HanziGuru.檯 · tái
檯
tái[tai2]Tone 2

desk; table; counter

HSK 3
View Simplified FormSwitch to Simplified
台
Guru Deep Dive

English · desk; table; counter

Cached lesson
1 / 1
Topology:Top-bottom
Strokes:5
Writing Balance Rule: In the simplified character, keep the top element (厶) compact and centered above the bottom element (口). Ensure the vertical and horizontal strokes of the lower box are neat and evenly spaced.
Simplification Logic: The traditional form 檯 is a complex phono-semantic character with a wooden radical (木) and a phonetic component (台). The simplified form retains only the phonetic component 台 (tái), transforming it into a simpler top-bottom structure.
1. Meaning

desk, table, platform, stage

counterclassifier for machines, vehicles, or playsbroadcasting station
Noun and ClassifierNeutral#furniture#architecture#technology#entertainment
Sample Usage
  • 请把书放在桌子上。
    Qǐng bǎ shū fàng zài zhuōzi shàng.
    Please put the book on the desk.
  • 这台电脑是新买的。
    Zhè tái diànnǎo shì xīn mǎi de.
    This computer is newly bought.
2. Sound
/[tʰaɪ̯³⁵]/Tone: 35
檯
táitai2
++
´(35)
=tái
Initial Consonant
t
Type: Aspirated Alveolar
Sounds like: t sound as in English 'top'
Aspirated
Airflow Tactile Test: Explosive puff of breath! Tissue held before mouth MUST flutter.
Tongue & Mouth Position: Tongue tip pressed against the alveolar ridge behind the upper front teeth, releasing a burst of air.
Final Rhyme
ai
Vowel Group: -a vowel group
Sounds like: -ai rhymes with 'pie' or 'high'
Mouth Shape Guide: Pronounce as standalone vowel 'eye'.
Common Learner Trap: Keep vowel quality steady across all 4 tone contours.
Tone
T2 (35)
2nd Tone (Mid-Rising)
Tone Pitch & Cadence: Tone 2 starts at mid-pitch and rises sharply to the top, exactly like asking 'What?' in English disbelief.
👂
Listening trap: Confusing the rising Tone 2 (tái) with Tone 4 (tài), which drops sharply. Ensure your voice goes up at the end.
👋
Physical Tone Gesture: Raise your hand upward from left to right as if climbing a gentle hill, mirroring the rising pitch of Tone 2.
3. Writing

Topology: Top-bottom · Strokes: 5 strokes

Writing Balance Rule: In the simplified character, keep the top element (厶) compact and centered above the bottom element (口). Ensure the vertical and horizontal strokes of the lower box are neat and evenly spaced.

Simplification Logic: The traditional form 檯 is a complex phono-semantic character with a wooden radical (木) and a phonetic component (台). The simplified form retains only the phonetic component 台 (tái), transforming it into a simpler top-bottom structure.

4. Components

Radical 口 · Mouth Radical (mouth, opening, entrance)

Phonetic Clue (声旁): 台 (original sound: tai)

The character combines a private, narrow top shape (厶) over an open mouth or box (口), visually evoking a raised platform or a flat-topped table.

  • 厶 Private or roof structure on top
  • 口 Base box or opening at the bottom
5. History
Liushu category: Phono-semantic (形声)

Origin: Originally, the character was written with a tall structure representing a watchtower or terrace overlooking a landscape. Over time, it evolved into a simplified shape used for platforms, desks, and tables.

Semantic Evolution: From the original meaning of 'watchtower' or 'high terrace', the meaning expanded to any elevated platform, and eventually to furniture with a flat top like desks and tables, as well as a classifier for electronic devices.

  • The traditional character 檯 specifies furniture made of wood, while the simplified 台 is a broader umbrella character.
6. Sinosphere
🇯🇵
Kanji (Japanese)
On: ダイ (dai) / タイ (tai) / Kun: うてな (utena)
7. Memory
Vivid Mnemonic Story

Imagine standing on a high observation platform (台) looking out at the horizon, placing your hands on a sturdy wooden desk.

Phonetic Family (形声字家族)
抬
táito lift, to carryAdd the hand radical (扌) on the left because you use your hands to lift a table.
治
zhìto cure, to governAdd the water radical (氵) on the left; water flows to heal and regulate.
始
shǐto begin, to startAdd the woman radical (女) on the left to signify the beginning of life.
Lookalikes & Traps (形近字)
抬(tái)
抬 has the hand radical (扌) because it means 'to lift', whereas 台 is the base character for tables and platforms.
8. Mastery
Active Recall Challenge
我的電腦放在書[___]上。
Clue: tái
Common Learner Pitfall

Confusing the simplified standalone character 台 with its derived family members like 抬 (to lift) or 治 (to cure) by forgetting to include or omit the radicals.

Memory Prompts
Recognition: When you see 台, what does it mean and how is it pronounced?
Production: How do you write the character for 'desk / table / counter' with pinyin tái?
Real-World Video Context

Watch authentic native speakers pronounce and explain this word in real-world YouTube videos.

Search theme
Accent preference

Results are live YouTube search — accents and levels aren't verified.

檯táidesk; table; counter
Speed:
Searching YouTube for native pronunciation videos...
0 / 0
Watch on YouTubeMore Results on YouTube