창문

A window is one of the most common features in any building. It is essentially an opening that connects the interior of a space to the outside world.

Beyond just letting in natural light and fresh air, windows provide a sense of connection to the environment. Whether you are looking out from a high-rise office or a cozy bedroom, the window acts as a frame for the world beyond your walls.

Think of it as the 'eyes' of a house. Without them, rooms would feel dark, cramped, and isolated. They are essential for both physical comfort and mental well-being.

The word window has a beautiful and ancient history. It comes from the Old Norse word vindauga, which is a combination of vindr (wind) and auga (eye).

Literally, it means an 'eye for the wind.' In ancient times, before glass was common, windows were just holes in the walls that let the wind blow through. This explains why the word emphasizes the movement of air rather than the glass itself.

As architecture evolved, we added shutters and eventually glass to keep the elements out while keeping the 'eye' functional. It is fascinating how a word from Viking-era Scandinavia still describes the exact same architectural feature we use in modern skyscrapers today.

You will use the word window constantly in daily life. It is a neutral, everyday noun that fits into almost any register, from casual conversation to professional architectural discussions.

Commonly, we talk about opening or closing a window. You might also hear people talk about looking out the window or cleaning the windows. In a more metaphorical sense, a 'window of opportunity' refers to a limited time frame to achieve something.

When speaking formally, you might describe a window as being 'paned' or 'double-glazed' for energy efficiency. Regardless of the context, the word remains clear and universally understood across all English-speaking cultures.

Window of opportunity: A short period of time when you can do something successful. Example: We have a small window of opportunity to finish the project before the deadline.

Throw money out the window: To waste money. Example: Buying that broken car was like throwing money out the window.

Window shopping: Looking at goods in shop windows without the intention to buy. Example: We spent the afternoon window shopping downtown.

Out the window: When something is completely forgotten or ignored. Example: Once the vacation started, my diet went right out the window.

A window into: A way to understand or see something hidden. Example: This book provides a fascinating window into the lives of historical figures.

The word window is a regular countable noun. Its plural form is simply windows. You can use it with articles like 'a window' or 'the window'.

In terms of pronunciation, the stress is on the first syllable: WIN-dow. The 'w' sound is rounded, and the 'ow' at the end is a diphthong /oʊ/ in American English.

It rhymes with words like shadow, meadow, and hollow. When using it in a sentence, it often acts as the object of a verb, such as 'I opened the window' or 'The bird hit the window'. It is a very straightforward word for learners to master.