jiégòu: 结构 - Structure, Composition, Framework

• Keywords: 结构, jiégòu, Chinese structure, Chinese framework, sentence structure in Chinese, organizational structure, composition, construction, what does jiegou mean, how to say structure in Chinese.
• Summary: The Chinese word 结构 (jiégòu) is the direct equivalent of the English word “structure.” It's a fundamental and versatile term used to describe the way parts are arranged to form a whole, whether you're discussing the grammar of a sentence (语法结构), the framework of a building (建筑结构), or the hierarchy of a company (公司结构). Understanding jiégòu is essential for moving beyond basic vocabulary and analyzing how things are put together in the Chinese-speaking world.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jié gòu
• Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: The way in which parts are arranged or put together to form a whole; the composition or makeup of something.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 结构 (jiégòu) as the blueprint, skeleton, or organizational chart of almost anything. It’s a neutral, analytical word that describes the internal logic and arrangement of objects, ideas, organizations, and even language itself. If you can ask “How is it put together?” or “What's its framework?”, the answer will likely involve the word 结构.

• 结 (jié): This character means “to tie,” “to knot,” or “to form.” The left-side radical 纟(sī) is a pictograph of silk threads, emphasizing the idea of binding or connecting. The right side, 吉 (jí), means “lucky” and primarily provides the phonetic sound.
• 构 (gòu): This character means “to construct” or “to build.” Its radical is 木 (mù), meaning “wood” or “tree,” which points to the act of building a physical frame, like one made of wood.
• Together, 结构 (jiégòu) literally means “to tie and construct.” This beautiful combination creates a vivid image of binding different components together (结) into a solid construction (构), perfectly capturing the essence of “structure.”

While 结构 (jiégòu) is a universal concept, its application in Chinese culture often reflects an underlying emphasis on order, hierarchy, and harmony. It’s not just about functional assembly; it’s about creating a balanced and well-ordered whole. For instance, in traditional Chinese essay writing, students learn the classic four-part 结构 called 起承转合 (qǐ chéng zhuǎn hé)—Introduction, Elucidation, Transition, and Conclusion. This structured approach to argumentation is deeply ingrained in Chinese rhetoric. We can compare this to the Western concept of a “five-paragraph essay.” Both are structures, but the Chinese model emphasizes a more fluid, evolving argument. Similarly, the concept of 结构 is crucial in 风水 (fēng shuǐ), where the physical layout (结构) of a home or office is believed to influence the flow of energy (气, qì) and create harmony, a goal that often goes beyond mere Western architectural utility. This shows that while the word is practical, the ideal 结构 in a Chinese context often aims for balance and holistic integrity.

结构 (jiégòu) is a high-frequency word used in a wide range of formal and informal contexts. It's a cornerstone vocabulary word for students, professionals, and everyday life.

• Academic/Language Learning: The most common use for learners is 句子结构 (jùzi jiégòu), or “sentence structure.” Teachers will constantly refer to the 结构 of a grammar pattern.
• Business and Economics: In the office, you'll frequently hear 组织结构 (zǔzhī jiégòu) for “organizational structure” or 公司结构 (gōngsī jiégòu) for “company structure.” In the news, 经济结构 (jīngjì jiégòu) “economic structure” and 产业结构 (chǎnyè jiégòu) “industrial structure” are common.
• Architecture and Engineering: Here, 结构 refers to the physical construction of an object, such as 建筑结构 (jiànzhù jiégòu) for “building structure” or 桥梁结构 (qiáoliáng jiégòu) for “bridge structure.”
• Creative Arts: When discussing a novel or a film, you can analyze its 故事结构 (gùshì jiégòu) “story structure” or 文章结构 (wénzhāng jiégòu) “article/essay structure.”

The word is generally neutral and formal but can be used in casual conversations whenever you are analyzing how something is put together.

• Example 1:
  • 这个句子的结构很复杂，我不太明白。
  • Pinyin: Zhège jùzi de jiégòu hěn fùzá, wǒ bù tài míngbái.
  • English: The structure of this sentence is very complex; I don't really understand it.
  • Analysis: A classic example for language learners. 结构 here refers specifically to grammatical structure.
• Example 2:
  • 写文章之前，你最好先想一下文章的结构。
  • Pinyin: Xiě wénzhāng zhīqián, nǐ zuìhǎo xiān xiǎng yīxià wénzhāng de jiégòu.
  • English: Before writing an essay, you should first think about its structure.
  • Analysis: This refers to the logical flow and organization of an essay—the introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Example 3:
  • 我们公司的结构最近进行了一些调整。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī de jiégòu zuìjìn jìnxíngle yīxiē tiáozhěng.
  • English: Our company's structure has recently undergone some adjustments.
  • Analysis: Here, 结构 refers to the organizational chart—the departments, hierarchies, and reporting relationships.
• Example 4:
  • 这座桥的结构设计得非常坚固。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zuò qiáo de jiégòu shèjì dé fēicháng jiāngù.
  • English: The structure of this bridge is designed to be very sturdy.
  • Analysis: This is a literal, physical use of the word, referring to the engineering and construction.
• Example 5:
  • 随着社会的发展，中国的家庭结构也发生了很大的变化。
  • Pinyin: Suízhe shèhuì de fāzhǎn, Zhōngguó de jiātíng jiégòu yě fāshēngle hěn dà de biànhuà.
  • English: With social development, China's family structure has also undergone great changes.
  • Analysis: A sociological use, referring to the composition of a typical family (e.g., nuclear vs. extended).
• Example 6:
  • 政府正在努力优化国家的产业结构。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ zhèngzài nǔlì yōuhuà guójiā de chǎnyè jiégòu.
  • English: The government is working hard to optimize the country's industrial structure.
  • Analysis: An economic term referring to the mix of industries (e.g., agriculture vs. manufacturing vs. services).
• Example 7:
  • 老师在课上详细解释了“把”字句的结构。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī zài kè shàng xiángxì jiěshìle “bǎ” zì jù de jiégòu.
  • English: In class, the teacher explained the structure of the “bǎ” sentence in detail.
  • Analysis: Another grammar-focused example, showing its use for specific linguistic patterns.
• Example 8:
  • 科学家们正在研究这种新材料的分子结构。
  • Pinyin: Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài yánjiū zhè zhǒng xīn cáiliào de fēnzǐ jiégòu.
  • English: Scientists are studying the molecular structure of this new material.
  • Analysis: A scientific context, referring to the arrangement of atoms in a molecule.
• Example 9:
  • 为了提高效率，我们需要重新结构我们的团队。
  • Pinyin: Wèile tígāo xiàolǜ, wǒmen xūyào chóngxīn jiégòu wǒmen de tuánduì.
  • English: To improve efficiency, we need to restructure our team.
  • Analysis: This shows how 结构 can be used as a verb, often paired with an adverb like 重新 (chóngxīn), meaning “to re-structure”.
• Example 10:
  • 这部电影的结构很独特，采用了非线性叙事。
  • Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng de jiégòu hěn dútè, cǎiyòngle fēi xiànxìng xùshì.
  • English: The structure of this movie is very unique; it uses non-linear narration.
  • Analysis: A common use in art and media criticism, referring to the plot and arrangement of scenes.

• “Structure” vs. “System” (系统 xìtǒng): This is a key distinction.
  • 结构 (jiégòu) refers to the static arrangement of parts, the framework.
  • 系统 (xìtǒng) refers to a set of interacting or interdependent components forming an integrated whole, emphasizing function and process.
  • Example: A building has a physical 结构 (jiégòu), but it has a heating 系统 (xìtǒng). The skeleton is the `jiégòu`; the circulatory system is the `xìtǒng`.
• “Structure” vs. “Arrangement/Plan” (安排 ānpái): For schedules and daily plans, 结构 is the wrong word. It's too static and foundational.
  • Incorrect: 我今天的结构很满。 (My structure for today is very full.)
  • Correct: 我今天的安排很满。 (My schedule/arrangements for today are very full.)
  • Rule of thumb: If you mean a “schedule” or “plan,” use 安排 (ānpái). If you mean a more permanent, underlying “framework,” use 结构.

• 框架 (kuàngjià) - Framework, frame. A very close synonym for 结构, often used interchangeably, but can sometimes feel more like a “skeleton” or “outline.”
• 构造 (gòuzào) - Construction, structure. More technical than 结构, often used in geology (地质构造) or anatomy (身体构造).
• 组成 (zǔchéng) - To form, to make up, composition. A verb that describes the act of forming a structure, or a noun referring to the constituent parts.
• 系统 (xìtǒng) - System. Refers to a functional set of interconnected parts, not just their static arrangement.
• 体系 (tǐxì) - System, setup. More abstract than `系统`, often used for systems of thought, knowledge, or ideology (e.g., 思想体系 - ideological system).
• 组织 (zǔzhī) - Organization; to organize. Refers specifically to the structure of a group of people (like a company or club) or the act of organizing.
• 布局 (bùjú) - Layout, arrangement. Focuses on the spatial arrangement of elements, like the layout of a room, a city, or a webpage.
• 安排 (ānpái) - Arrangement, plan. Used for scheduling events, tasks, and time. Not for static frameworks.