Definition
栏杆 (lán gān) specifically refers to a railing or banister, such as on stairs, balconies, or bridges — it's a physical barrier with posts or bars. 栏 (lán) is broader: it can mean a fence, a barrier, or even a column in a table or form. Use 栏杆 when you mean a handrail or guardrail; use 栏 for general fences or abstract columns.
noun
railingbanister
Examples
- 栏杆。Zhège yángtái de lán gān shì yòng tiě zuò de.The railing of this balcony is made of iron.
- 栏杆。Tā fú zhe lán gān mànmàn zǒu shàng lóutī.He held the railing and slowly walked up the stairs.
- 栏杆，。Gōngyuán lǐ de lán gān niánjiǔ shīxiū, hěn wēixiǎn.The railings in the park have been neglected for years and are very dangerous.
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