Meaning:

palace

Origin:

早期的甲骨文“宫”的字形是两个相连的方块状，表示宫室的建筑物。后来加上屋宇的义符“宀”，就更明确地表达了字义。

On early oracle bone inscriptions, “宫” appeared as two connected squares, which represented palace buildings. Later, the semantic radical for buildings (“宀”) was added, making the expression more explicit.

Words:

   故宫      (Gùgōng) : the Forbidden City

   宫女     (gōngnǚ)  : a maid in an imperial palace; female court attendant

   宫车     (gōngchē) : royal carriage

   宫廷    (gōngtíng)  : court

   宫殿     (gōngdiàn): palace

Examples:

1. 每天都有很多人参观故宫。

    Měitiān dōuyǒu hěnduō rén cānguān Gùgōng

    Every day, many people visit the Forbidden City.

2. 她年轻的时候做过宫女。

    Tā niánqīng de shíhou zuòguò gōngnǚ.

    She was a maid in an imperial palace when she was young.