top ornament; hat pearl; roof
Meanings
3 senses · 6 examplesnoun
ornamental top; decorative finial (on pavilion, pagoda, sedan chair, etc.)
Refers to the decorative structure at the very top of traditional Chinese architecture or vehicles.
The finial of this pavilion is made of golden glazed tiles.
The ornamental tops on ancient sedan chairs often symbolized the owner's status.
noun
hat pearl; button (on top of Qing dynasty official hats indicating rank)
archaicHistorical term referring to the colored pearl or glass button on Qing dynasty official caps. Red indicated high rank.
Qing dynasty officials were distinguished by rank according to the color of their hat pearls.
A red hat pearl represented a first-rank high official.
noun
roof (of a house)
dialectRegional/dialect usage, often found in northern Chinese dialects. Commonly used in the phrase '挑顶子' meaning to repair or rebuild the roof.
The old house is leaking; it needs a roof repair.
The workers are repairing the roof, replacing the old tiles with new ones.