Definition
门楣 literally refers to the horizontal beam above a doorframe (the lintel). In traditional Chinese houses, the door lintel was often decorated with carvings or calligraphy that reflected the family’s social standing. Over time, the word gained an extended meaning: the honor, status, or prestige of a family — you’ll see it in phrases like 光耀门楣 ('to bring glory to one’s family') or 门楣不显 ('the family has no high standing'). The two senses are tied — the physical lintel was once a visible marker of a family’s rank, so the word naturally extended to the abstract concept.
n.
the lintel of a doorthe horizontal beam above a doorwayfamily statusthe honor or prestige of a family (especially in traditional contexts)
Examples
- 门楣。Zhè zuò lǎo zhái de mén méi shàng kè zhe jīngměi de huāwén.The lintel of this old house is carved with exquisite patterns.
- ，门楣。Tā kǎo zhòng le zhuàngyuan, guāngyào le quán jiā de mén méi.He came first in the imperial exams, bringing glory to the whole family.
- ，门楣。Zài gǔdài, mén qián de mén méi gāodī zhíjiē dàibiǎo zhè hù rén de shèhuì dìwèi.In ancient times, the height of the lintel at the entrance directly represented the social status of the household.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.