棺

A coffin, specifically a wooden one.

Functions almost exclusively as a noun; it has no significant verbal or adjectival usage.

In ritual or funeral contexts, distinguish this term from other burial containers:

• 棺 (guān): The inner coffin holding the body directly.
• 槨 (guǒ): The outer coffin or sarcophagus. Together as 棺槨, they refer to the complete burial assembly.
• 柩 (jiù): Specifically denotes the coffin in transit (the bier).