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March 24, 2026
凳dèng(deng4)
The character 凳 (dèng) refers to a type of seat, specifically a bench or stool that is usually low and without a backrest. It is commonly used in informal settings, such as homes, parks, or traditional Chinese tea houses, and can serve as a multipurpose piece of furniture.
Strokes14Radical几Frequency#15045DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, low stools or benches are often used during tea ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and informal gatherings among family and friends.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'deng' (凳) that acts like a friendly stool at a gathering, with its flat top inviting you to sit and relax. The character has a roof-like component (亻) suggesting shelter, and the bottom part (邕) looks like a sturdy base, supporting your weight as you enjoy tea with friends.
Meanings of 凳
dèng(deng4)
1bench; stool
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 凳
凳Simplified
14Strokes
几Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
Podcast: 凳
Podcast: 凳
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AI Study Notes for 凳
Quick Contrast
椅子 (yǐzi) refers to a chair with a backrest, while 凳 (dèng) specifically denotes a low stool or bench without one.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'deng' (凳) that acts like a friendly stool at a gathering, with its flat top inviting you to sit and relax. The character has a roof-like component (亻) suggesting shelter, and the bottom part (邕) looks like a sturdy base, supporting your weight as you enjoy tea with friends.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 凳 with other seating-related words like 椅子 (yǐzi), which means 'chair'. Remember that 凳 specifically refers to a bench or stool, typically lacking a back. It's commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese, but be mindful of using it in informal contexts.
HSK Study Tips
Though 凳 is not currently included in the HSK vocabulary list, it can be associated with furniture-related words in HSK levels 1-3. Students should focus on context and usage related to home and social settings to strengthen their grasp of everyday conversations.
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese culture, low stools or benches are often used during tea ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and informal gatherings among family and friends.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 凳 with other seating words. For example, saying '我坐在凳子上' (Wǒ zuò zài dèngzi shàng) is incorrect as '凳子' is not used; instead, simply use '我坐在凳上' (Wǒ zuò zài dèng shàng).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 凳
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Grammar Patterns of 凳
凳 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
长____的靠背可以向前翻折成一张桌子。
The back of the bench folds forward to make a table.
The stool comes in several sizes in walnut or mahogany.
3
他坐在吧台前的高凳子上.
tā zuò zài bā tái qián de gāo dèng zǐ shàng.
He perched on a tall stool by the bar.
4
近河边砌有石凳, 建有护栏, 大树成阴.
jìn hé biān qì yǒu shí dèng, , jiàn yǒu hù, lán , dà shù.
Assemble a stone bench near the river, built a fence, tree shade.
5
回过来谦逊地坐上那只空凳子.
huí guò lái qiān xùn dì zuò shàng nà zhī kōng dèng zǐ.
He took the vacant seat with an air of apology.
6
他将一则题字刻在长凳上.
tā jiāng yī zé tí zì kè zài cháng dèng shàng.
He carved an inscription on a bench.
7
那个凳子的红色塑料座面已经破旧不堪。
nà gè dèng zǐ de hóng sè sù liào zuò miàn yǐ jīng pò jiù bù kān。
The stool had a torn, red plastic seat.
8
他抬身坐上了一张高凳子。
tā tái shēn zuò shàng le yī zhāng gāo dèng zǐ。
He hoisted himself onto a high stool.
Cultural Notes for 凳
🏮Cultural insight
In traditional Chinese culture, low stools or benches are often used during tea ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences and informal gatherings among family and friends.
Word Family of 凳
Words Containing This Character8
凳dèngbench
凳子dèngzistool
板凳wooden bench or stool
长凳pew長凳
坐冷板凳to hold an inconsequential job
老虎凳tiger bench (torture method in which the victim sits with legs extended horizontally along a bench, upper legs held down with straps while bricks are inserted under the feet, forcing the knee joint to bend in reverse)
条凳bench條凳
桌椅板凳chairs and tables
Exercise 1 of 4
Compound Meaning
What does 凳 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 凳
No, 凳 is typically used in informal settings, so it may not be appropriate for formal occasions.
No, 凳 specifically refers to a stool or bench, not a chair with a back.
椅子 (yǐzi) refers to a chair with a backrest, while 凳 (dèng) is a backless seat, usually lower.
