架子
jiàzi
The English word "shelf" is translated into Chinese as 架子 (jiàzi).
架子 is a general term for a structure or a shelf. In more specific contexts, other terms may be preferred: 货架 is used for shelves in commercial settings like supermarkets, while 搁板 can also be used to mean shelf.
Meaning: structure (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The character 架 (jià) refers to a rack or a frame.
Which one should you use?
While 架子 is a general term for a shelf or rack, 书架 (shūjià) specifically refers to a bookshelf.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the term 書架 (syu1 gaa3) is commonly used to refer to a shelf.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say that an object is "on the shelf", use the grammatical structure 在 架子 上 (zài…shàng).
How do you pronounce it?
jiàzi
Did you know?
- The word 架子 (jiàzi) is used idiomatically to describe someone who puts on 'airs' or acts haughty. To 摆架子 (bǎi jiàzi) literally means to 'set up a shelf' but actually means to act superior to others.
- In many Chinese contexts, the word 架 (jià) is also used to refer to a 'frame' for things like glasses or even a 'framework' for a computer program. It functions as a core concept for any supporting structure.
- The suffix 子 (zi) in 架子 is a noun-forming element that often disappears in compound words, such as in 书架 (shūjià) for bookshelf.
Examples in context
- 杯子在架子上。The cup is on the shelf.This sentence shows the use of 架子 to indicate location.Tatoeba #13971954 by LeviHighway, translation #13971610 by rul
- 他從架子上拿下書。He got the book down from the shelf.This sentence shows the action of taking something from the 架子.Tatoeba #6047497 by verdastelo9604, translation #301376 by CK
- 請把書放在架子上。Please put the book on the shelf.This sentence shows the instruction to place an object on the 架子.Tatoeba #891130 by Martha, translation #43901 by CK
- 请问书架在哪里？Excuse me, where is the shelf?
- 请问货架上还有这本书吗？Excuse me, is this book still on the shelf?
- 请问我应该把这个放在哪个搁板上？Excuse me, where should I put this on the shelf?
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At home, Xiaowen is organizing the storage room with Junjie.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这个架子太旧了。zhège jiàzi tài jiù le.This shelf is too old.
- 俊杰 Junjie我们要换个新的架子吗？wǒmen yào huàn gè xīn de jiàzi ma?Do we need to change to a new shelf?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen是的，我们需要一个结实的架子。shì de, wǒmen xūyào yīgè jiēshi de jiàzi.Yes, we need a sturdy shelf.
- 俊杰 Junjie我明天去买一个架子回来。wǒ míngtiān qù mǎi yīgè jiàzi huílái.I will go buy a shelf tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shelf” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
