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March 24, 2026
庭tíng(ting2)
The character 庭 (tíng) refers to a courtyard or an enclosed space around a building, often associated with a home or public structure. It can also mean a court in a legal context, indicating the space where legal matters are addressed. In everyday usage, it often evokes images of openness and gathering within a defined area.
Strokes9Radical广Frequency#3102DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In traditional Chinese homes, the courtyard (庭) is a central feature, symbolizing family unity and outdoor living. Such spaces are often designed for gatherings and celebrations, emphasizing community in daily life.
Memory Tip
Imagine a spacious courtyard (庭) where everyone gathers to discuss important matters. The character looks like a house (宀) with a yard (庭) in front, symbolizing a welcoming space. The pronunciation 'tíng' can be remembered by thinking of 'ting' as a bell that rings in this open area.
Meanings of 庭
tíng(ting2)
1main hall
2front courtyard
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 庭
庭Simplified
9Strokes
广Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3102Frequency Rank
Podcast: 庭
Podcast: 庭
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AI Study Notes for 庭
Quick Contrast
院 (yuàn) - use 庭 (tíng) when referring specifically to a courtyard or open area associated with a building, while 院 (yuàn) can denote a broader space, such as a yard or courtyard that may not be enclosed.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 庭 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing homes or legal settings. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use it specifically for courtyards and courts. It often collocates with words like '院' (yuàn) meaning 'yard' or '法' (fǎ) meaning 'law' to form phrases like '法庭' (fǎtíng) for 'court of law'.
HSK Study Tips
Although 庭 is not specifically listed in the HSK levels, it can be related to Level 3 vocabulary that involves home and legal terms. Focus on distinguishing it from other similar characters and practice using it in sentences about home life or legal scenarios to reinforce learning.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 庭 with similar characters like 院 (yuàn), which means 'yard' or 'courtyard' but is more specific. For example, saying '我喜欢我的庭' (Wǒ xǐhuān wǒ de tíng) instead of '我喜欢我的院' (Wǒ xǐhuān wǒ de yuàn) can lead to misunderstanding.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 庭
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How Well Do You Know 庭?
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Learning Lab
Knowing 庭 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
The character 庭 (tíng) refers to a courtyard or an enclosed space around a building, often associated with a home or public structure. It can also mean a court in a legal context, indicating the space where legal matters are addressed. In everyday usage, it often evokes images of openness and gathering within a defined area.
When to use 庭
Be mindful that 庭 can be used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing homes or legal settings. A common mistake is to confuse it with similar-sounding words; ensure you use it specifically for courtyards and courts. It often collocates with words like '院' (yuàn) meaning 'yard' or '法' (fǎ) meaning 'law' to form phrases like '法庭' (fǎtíng) for 'court of law'.
庭 or something close to it
院 (yuàn) - use 庭 (tíng) when referring specifically to a courtyard or open area associated with a building, while 院 (yuàn) can denote a broader space, such as a yard or courtyard that may not be enclosed.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 庭 with similar characters like 院 (yuàn), which means 'yard' or 'courtyard' but is more specific. For example, saying '我喜欢我的庭' (Wǒ xǐhuān wǒ de tíng) instead of '我喜欢我的院' (Wǒ xǐhuān wǒ de yuàn) can lead to misunderstanding.
Write 庭
庭
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Grammar Patterns of 庭
庭 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). It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
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Word Family of 庭
Compounds1
榳
Words Containing This Character20
家庭jiātíngfamily
法庭fǎtíngcourt of law
庭tíngmain hall
出庭to appear in court
开庭to begin a (judicial) court session開庭
庭审court hearing庭審
庭院courtyard
休庭to adjourn (law)
大相径庭poles apart大相徑庭
大庭广众public place with numerous people大庭廣眾
天庭heaven
庭长presiding judge庭長
家庭主妇housewife家庭主婦
军事法庭court-martial軍事法庭
洞庭湖Dongting Lake in northeast Hunan province
合议庭panel of judges合議庭
审判庭court審判庭
前庭vestibule
退庭to adjourn
庭园flower garden庭園
Exercise 1 of 4
Words with 庭
What does 家庭 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 庭
Common phrases that include 庭 (tíng) are '法庭' (fǎtíng - court of law) and '庭院' (tíngyuàn - courtyard). These phrases illustrate how the character is used in different contexts, such as legal and architectural.
Yes, 庭 (tíng) generally refers to a main hall or courtyard, while 院 (yuàn) often refers to a yard or garden area. Understanding the nuances between these terms can enhance your vocabulary and comprehension in Chinese.
You can use 庭 (tíng) in a sentence like '这个庭院很漂亮' (This courtyard is beautiful). It is often combined with other words to describe places or settings, making it versatile in conversation.
庭 (tíng) can refer to a main hall, front courtyard, or a law court in Chinese. It is used in various contexts, including architecture and legal terminology. Understanding its usage can help learners recognize different settings in conversation.
In a legal context, 庭 refers to a court where legal cases are heard.
No, 庭 specifically refers to a courtyard or space associated with a building, not just any outdoor area.
Focus on the context; 庭 is specifically about courtyards or courts, while other characters may refer to different types of spaces.
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