臺 (tái) - Tai — refers to a platform, stage, terrace & also used in proper names like Taiwan

臺Tone 2

tái ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

树檀

臺 · tái

Tai — refers to a platform, stage, terrace;

also used in proper names like Taiwan;

a measure word for machines or performances.

Tai — refers to a platform, stage, terracealso used in proper names like Taiwana measure word for machines or performances.

Usage highlights

Taiwanplatformstagetelevision stationweather stationdesk

Synonyms

  • 台— simplified form of 臺
  • 平台— platform, terrace
  • 舞台— stage, platform

Antonyms

  • 地— ground, earth (as opposed to elevated platform)
  • 基— base, foundation (as opposed to the elevated structure)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The capital city of Taiwan is Taipei (台北).
  • He stood on the platform waiting for the train (站台).
  • The weather station has monitoring equipment (气象台).
  • This is a television broadcast (电视台 broadcast).
  • We watched a stage performance (舞台 performance).

Collocations

  • Taiwan(台湾)
  • platform(平台)
  • stage(舞台)
  • television station(电视台)
  • weather station(气象台)
  • desk(台灯)

Idioms

  • A high platform and a fine pavilion(楼台亭阁)
  • To sing on stage(登台演唱)
  • To step down from the stage(下台)
  • To make a guest appearance(客串登台)
  • A makeshift stage(临时搭台)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally refers to elevated structures like platforms, stages, or terraces used for performances, ceremonies, or observation.
  • Used in geographical names, most notably Taiwan (台湾), meaning 'terraced bay'.
  • In modern usage, extended to refer to institutions or stations (e.g., 电视台 - TV station).

FAQ