垫 (diàn) - To pad, cushion, or mat & to fill in or level up

垫Tone 4

diàn ｜ 9 strokes ｜ radical:

橙丁

垫 · diàn

To pad, cushion, or mat;

to fill in or level up;

to pay on behalf of someone temporarily;

a mat or cushion.

To pad, cushion, or matto fill in or level upto pay on behalf of someone temporarily

Usage highlights

Cushion/matAdvance paymentBase/foundationBeddingCushioning materialLevel the ground

Synonyms

  • 衬— to line, to pad
  • 铺— to spread, to pave

Antonyms

  • 挖— to dig, to excavate
  • 陷— to sink, to cave in

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Put a cushion on the chair (垫个垫子).
  • I'll advance the money for you (我先给你垫上).
  • Use soil to level the ground (用土垫地).
  • The table leg is uneven, put something under it (桌子腿不平，垫一下).

Collocations

  • Cushion/mat(垫子)
  • Advance payment(垫付)
  • Base/foundation(垫底)
  • Bedding(垫被)
  • Cushioning material(垫料)
  • Level the ground(垫地)

Idioms

  • To be at the bottom(垫底儿)
  • Lay the foundation(铺垫)
  • Cushion the blow(垫一下)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In traditional Chinese seating, cushions (垫子) were essential for comfort on hard wooden furniture.
  • The concept of 'advancing payment' (垫付) reflects mutual assistance in business and personal relationships.
  • In construction, 'leveling the ground' (垫地) is a fundamental step in foundation work.

FAQ