Meanings of 台
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About 台
Podcast: 台
Podcast: 台
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AI Study Notes for 台
台 (tái) vs 桌 (zhuō) — use 台 for platforms or stages, while 桌 specifically refers to tables.
台 is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but be careful not to confuse it with 臺 (tái), which is a more traditional variant. When using it as a classifier for certain objects, make sure to pair it correctly with the noun it describes, such as 台车 (tái chē) for 'vehicle'.
As an HSK 4 word, 台 connects well with other words related to places and objects, such as 站 (zhàn, station) and 桌子 (zhuōzi, table). Focus on its various meanings and contexts, especially in relation to Taiwan and the usage of classifiers.
Learners often confuse 台 (tái) with its variant 臺 (tái), mistakenly using one for the other in written or spoken contexts. For example, saying 臺北 (táiběi) instead of 台北 (táiběi) is incorrect.
Pronunciation of 台
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Etymology of 台
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 以 represents the sound. 口 (mouth) indicates that the character is only "mouthed", i.e. only used for its phonetic value. In simplified Chinese 台 is also used to mean "table; counter", while in t
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 台
Phonosemantic compound. 口 represents the meaning and 以 represents the sound. 口 (mouth) indicates that the character is only "mouthed", i.e. only used for its phonetic value. In simplified Chinese 台 is also used to mean "table; counter", while in t
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 台? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 台?
Decomposition of 台
Identify the Components
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How to say table in Chinese
“table” in Chinese is台
The character 台 (tái) primarily means 'platform' or 'table', and can refer to various types of surfaces, such as a counter or stage. It is also used in the context of Taiwan, serving as an abbreviation for the island, and is employed as a classifier for vehicles or machines. This character appears frequently in everyday conversation and formal contexts alike.
When to use 台
台 is commonly used in both formal and informal settings, but be careful not to confuse it with 臺 (tái), which is a more traditional variant. When using it as a classifier for certain objects, make sure to pair it correctly with the noun it describes, such as 台车 (tái chē) for 'vehicle'.
台 or something close to it
台 (tái) vs 桌 (zhuō) — use 台 for platforms or stages, while 桌 specifically refers to tables.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 台 (tái) with its variant 臺 (tái), mistakenly using one for the other in written or spoken contexts. For example, saying 臺北 (táiběi) instead of 台北 (táiběi) is incorrect.
Write 台
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Practice writing 台 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 台
台 functions as a measure word. Place it between a number/demonstrative and the noun it counts (一本书, 这个人). Different categories of nouns require different measure words. It carries 16 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.
Complete the Sentence
从今天起，我就用这____新电脑了。
Starting from today, I will use this new computer.
Common Confusions with 台
Same pronunciation but different meaning.
Spot the Difference
Which character means "table"?
Usage Notes for 台
台 is commonly used as a classifier for machines and vehicles in Chinese.
这台电脑很快。
This computer is very fast.
Learners often confuse 台 with other classifiers. Remember that 台 specifically refers to machines and vehicles.
我有一台车。
I have a vehicle.
Fill in the Blank
这____电脑很快。
This computer is very fast.
Example Sentences for 台 (10)
Cultural Notes for 台
‘台’不仅是指台湾，也常用作量词，比如说‘一台电视’，表示一台机器或设备。这个汉字在日常生活中非常常见。
在中文中，‘台’可以表示站或台阶，而在英语中，类似的词是‘station’或‘platform’。这体现了语言之间的不同表达方式。
Word Family of 台
Compound Meaning
What does 始 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 台
台 (tái) is significant in Taiwanese culture as it is a common abbreviation for Taiwan. It reflects the identity and pride of the Taiwanese people. Additionally, it is used in various cultural references, emphasizing the importance of Taiwanese heritage.
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