框架 kuàngjià frame
(construction) frame; (figuratively) framework
How to remember 框架: 框 frame + 架 measure word for planes and large machines = frame.
Characters
How it is used
- Literal or figurative structural skeleton - 汽车的框架 (qìchē de kuàngjià) the car's frame, or 理论框架 (lǐlùn kuàngjià) theoretical framework.
- Very common in abstract/tech talk: 合作框架 (hézuò kuàngjià) cooperation framework, or a software 框架 like React.
- Contrast 结构 (jiégòu, structure/how parts fit together): 框架 is the outer supporting skeleton you build within, 结构 is the internal arrangement.