A tea table is a low table typically placed in front of a sofa, used for holding drinks, snacks, and other items.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Small table in front of a sofa.
- Used for drinks, remotes, and magazines.
- Common in living rooms and lounges.
Overview
茶几（chá jī）是一个在现代家居环境中非常普遍的家具名词。它指的是一种尺寸较小、高度通常低于餐桌或书桌的桌子，主要放置在客厅的沙发前方或休息区域。茶几的设计多种多样，材质也涵盖了木材、玻璃、金属、石材等，能够适应不同的家居风格和个人喜好。
茶几的主要功能是提供一个方便的平面，供人们在休息时放置物品。最常见的用法是在喝茶或咖啡时放置茶杯、咖啡杯。此外，它也是放置遥控器、杂志、书籍、零食、装饰品（如花瓶、摆件）以及其他日常小物件的理想位置。在一些家庭中，茶几也可能被用作临时的工作台，放置笔记本电脑或文件。
茶几最常出现在客厅，紧邻沙发。它也是公寓、休息室、酒店大堂、咖啡馆等场所的常见家具。在家庭聚会或朋友来访时，茶几是大家围坐在一起交流、分享零食和饮品时的中心焦点。有时，茶几也会出现在卧室或书房，作为放置台灯、书籍或个人物品的辅助家具。
与茶几（chá jī）功能相似但尺寸或用途略有不同的家具包括：边几（biān jī），通常比茶几更小，放置在沙发或椅子的侧面；矮桌（ǎi zhuō），泛指高度较低的桌子，茶几可以算作矮桌的一种；餐桌（cān zhuō），主要用于用餐，尺寸较大，高度也通常更高。茶几的独特性在于其放置位置（通常在沙发前）和主要功能（放置茶点、遥控器等）。
Examples
请把你的杯子放在茶几上。
everydayPlease put your cup on the coffee table.
客厅中央摆放着一张精致的实木茶几。
descriptiveA delicate solid wood coffee table is placed in the center of the living room.
别把脚搭在茶几上！
informalDon't put your feet on the coffee table!
该研究考察了不同材质茶几的承重能力。
academicThis study examined the load-bearing capacity of coffee tables made from different materials.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
茶几上的东西
things on the coffee table
一张茶几
a coffee table
清理茶几
clear the coffee table
Often Confused With
A '边几' (side table) is typically smaller and placed next to a sofa or armchair, whereas a '茶几' (coffee table) is larger and placed in front of the sofa.
A '餐桌' (dining table) is primarily used for eating meals, is usually larger, and taller than a '茶几' (coffee table), which is intended for casual use in a living area.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The term '茶几' is very common in everyday conversation when referring to furniture in a living room. It is generally used in neutral to informal contexts. When describing a specific piece of furniture in a formal setting like interior design or architecture, more specific terms might be preferred, but '茶几' is widely understood.
Common Mistakes
Learners might confuse '茶几' with other types of tables like '餐桌' (dining table) or '书桌' (desk). It's important to remember that '茶几' specifically refers to the low table typically found in front of a sofa for placing drinks and snacks.
Tips
Choosing the Right Coffee Table
Consider the size of your sofa and room. Ensure the coffee table is proportionate and doesn't obstruct movement.
Avoid Overcrowding
Don't place too many items on your coffee table. Keep it tidy to maintain a clean and spacious look in your living room.
Social Hub in Chinese Homes
In Chinese culture, the coffee table is often a central point for serving tea and snacks to guests, symbolizing hospitality.
Word Origin
The word '茶几' is a compound word. '茶' means 'tea', and '几' refers to a small table or stand. Thus, it literally means 'tea table', highlighting its primary function of holding tea and other refreshments.
Cultural Context
In Chinese homes, the coffee table is a central piece of furniture in the living room, often used for serving tea and snacks to guests. It reflects the host's hospitality and is a focal point for social interaction.
Memory Tip
Imagine 'tea' (茶) being served on a 'table' (几) right next to where you relax on the sofa.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions茶几的主要用途是在客厅或休息区提供一个方便的平面，供人们放置茶杯、遥控器、杂志、零食等物品。
茶几通常放置在客厅的沙发前面，有时也会放在椅子旁边或休息区的中心位置。
茶几的材质非常多样，常见的有木质、玻璃、金属、石材、人造板等，选择取决于家居风格和个人偏好。
茶几通常比边几大，放置在沙发前方；而边几较小，一般放在沙发或椅子的侧面，用于放置台灯或随手物品。
Test Yourself
我喜欢在看电视的时候，把遥控器放在______上。
遥控器通常放在客厅的茶几上，方便取用。
以下哪个选项最能描述茶几？
茶几的定义就是放置在沙发前的小型家具，用于放置物品。
请用“茶几”、“杂志”、“上面”组成一个句子。
这个句子结构完整，表意清晰，符合语法规范。
Score: /3
Summary
A tea table is a low table typically placed in front of a sofa, used for holding drinks, snacks, and other items.
- Small table in front of a sofa.
- Used for drinks, remotes, and magazines.
- Common in living rooms and lounges.
Choosing the Right Coffee Table
Consider the size of your sofa and room. Ensure the coffee table is proportionate and doesn't obstruct movement.
Avoid Overcrowding
Don't place too many items on your coffee table. Keep it tidy to maintain a clean and spacious look in your living room.
Social Hub in Chinese Homes
In Chinese culture, the coffee table is often a central point for serving tea and snacks to guests, symbolizing hospitality.
Examples
4 of 4请把你的杯子放在茶几上。
Please put your cup on the coffee table.
客厅中央摆放着一张精致的实木茶几。
A delicate solid wood coffee table is placed in the center of the living room.
别把脚搭在茶几上！
Don't put your feet on the coffee table!
该研究考察了不同材质茶几的承重能力。
This study examined the load-bearing capacity of coffee tables made from different materials.
