At the A1 level, '饭桌' (fànzhuō) is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'dining table'. Students learn it as part of basic household vocabulary. The focus is on identifying the object and using it in very simple sentences with the measure word '张' (zhāng). For example, '这是一个饭桌' (This is a dining table). Learners at this stage should understand that it is where people eat '饭' (fàn - meal/rice). They also learn basic colors and sizes to describe it, such as '大饭桌' (big table) or '红色的饭桌' (red table). The primary goal is to be able to point to the object or understand a simple command like '去饭桌' (Go to the dining table). Grammatically, the focus is on the noun-adjective relationship and the use of '这/那' (this/that). Vocabulary at this level is very concrete, so the abstract social meanings of the word are not yet introduced. Instead, the word is linked directly to the physical environment of the home and the daily routine of eating.
At the A2 level, learners begin to use '饭桌' in more functional sentences. They learn common verbs associated with it, such as '坐' (zuò - sit), '放' (fàng - put), and '吃' (chī - eat). A key grammar point at this level is the use of locational phrases like '在饭桌上' (on the dining table). Learners can describe simple actions: '妈妈把菜放在饭桌上' (Mom puts the dishes on the dining table). They also start to use the word in the context of family members gathering together. The distinction between '饭桌' and other tables like '书桌' (desk) becomes clearer. Students are expected to use the measure word '张' consistently. They might also learn the word '餐厅' (cāntīng - dining room) and describe where the '饭桌' is located within the house. Communication at this level involves describing daily habits, such as '我们每天晚上在饭桌上聊天' (We chat at the dining table every night).
At the B1 level, '饭桌' is used in more complex narratives and social contexts. Learners can describe the atmosphere around the dining table using a wider range of adjectives like '热闹' (rènao - lively) or '安静' (ānjìng - quiet). They start to understand the cultural significance of the dining table in Chinese society, such as its role as a place for family bonding. The vocabulary expands to include related terms like '收拾饭桌' (to clear the table) and '摆饭桌' (to set the table). B1 students can also handle more complex grammar, such as using '饭桌' in '把' (bǎ) sentences: '请把饭桌擦干净' (Please wipe the dining table clean). They may also encounter the word in short stories or dialogues about family life. At this stage, the learner can discuss preferences, such as why they prefer a '圆饭桌' (round dining table) over a '长饭桌' (long dining table), linking the shape to cultural ideas of harmony and reunion.
At the B2 level, students explore the '饭桌' as a social and cultural institution. They learn the term '饭桌文化' (fànzhuō wénhuà - dining table culture) and can discuss topics like table manners, the importance of seating arrangements, and the role of the dining table in business negotiations. The language becomes more abstract and nuanced. B2 learners can use '饭桌' in idiomatic expressions or as a metaphor for social interaction. They can read and discuss articles about how modern technology (like smartphones) is affecting '饭桌' dynamics. They are expected to distinguish between '饭桌' and the more formal '餐桌' in different registers. For example, they might use '饭桌' in a personal blog but '餐桌' in a formal essay about interior design. They can also use the word in complex sentence structures involving passive voice or resultative complements, such as '饭桌被收拾得干干净净' (The dining table was cleared perfectly clean).
At the C1 level, '饭桌' is treated as a lens through which to view Chinese society and history. Learners can discuss how the physical form of the '饭桌' has evolved from the low '食案' of ancient times to the modern Western-style dining sets. They can analyze the semiotics of the dining table in literature and film, identifying it as a site of power dynamics, generational conflict, or cultural continuity. C1 students are expected to use highly sophisticated vocabulary to describe these themes, such as '承载' (chéngzài - to bear/carry) or '凝聚力' (níngjùlì - cohesive force). They can engage in debates about the impact of urbanization on traditional '饭桌' values. Their use of the word is precise and context-aware, effortlessly switching between formal and informal registers. They might also study classical poetry or modern essays that use the '饭桌' to evoke nostalgia or critique social changes, demonstrating a deep understanding of the word's emotional and cultural weight.
At the C2 level, the learner's mastery of '饭桌' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. They can utilize the word in academic research, philosophical discourse, or creative writing with absolute precision. They might explore the '饭桌' in the context of food anthropology or sociolinguistics, discussing how the language used 'at the table' defines social identity. C2 learners can appreciate the subtle irony or humor in literary works that center on the dining table. They can produce complex, stylistically varied texts that use '饭桌' as a central motif. Their understanding extends to the most obscure historical references and regional variations of the term. At this level, the word is not just a piece of furniture or a place to eat; it is a complex symbol of the human condition, family structures, and cultural identity, and the learner can articulate these complexities with fluency, spontaneity, and precision.

饭桌 en 30 secondes

  • 饭桌 (fànzhuō) is the Chinese word for 'dining table,' essential for any learner of basic household and daily life vocabulary in Mandarin.
  • It is a compound noun made of '饭' (meal) and '桌' (table), and it always takes the measure word '张' (zhāng).
  • Beyond its physical function, it is a cultural symbol of family reunion and harmony, often used to describe social dynamics during meals.
  • Commonly confused with '餐桌' (formal dining table) or '桌子' (any table), '饭桌' is the most natural, colloquial term for home use.

The term 饭桌 (fànzhuō) is a foundational noun in the Chinese language, primarily used to describe the physical object where meals are consumed: the dining table. Etymologically, it is composed of two characters: 饭 (fàn), meaning meal or cooked rice, and 桌 (zhuō), which refers to a table or desk. Together, they create a specific designation for the furniture central to any household. In a literal sense, it is the flat surface supported by legs where food is served. However, in a cultural context, the 饭桌 represents much more than just wood or glass; it is the symbolic heart of the Chinese home, the site of familial bonding, and the primary venue for social interaction and the transmission of values through 'table talk' or 桌上谈话.

Literal Meaning
Meal Table - The specific piece of furniture intended for eating.
Social Function
A gathering place for family members to share news, discipline children, and celebrate festivals.

我们一家人每天晚上都围在饭桌旁聊天。 (Our whole family gathers around the dining table to chat every evening.)

In modern urban Chinese life, the 饭桌 can vary from a small, foldable square table in a studio apartment to a large, ornate mahogany round table in a traditional villa. The shape of the table itself carries meaning; the 圆桌 (yuánzhuō - round table) is particularly favored in Chinese culture as it symbolizes 'reunion' and 'completeness' (团团圆圆), ensuring that everyone is equidistant from the center and each other, promoting equality and harmony during the meal. When people use this word, they are often referring to the activity of eating together as much as the object itself. For instance, '饭桌上的礼仪' (fànzhuō shàng de lǐyí) refers to table manners, which are a crucial part of a child's upbringing in China.

这张饭桌太小了,坐不下八个人。 (This dining table is too small to seat eight people.)

Physical Attributes
Can be described using adjectives like 大 (big), 小 (small), 圆 (round), 方 (square), or 木头 (wooden).

Furthermore, the concept of the 饭桌 extends into the professional world. In China, many business deals are negotiated not in a boardroom, but around a 饭桌. This 'dining table diplomacy' relies on the relaxed atmosphere of a meal to build trust and 'guanxi' (relationships). Therefore, understanding the nuances of the 饭桌 is essential for anyone looking to navigate Chinese social or professional circles effectively. Whether it is a simple wooden surface in a rural kitchen or a rotating glass top in a five-star hotel, the 饭桌 remains the most significant piece of furniture in the Chinese domestic and social landscape.

请把菜放到饭桌中间。 (Please put the dishes in the middle of the dining table.)

他在饭桌上总是谈论工作。 (He always talks about work at the dining table.)

Common Verbs
收拾 (shōushi - to tidy), 摆 (bǎi - to set/arrange), 擦 (cā - to wipe), 围 (wéi - to surround).

吃完饭后,妹妹主动去擦饭桌。 (After eating, the younger sister took the initiative to wipe the dining table.)

Using 饭桌 (fànzhuō) correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the common collocations that accompany it. As a noun, it frequently serves as the object of a sentence or as a location when paired with prepositions. The most common structure for indicating location is 在饭桌上 (zài fànzhuō shàng), meaning 'at the dining table' or 'on the dining table'. This is used to describe activities happening during a meal or objects placed upon the surface. For example, '我们在饭桌上讨论了这件事' (We discussed this matter at the dining table) or '饭桌上有三盘菜' (There are three dishes on the dining table).

Measure Word Usage
Always use 张 (zhāng). Example: 一张大饭桌 (a big dining table).
Directional Phrases
饭桌旁 (fànzhuō páng - beside the table), 饭桌下 (fànzhuō xià - under the table).

妈妈正在把碗筷摆在饭桌上。 (Mom is currently arranging the bowls and chopsticks on the dining table.)

When describing the act of gathering, the verb 围 (wéi - to surround) is often used. The phrase 围坐在饭桌旁 (wéizuò zài fànzhuō páng) creates a vivid image of a family sitting in a circle around the table. This reflects the communal nature of Chinese dining. Additionally, verbs related to maintenance are common: 收拾 (shōushi - to clean up/clear), 擦 (cā - to wipe), and 搬 (bān - to move). For instance, '请帮我把饭桌搬到客厅' (Please help me move the dining table to the living room).

这家人在饭桌上从来不吵架。 (This family never argues at the dining table.)

Common Adjectives
木制的 (wooden), 玻璃的 (glass), 干净的 (clean), 乱七八糟的 (messy).

In more complex sentences, 饭桌 can be modified by possessive phrases or relative clauses. For example, '我小时候经常在那张旧饭桌上做作业' (When I was young, I often did my homework on that old dining table). This shows that the function of the table can sometimes overlap with that of a desk (书桌), especially in smaller households. However, calling it a 饭桌 emphasizes its primary identity as a place for food.

新买的饭桌和我家的装修风格很搭。 (The newly bought dining table matches my home's decoration style very well.)

Negative Constructions
'饭桌上没有...' (There isn't... on the table) or '不要在饭桌上...' (Don't... at the table).

不要在饭桌上玩手机,这很不礼貌。 (Don't play with your phone at the dining table; it's very impolite.)

他把所有的烦恼都留在了饭桌之外。 (He left all his worries away from the dining table.)

You will encounter the word 饭桌 (fànzhuō) in a wide variety of everyday settings, ranging from intimate domestic conversations to public media. In a typical Chinese home, it is perhaps one of the most frequently mentioned pieces of furniture. Parents might call out to their children, '过来饭桌吃饭!' (Come to the dining table to eat!), or a spouse might ask, '饭桌擦干净了吗?' (Is the dining table wiped clean?). These mundane interactions solidify the word's place in the daily lexicon of every Chinese speaker.

Domestic Setting
Used daily when preparing meals, calling people to eat, and cleaning up.
Furniture Stores
Salespeople will use it to categorize products, though they may also use '餐桌'.

在宜家,我看到了一张非常漂亮的实木饭桌。 (At IKEA, I saw a very beautiful solid wood dining table.)

Beyond the home, the word is a staple in Chinese television dramas and movies. Family dramas, a very popular genre in China, often center their most pivotal scenes around the 饭桌. It is here that secrets are revealed, arguments erupt, and reconciliations occur. Scriptwriters use the 饭桌 as a stage for character development because it is the most natural setting for a group of people to interact. If you watch a show like 'All is Well' (都挺好) or 'A Love for Dilemma' (小舍得), you will hear characters using this word frequently as they navigate family dynamics.

电影里的那个家庭总是在饭桌上发生冲突。 (The family in the movie always has conflicts at the dining table.)

News and Articles
Used in lifestyle blogs or news reports discussing health, nutrition, or social trends.

In the digital age, you'll see 饭桌 on social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) or WeChat. Users often post photos of their beautifully set tables or 'home-cooked meals' (家常菜) with captions like '今日饭桌' (Today's dining table). This highlights the aesthetic and lifestyle aspect of the word. Furthermore, in sociological discussions, '饭桌' is used to talk about the 'disappearing dining table' phenomenon, where busy modern lives lead to fewer family meals, a topic often debated in opinion pieces and podcasts.

他在朋友圈分享了一张饭桌的照片,看起来很好吃。 (He shared a photo of the dining table on his Moments; it looks delicious.)

现在的年轻人很少有时间坐在饭桌前好好吃顿饭。 (Young people nowadays rarely have time to sit at a dining table and have a proper meal.)

Literary Usage
Authors use it to evoke nostalgia or describe the atmosphere of a home.

那张斑驳的木饭桌承载了我童年的所有回忆。 (That mottled wooden dining table carries all my childhood memories.)

For English speakers learning Chinese, the word 饭桌 (fànzhuō) is relatively straightforward, but there are several common pitfalls regarding synonyms, measure words, and cultural nuances. The most frequent mistake is using the wrong measure word. In English, we say 'a table,' but in Chinese, you cannot simply say '一个饭桌'. You must use the specific measure word 张 (zhāng). Using '个' (gè) is a hallmark of a beginner and, while understandable, sounds unnatural to native ears.

Measure Word Error
Incorrect: 一个饭桌. Correct: 一张饭桌.
Synonym Confusion
Confusing 饭桌 (dining table) with 书桌 (desk) or 办公桌 (office desk).

错误:他在饭桌上写作业。 (Error: He is doing homework on the dining table - while possible, if he's doing it in an office, it should be 书桌.)

Another common error is the over-generalization of the word '桌子' (zhuōzi). While all 饭桌 are 桌子, not all 桌子 are 饭桌. If you are specifically talking about the place where people eat, using the general '桌子' can sometimes be too vague. For example, if you ask someone to '把菜放在桌子上' (put the dishes on the table) in a room with multiple tables, they might be confused. Using '饭桌' provides necessary clarity. Conversely, don't use '饭桌' to refer to a coffee table (茶几 - chájī) or a bedside table (床头柜 - chuángtóuguì).

虽然他在饭桌旁,但他并不想吃饭。 (Even though he is by the dining table, he doesn't want to eat.)

Register Mistakes
Using 饭桌 in a formal contract instead of 餐桌.

Learners also struggle with the prepositional structure. Some might try to translate 'at the table' literally and come up with '在饭桌' or '在饭桌里', which are both incorrect. The standard Chinese way to express 'at/on the table' is '在饭桌' or '在饭桌'. Forgetting the '上' (shàng) or '旁' (páng) makes the sentence grammatically incomplete. Lastly, be careful with the word 饭局 (fànjú). While it also involves a dining table, it refers to the social event or banquet itself, not the furniture.

别把书放在饭桌上,会弄脏的。 (Don't put books on the dining table; they will get dirty.)

这不仅是一张饭桌,更是我们交流的平台。 (This is not just a dining table, but also a platform for our communication.)

Pronunciation Pitfall
Ensure 'zhuō' is first tone (flat and high). Pronouncing it in a different tone can change the meaning or make it unintelligible.

我们换一张大一点的饭桌吧。 (Let's change to a slightly larger dining table.)

To truly master Chinese, you need to know how 饭桌 (fànzhuō) relates to other similar words. The most common synonym is 餐桌 (cānzhuō). While both mean dining table, '餐桌' is more formal and is the preferred term in written language, formal descriptions, or when referring to high-quality furniture. '饭桌' is more colloquial and warmer, used frequently in daily conversation and when emphasizing the act of eating '饭' (rice/meals).

餐桌 (cānzhuō)
Formal, written, used in furniture stores or upscale contexts. Example: 豪华餐桌 (luxury dining table).
桌子 (zhuōzi)
General term for any table. Use this if the specific function isn't important.

这张饭桌可以变成一张大餐桌。 (This dining table can be transformed into a large formal dining table.)

Other alternatives depend on the shape or specific setting. A 圆桌 (yuánzhuō) is a round table, often used in large family gatherings or traditional restaurants. A 方桌 (fāngzhuō) is a square table, common in smaller homes or for playing Mahjong (though that would then be called a 麻将桌). In ancient or literary contexts, you might encounter 食案 (shí'àn), which refers to a low table or tray used for eating in olden times before chairs became common in China.

他们家喜欢用圆形的饭桌。 (Their family likes to use a round dining table.)

书桌 (shūzhuō)
Desk. Often confused by learners because both are tables, but the purpose is strictly for study/work.
茶几 (chájī)
Coffee table. Usually lower and located in the living room for tea and snacks.

Finally, consider the word 台 (tái). While '桌' is more common for household tables, '台' is often used for counters or platforms. In some Southern dialects, '饭台' is used interchangeably with '饭桌'. Knowing these variations helps you understand different speakers and choose the right word for the right situation. In summary, use '饭桌' for your home life, '餐桌' for your interior design blog, and '桌子' when you're just pointing at a piece of furniture in a restaurant.

收拾好你的书,我们要用饭桌了。 (Pack up your books; we need to use the dining table.)

这张饭桌的桌面是用大理石做的。 (The tabletop of this dining table is made of marble.)

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

Before the Tang Dynasty, Chinese people didn't use '饭桌' as we know them. They sat on floor mats and ate from low trays called '案'. The high table ('桌') only became popular as chairs were introduced from Central Asia.

Guide de prononciation

UK /fæn dʒwɔː/
US /fæn dʒwoʊ/
The stress is equal on both syllables, but 'fàn' carries the emphasis of the falling tone.
Rime avec
饭 (fàn): 慢 (màn), 站 (zhàn), 看 (kàn) 桌 (zhuō): 说 (shuō), 多 (duō), 托 (tuō)
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing 'zhuō' as 'zuō' (missing the 'h').
  • Using the wrong tone for 'fàn' (e.g., first tone instead of fourth).
  • Pronouncing 'zhuō' with a rising tone like a question.
  • Mumbling the 'n' in 'fàn'.
  • Failing to sustain the high pitch of 'zhuō'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Characters are basic but '桌' has a few strokes. Easily recognizable in context.

Écriture 3/5

Writing '桌' requires attention to stroke order (top to bottom).

Expression orale 2/5

Pronunciation is simple, but the 'zh' sound needs practice for English speakers.

Écoute 1/5

Very high frequency word, easy to pick out in conversation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

饭 (fàn) 桌子 (zhuōzi) 吃 (chī) 家 (jiā) 张 (zhāng)

Apprends ensuite

椅子 (yǐzi) 餐厅 (cāntīng) 碗筷 (wǎnkuài) 礼仪 (lǐyí) 聚会 (jùhuì)

Avancé

筵席 (yánxí) 觥筹交错 (gōngchóujiāocuò) 氛围 (fēnwéi) 社交 (shèjiāo)

Grammaire à connaître

Measure Word '张'

两张饭桌 (liǎng zhāng fànzhuō)

Locational '上/下/旁'

饭桌上有一本书 (fànzhuō shàng yǒu yì běn shū)

Resultative Complements

把饭桌擦干净 (bǎ fànzhuō cā gānjìng)

The '把' Construction

请把碗放在饭桌上 (qǐng bǎ wǎn fàng zài fànzhuō shàng)

Verb Reduplication

去收拾收拾饭桌 (qù shōushi shōushi fànzhuō)

Exemples par niveau

1

这是一张饭桌。

This is a dining table.

Uses the measure word 张 (zhāng) for flat objects.

2

饭桌很大。

The dining table is big.

Adjective '大' (dà) follows the noun directly.

3

我去饭桌吃饭。

I go to the dining table to eat.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

4

饭桌是红色的。

The dining table is red.

Noun + 是 + Adjective + 的 construction.

5

那张饭桌很小。

That dining table is very small.

Uses '那' (nà) for 'that'.

6

饭桌上有水。

There is water on the dining table.

Locational phrase '在...上' (zài... shàng).

7

我们有三张饭桌。

We have three dining tables.

Number + Measure Word + Noun.

8

请看这个饭桌。

Please look at this dining table.

Polite imperative using '请' (qǐng).

1

妈妈在饭桌上放了水果。

Mom put fruit on the dining table.

Verb '放' (fàng) with location.

2

我们一家人围在饭桌旁。

Our family is gathered around the dining table.

Verb '围' (wéi) means to surround.

3

请帮我擦一下饭桌。

Please help me wipe the dining table.

Verb + '一下' (yíxià) indicates a brief action.

4

他在饭桌上写作业。

He is doing homework at the dining table.

Using the dining table for other purposes.

5

这张饭桌是木头做的。

This dining table is made of wood.

...是...做的 construction for materials.

6

饭桌下面有一只猫。

There is a cat under the dining table.

Locational phrase '在...下' (zài... xià).

7

新饭桌比旧饭桌贵。

The new dining table is more expensive than the old one.

Comparison using '比' (bǐ).

8

吃完饭要收拾饭桌。

After eating, one must clear the dining table.

Verb-object '收拾饭桌'.

1

饭桌上的菜看起来非常好吃。

The dishes on the dining table look very delicious.

The phrase '饭桌上的' acts as an adjective for '菜'.

2

我们可以在饭桌上讨论这个问题。

We can discuss this issue at the dining table.

Modal verb '可以' (kěyǐ) indicating possibility.

3

他一边吃饭,一边在饭桌上看报纸。

While eating, he is reading the newspaper at the dining table.

Using '一边...一边...' for simultaneous actions.

4

这张饭桌太重了,我搬不动。

This dining table is too heavy; I can't move it.

Potential complement '搬不动' (bān bu dòng).

5

虽然饭桌很旧,但它是爷爷留下的。

Although the dining table is old, it was left by my grandfather.

Conjunction '虽然...但...' (although... but...).

6

我喜欢在饭桌上放一些鲜花。

I like to put some fresh flowers on the dining table.

Using '一些' (yìxiē) for 'some'.

7

如果你累了,就在饭桌旁休息一下。

If you are tired, just rest for a bit by the dining table.

Conditional '如果...就...' (if... then...).

8

饭桌被弟弟弄脏了。

The dining table was made dirty by my younger brother.

Passive '被' (bèi) sentence.

1

在中国的饭桌文化中,座次非常重要。

In Chinese dining table culture, seating arrangements are very important.

Abstract concept '饭桌文化'.

2

很多重要的生意都是在饭桌上谈成的。

Many important business deals are negotiated at the dining table.

Resultative complement '谈成' (negotiated successfully).

3

不要在饭桌上大声喧哗,这不符合礼仪。

Don't shout at the dining table; it doesn't conform to etiquette.

Formal verb '符合' (to conform to).

4

他总是把饭桌收拾得干干净净。

He always clears the dining table perfectly clean.

Using '得' for degree with reduplicated adjective '干干净净'.

5

这张饭桌见证了我们家几十年的变化。

This dining table has witnessed decades of changes in our family.

Metaphorical use of '见证' (witness).

6

饭桌上的气氛突然变得很尴尬。

The atmosphere at the dining table suddenly became very awkward.

Abstract noun '气氛' (atmosphere).

7

他习惯在饭桌上分享一天的见闻。

He is used to sharing his day's experiences at the dining table.

Noun '见闻' (what one has seen and heard).

8

这张饭桌的设计既实用又美观。

The design of this dining table is both practical and beautiful.

Correlative '既...又...' (both... and...).

1

饭桌不仅仅是进食的场所,更是情感交流的纽带。

The dining table is not just a place for eating, but also a bond for emotional exchange.

Sophisticated '不仅仅是...更是...' structure.

2

现代科技的介入,使得传统的饭桌交流逐渐减少。

The intervention of modern technology has led to a gradual decrease in traditional dining table communication.

Formal word '介入' (intervention).

3

他在这篇散文中,通过描写饭桌来表达对故乡的思念。

In this essay, he expresses his nostalgia for his hometown by describing the dining table.

Using '通过...来...' (by means of... to...).

4

饭桌上的推杯换盏之间,隐藏着复杂的社交逻辑。

Amidst the clinking of glasses at the dining table, complex social logic is hidden.

Idiomatic '推杯换盏' (clinking glasses).

5

这张斑驳的饭桌,承载了祖辈们的艰辛与希望。

This mottled dining table bears the hardships and hopes of the ancestors.

Literary word '承载' (to bear/carry).

6

在快节奏的城市生活中,围炉而坐的饭桌时光显得弥足珍贵。

In fast-paced urban life, time spent around the dining table is exceptionally precious.

Idiom '弥足珍贵' (extremely precious).

7

这种饭桌上的“家长作风”在现代家庭中已不多见。

This 'paternalistic style' at the dining table is rarely seen in modern families.

Sociological term '家长作风'.

8

饭桌的演变史,在某种程度上就是中国社会变迁的缩影。

The evolution of the dining table is, to some extent, a microcosm of Chinese social changes.

Metaphorical '缩影' (microcosm).

1

饭桌作为一种文化符号,其深层意蕴值得社会学家深入探讨。

As a cultural symbol, the deep connotations of the dining table are worthy of in-depth exploration by sociologists.

Academic register.

2

通过对饭桌礼仪的解构,我们可以窥见封建等级制度的残余。

By deconstructing dining table etiquette, we can catch a glimpse of the remnants of the feudal hierarchy.

Sophisticated vocabulary: '解构' (deconstruct), '窥见' (glimpse).

3

在文学作品中,饭桌常被用作揭示人物内心冲突的微观舞台。

In literary works, the dining table is often used as a micro-stage to reveal characters' inner conflicts.

Metaphorical '微观舞台' (micro-stage).

4

饭桌上的权力分配,往往折射出家庭成员之间的地位差异。

The distribution of power at the dining table often reflects status differences among family members.

Abstract verb '折射' (reflect/refract).

5

这种传统的饭桌叙事,正在被碎片化的现代饮食习惯所瓦解。

This traditional dining table narrative is being disintegrated by fragmented modern eating habits.

Passive construction with '被...所...'.

6

饭桌不仅是物质消费的场所,更是意识形态塑造的场域。

The dining table is not only a place for material consumption but also a field for ideological shaping.

Philosophical term '场域' (field/space).

7

他在论著中阐述了饭桌在建构民族认同感方面所起的作用。

In his treatise, he expounded on the role of the dining table in constructing national identity.

Formal verb '阐述' (expound).

8

饭桌上那抹淡淡的烟火气,是任何高级餐厅都无法替代的灵魂归宿。

The subtle 'atmosphere of daily life' at the dining table is a spiritual home that no high-end restaurant can replace.

Poetic '烟火气' (atmosphere of mundane life).

Collocations courantes

一张饭桌
收拾饭桌
擦饭桌
围在饭桌旁
摆饭桌
饭桌文化
饭桌礼仪
坐在饭桌前
饭桌中间
离开饭桌

Phrases Courantes

饭桌上谈

— To discuss something during a meal. Often implies an informal but important discussion.

这件事我们饭桌上谈吧。

上饭桌

— To come to the table to eat or to serve a dish on the table.

菜已经上饭桌了,快来吃。

下饭桌

— To finish eating and leave the table.

孩子们一吃完就下饭桌去玩了。

饭桌谈话

— Table talk; informal conversation during a meal.

我最喜欢晚上的饭桌谈话。

老饭桌

— Often used to refer to community dining tables for the elderly.

社区办了一个老年人老饭桌。

今日饭桌

— A common social media tag showing what someone cooked/ate today.

今日饭桌:红烧肉和青菜。

饭桌规矩

— Table rules or manners, especially those taught to children.

我们家有很多饭桌规矩。

饭桌中心

— The center of the table, usually where the main dish is placed.

花瓶放在饭桌中心。

大饭桌

— A large dining table, often implying a large family.

过年时,全家挤在大饭桌旁。

饭桌时光

— Time spent at the dining table, usually emphasizing quality time.

我珍惜每一段饭桌时光。

Souvent confondu avec

饭桌 vs 书桌

书桌 is for studying/writing, 饭桌 is for eating. Don't mix them up even if you use your dining table as a desk.

饭桌 vs 办公桌

Specifically an office desk. Never used for eating in a formal sense.

饭桌 vs 茶几

A low coffee table in the living room. People might eat snacks there, but it's not a 饭桌.

Expressions idiomatiques

"推杯换盏"

— To clink glasses and exchange cups; refers to a lively dining scene.

饭桌上,大家推杯换盏,好不热闹。

Literary
"觥筹交错"

— Wine cups and bamboo tallies are crossed; describes a festive and busy banquet.

宴会上觥筹交错,宾客尽欢。

Literary
"食不言,寝不语"

— Do not speak while eating, do not speak while sleeping. An ancient rule for manners.

爷爷总是教导我们食不言,寝不语。

Traditional
"残羹冷炙"

— Leftover soup and cold meat; refers to the remains of a meal or poor treatment.

桌上只剩下一些残羹冷炙。

Idiomatic
"团团圆圆"

— Round and round; symbolizing family reunion, often associated with a round dining table.

全家人围着圆桌,团团圆圆吃年夜饭。

Common
"举案齐眉"

— To lift the tray to the level of the eyebrows; refers to mutual respect between husband and wife.

他们夫妻俩相敬如宾,举案齐眉。

Literary/Historical
"狼吞虎咽"

— To eat like a wolf and a tiger; to bolt down food greedily at the table.

他在饭桌上狼吞虎咽地吃着。

Common
"细嚼慢咽"

— To chew carefully and swallow slowly; good table manners.

吃饭要细嚼慢咽,对身体好。

Common
"座无虚席"

— No empty seats; every seat at the table(s) is taken.

餐厅里座无虚席,非常火爆。

Formal
"杯盘狼藉"

— Cups and plates in a mess; describes the scene after a big feast.

客人走后,饭桌上杯盘狼藉。

Literary

Facile à confondre

饭桌 vs 桌子

It's the general term for all tables.

饭桌 is specific to dining. Use 桌子 when you don't need to specify the function.

把椅子搬到桌子旁边。

饭桌 vs 位子

Both relate to sitting down in a restaurant.

位子 is the seat/place, 饭桌 is the physical table.

这个饭桌有四个位子。

饭桌 vs 餐厅

Both relate to the dining area.

餐厅 is the room (dining room), 饭桌 is the furniture inside it.

餐厅里有一张大饭桌。

饭桌 vs 饭局

Both involve eating and tables.

饭局 refers to the social event/dinner party, not the furniture.

今晚我有一个饭局。

饭桌 vs 台子

Sometimes used for 'table' in certain contexts.

台子 usually refers to a platform, counter, or stage.

乒乓球台子。

Structures de phrases

A1

这是[Noun]。

这是一张饭桌。

A2

[Subject]在饭桌上[Verb]。

我们在饭桌上吃饭。

B1

把[Object]放在饭桌上。

把菜放在饭桌上。

B1

饭桌上[Verb]着[Noun]。

饭桌上摆着鲜花。

B2

饭桌是[Material]做的。

饭桌是大理石做的。

B2

[Subject]围在饭桌旁[Verb]。

全家人围在饭桌旁过节。

C1

饭桌承载了[Abstract Noun]。

饭桌承载了我们的回忆。

C2

饭桌是...的缩影。

饭桌是社会变迁的缩影。

Famille de mots

Noms

桌子 (table)
饭厅 (dining room)
饭局 (dinner party)
饭菜 (food/meal)

Verbes

开饭 (to start a meal)
吃饭 (to eat)
做饭 (to cook)

Adjectifs

丰盛 (sumptuous - describing the table contents)
拥挤 (crowded - describing the table seating)

Apparenté

椅子 (chair)
碗 (bowl)
筷子 (chopsticks)
餐巾 (napkin)
桌布 (tablecloth)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely high in daily domestic life.

Erreurs courantes
  • Using '个' as a measure word. Using '张'.

    Tables are flat, wide objects, which require the measure word '张'. '个' is too generic and sounds uneducated.

  • Saying '在饭桌' for 'at the table'. Saying '在饭桌上' or '在饭桌旁'.

    Chinese requires a directional particle after the noun to specify the location relative to the object.

  • Confusing 饭桌 with 书桌. Using the word that matches the table's primary function.

    Even if you study at the dining table, it is still a 饭桌. A 书桌 is a dedicated desk.

  • Using 饭桌 in a formal contract. Using 餐桌.

    餐桌 has a higher register and is more appropriate for legal or professional documents.

  • Mispronouncing 'zhuō' as 'zuō'. Using the retroflex 'zh' sound.

    The 'h' in 'zh' is crucial. 'Zuō' is a different sound and can lead to confusion.

Astuces

Measure Word Mastery

Always pair 饭桌 with 张 (zhāng). Think of it like a sheet of paper (also 张) – both are flat surfaces!

Table Manners

In Chinese culture, the 饭桌 is where children learn manners. Never tap your bowl with chopsticks; it’s what beggars do.

Contextual Choice

Use 饭桌 when talking to friends and family. Use 餐桌 when writing a formal essay or describing a fancy hotel.

Tone Accuracy

Ensure 'fàn' is a sharp fourth tone. If you say it in the first tone, it sounds like 'fan' (sail), which makes no sense with 'table'.

Room Association

Associate 饭桌 with 餐厅 (dining room). If the table is in the kitchen, it's still a 饭桌.

Business Dining

Remember that many Chinese business relationships start at the 饭桌. It's about 'guanxi', not just the food.

Key Verbs

Listen for '摆' (set) and '收拾' (clear). They are the most common actions performed on a 饭桌.

Stroke Order

When writing 桌, focus on the top part first, then the middle, and finally the '木' at the bottom.

Visual Cues

Imagine a family sitting in a circle. The circle is the 饭桌. This will help you remember the word and its cultural meaning.

Seating Order

When invited to a meal, wait for the host to point you to a seat at the 饭桌. Don't just sit anywhere!

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Fan' (like a fan of food) and 'Drow' (like a drawing on a table). You are a fan of the food on the table!

Association visuelle

Visualize a big steaming bowl of rice (饭) sitting on a flat wooden surface (桌) with four legs.

Word Web

饭 (fàn) 桌 (zhuō) 餐 (cān) 厅 (tīng) 吃 (chī) 家 (jiā) 圆 (yuán) 方 (fāng)

Défi

Try to name five things currently on your 饭桌 in Chinese. Then, tell someone '我在饭桌上' (I am at the dining table).

Origine du mot

The word '饭桌' is a compound of '饭' (fàn) and '桌' (zhuō). '饭' originally referred to cooked grains, specifically rice. '桌' is a relatively later character in Chinese history, evolving from '卓' (zhuó), which meant 'high' or 'lofty'.

Sens originel : A high platform or surface used for serving cooked grain.

Sino-Tibetan / Sinitic / Mandarin Chinese.

Contexte culturel

Be aware that in some very traditional households, certain topics are considered inappropriate for the 饭桌. Also, never stick your chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice at the 饭桌, as it resembles incense for the dead.

In English-speaking countries, dining tables can be formal or informal, but the concept of 'table talk' is similar. However, the 'Lazy Susan' (rotating tray) found on many Chinese 饭桌 is less common in Western homes.

The movie 'Eat Drink Man Woman' (饮食男女) features iconic scenes around a 饭桌. The painting 'The Last Supper' is often called '最后的晚餐', though the table itself is a central element. The book 'Joy Luck Club' highlights the dining table as a site of mother-daughter conflict.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At Home

  • 去饭桌吃饭
  • 收拾饭桌
  • 饭桌太乱了
  • 围在饭桌旁

Furniture Shopping

  • 这张饭桌多少钱
  • 有圆饭桌吗
  • 实木饭桌
  • 送货上门

Restaurant

  • 请带我们去饭桌
  • 饭桌已经订好了
  • 加一张椅子
  • 收拾一下饭桌

Social Gatherings

  • 饭桌上的话题
  • 饭桌礼仪
  • 大家聚在饭桌前
  • 热闹的饭桌

Cleaning

  • 擦干净饭桌
  • 把饭桌搬走
  • 饭桌上有灰
  • 铺上桌布

Amorces de conversation

"你家的饭桌是圆的还是方的? (Is your dining table round or square?)"

"你喜欢在饭桌上聊天吗? (Do you like chatting at the dining table?)"

"你们家饭桌上谁坐主位? (Who sits in the seat of honor at your dining table?)"

"你觉得饭桌礼仪重要吗? (Do you think table manners are important?)"

"你小时候在饭桌上经常听父母说什么? (What did your parents often say at the dining table when you were a child?)"

Sujets d'écriture

描写一下你理想中的饭桌是什么样子的。 (Describe what your ideal dining table looks like.)

记录一次你在饭桌上经历的难忘对话。 (Record an unforgettable conversation you had at the dining table.)

讨论一下手机如何改变了现代人的饭桌生活。 (Discuss how mobile phones have changed modern dining table life.)

写一写你家饭桌上的拿手菜。 (Write about the specialty dishes on your family's dining table.)

你认为饭桌在家庭关系中起到了什么作用? (What role do you think the dining table plays in family relationships?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

The measure word for 饭桌 is 张 (zhāng). This is because tables are flat objects. You should say '一张饭桌', '两张饭桌', etc. Using '个' (gè) is a common mistake for beginners.

Technically, you can do your work on a 饭桌, but you wouldn't call it a '书桌' unless its primary purpose is for studying. If you are sitting at the dining table working, you are still at the '饭桌'.

饭桌 is more colloquial and commonly used at home. 餐桌 is more formal and used in written Chinese, furniture catalogs, or high-end restaurant contexts. They are interchangeable in most daily situations, but '饭桌' sounds warmer.

You say '在饭桌上' (zài fànzhuō shàng) or '在饭桌旁' (zài fànzhuō páng). '上' implies on the surface or sitting at it, while '旁' implies being next to it.

Yes, you can, but it is more common to just say '桌子' (zhuōzi) or '位子' (wèizi) when asking for a seat or a table in a restaurant setting.

The round table (圆饭桌) symbolizes unity and completeness (团圆). It allows everyone to share food easily and ensures no one is at the 'head' of the table in an exclusionary way, though seating order still exists.

The most common phrase is '收拾饭桌' (shōushi fànzhuō). You can also say '撤桌子' (chè zhuōzi) in more formal dining contexts.

Yes, '饭桌' is often used to represent family life or social networking. Phrases like '饭桌文化' refer to the complex social rules of dining in China.

It is a compound word (noun) consisting of two characters. In Chinese, it is treated as a single lexical unit.

Common adjectives include 大 (big), 小 (small), 圆 (round), 方 (square), 旧 (old), 新 (new), and 干净 (clean).

Teste-toi 180 questions

writing

Translate to Chinese: 'This is a big dining table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'Mom is clearing the dining table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'There is a bowl on the dining table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'We are sitting around the dining table.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'Please wipe the dining table clean.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '饭桌' and '漂亮'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '饭桌' and '聊天'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'Is this dining table made of wood?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'I want to buy a round dining table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence using '饭桌' and '收拾'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'Don't put your books on the dining table.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'The family is very happy at the dining table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'The dining table is in the middle of the room.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate to Chinese: 'This old dining table is from my grandfather.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Write a sentence about '饭桌文化'.

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The dining table is too heavy to move.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'We discussed our travel plans at the dining table.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'There are many delicious dishes on the dining table.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'He wiped the dining table three times.'

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Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
writing

Translate: 'The dining table is the heart of our home.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe your dining table at home in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell your friend to sit at the table to eat.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask someone to help you clean the dining table.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain why you like round dining tables.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Talk about what your family discusses at the table.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Don't put your phone on the dining table.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe the material of your table.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask where the dining table is in a furniture store.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The dining table is too small for eight people.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Explain a basic Chinese table manner.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Tell a story about an old family dining table.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'I am wiping the table.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Ask 'How much is this dining table?'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The dining table is very clean now.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Talk about your favorite meal at the dining table.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'Please move the table to the kitchen.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Discuss if people should work at the dining table.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The dining table is covered with a white cloth.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Describe a busy banquet table.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
speaking

Say 'The dining table is the center of our family life.'

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '请把这张饭桌擦干净。' Question: What should be cleaned?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '我们家有一张很大的圆饭桌。' Question: What shape is the table?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '他在饭桌下找他的钥匙。' Question: Where is he looking for his keys?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '别在饭桌上玩手机。' Question: What is the speaker advising against?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '饭桌上摆满了妈妈做的菜。' Question: Who cooked the food?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '这张饭桌是木头做的。' Question: What is the table made of?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '我们要买两张新饭桌。' Question: How many tables are they buying?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '收拾一下饭桌,准备开饭了。' Question: What is about to happen?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '饭桌太重了,搬不动。' Question: Why can't the table be moved?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '全家人围在饭桌旁聊天。' Question: What is the family doing?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '饭桌上的气氛很热闹。' Question: How is the atmosphere?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '饭桌中间放着一瓶花。' Question: What is in the middle of the table?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '这张饭桌已经用了十年了。' Question: How long have they had the table?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '请把书从饭桌上拿走。' Question: What should be removed from the table?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
listening

Audio: '他在饭桌前等他的朋友。' Question: Where is he waiting?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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