongTong Chinese Dictionary

Definition

结构 is the abstract 'structure' of a system, body, or organization — how its parts fit together, not the building itself (that's 建筑). As a verb-like noun, it's closer to 构成 than to 构造 (which leans toward physical/tectonic building).

noun

structure (of a building, organism, system)compositionmakeup (of a substance, group)architectureorganizational structure (of a company, organization)

Measure word · 座, 个

Examples

结构。
Zhè ge jiàn zhù de jié gòu fēi cháng jiān gù.
The structure of this building is very solid.
结构。
Wǒ men shēn tǐ lǐ de jié gòu hěn fù zá.
The structure inside our bodies is very complex.
结构。
Gōng sī mù qián de zǔ zhī jié gòu xū yào gǎi gé.
The current organizational structure of the company needs reform.

Origin

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

联合liánhéCoordinate

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

结jiécombine

'结' means to combine and '构' means to build, together forming a 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.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 結; 结 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

糸糸mì

Sound part声符shēngfú

吉

吉jí結jié

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 結 pairs 糸 with 吉; 吉 gives the sound, and 糸 relates to the meaning. The simplified 结 is a later shorthand.

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

木勾构

Meaning part形符xíngfú

Sound part声符shēngfú

勾

勾gōu构gòu

Same sound today

构 combines 木 (wood) with 勾, which gives the sound.

Appears in

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