How to Write 窗 (chuāng) — Meaning “A window.”

Imagine a cave (穴) with a square chimney (囱) cut into its wall – the chimney lets light in like a window. This visual of a cave with an opening helps you connect the shape to the meaning of window.

Pay attention to the proportions: the top radical 穴 should be narrow, while the bottom part 囱 is wider and box-like. A common mistake is writing the bottom part with an extra stroke or making it too tall – it should look like a small square with a cross inside.

窗 means window, while 窄 (zhǎi) means narrow and has the bottom part 乍 instead of 囱. 窅 (yǎo) means deep or sunken and has a bottom part 目 (eye) instead of 囱 – they look similar but have completely different meanings and uses.

窗 appears in everyday words like 窗户 (window), 窗口 (window or service counter), and 窗帘 (curtain). In Chinese culture, windows are often designed with intricate wooden lattice patterns, and the word 窗口 is also commonly used for ticket booths or help desks in buildings.

Common words containing 窗 include: 窗户 (chuāng hù) — Window; 窗口 (chuāng kǒu) — A window or a service counter.; 窗帘 (chuāng lián) — Curtain.