停车场 in 30 Seconds
- Parking lot for cars.
- Where vehicles are stored.
- Essential for urban navigation.
- Chinese: 停车场 (tíng chē chǎng).
- Literal Breakdown
- 停 (tíng) means 'to stop', 车 (chē) means 'car' or 'vehicle', and 场 (chǎng) means 'place' or 'field'. So, literally, it's a 'stop car place'.
请问，这附近有 停车场 吗？
- Example Sentences
- 1. 我把车停在商场的 停车场 了。 (Wǒ bǎ chē tíng zài shāngchǎng de tíngchēchǎng le.) - I parked the car in the mall's parking lot. This sentence uses the '把' (bǎ) construction to emphasize the object (the car) and its placement.
- 2. 这个 停车场 很大，有很多车位。 (Zhège tíngchēchǎng hěn dà, yǒu hěnduō chēwèi.) - This parking lot is very big and has many parking spaces. Here, 停车场 is the subject of the sentence.
- 3. 我们找不到 停车场。 (Wǒmen zhǎobudào tíngchēchǎng.) - We can't find the parking lot. This shows 停车场 as the object of the verb '找' (zhǎo - to find).
请问，去 停车场 怎么走？
- Situational Examples
- - Asking for directions to a shopping mall's parking lot.
- - Following signs that indicate the location of a parking area.
- - Discussing where you left your car.
- - Hearing announcements about parking availability or regulations.
请问，电影院的 停车场 在哪里？
- Mistake vs. Correct Usage
- - **Mistake:** Using 车站 (chē zhàn - station) when you mean 停车场 (tíng chē chǎng - parking lot). Both contain '车' (chē - car), but refer to different places.
- - **Mistake:** Saying '停车的地方' (tíng chē de dìfang - place to park) instead of the more common and concise 停车场 (tíng chē chǎng).
- - **Mistake:** Mispronouncing the tones, especially the third tone in 停 (tíng). This can lead to confusion.
我把车停在 停车场，而不是火车站。
- Comparison Table
Word Pinyin Meaning Usage Notes 停车场 tíng chē chǎng Parking lot, Car park The most general and widely used term. Applicable to various types of parking areas. 车库 chē kù Garage (for cars) Refers specifically to an enclosed building or space for parking cars, often attached to a house or as part of a larger structure. More specific than 停车场. 停车位 tíng chē wèi Parking space, Parking spot Refers to an individual marked spot within a parking lot or garage where one car can park. 停车区 tíng chē qū Parking area A more general term for an area designated for parking. Can sometimes be used interchangeably with 停车场 but might be less formal or more descriptive of a zone. 路边停车 lù biān tíng chē Street parking, Parking on the roadside Describes the act or place of parking a car along the side of a road, not in a dedicated lot.
这个 停车场 里有很多 停车位。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character '场' (chǎng) itself has evolved from pictograms representing an open space, often a marketplace or an area for activities. Its use in 停车场 emphasizes the open or designated nature of the area for vehicles to stop.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the tones of the individual characters (tíng, chē, chǎng).
- Confusing the 'ch' sounds, particularly between 'chē' and 'chǎng'.
- Not aspirating the initial 't' in 'tíng' clearly.
- Pronouncing 'chǎng' with a simple 'ang' sound instead of the affricate.
Difficulty Rating
The characters are relatively common, and the meaning is straightforward. Reading signs or simple sentences mentioning 停车场 is generally easy for A2 learners.
Writing 停车场 requires knowing three common characters and their order. Forming simple sentences with it is achievable for A2 learners.
Pronunciation is manageable with practice, and the word is frequently used in practical situations, making it easy to incorporate into speech.
The word is common and often appears in contexts where its meaning is clear, making it relatively easy to recognize when heard.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
使用 '在' (zài) 表示地点
车在停车场。(The car is in the parking lot.)
使用 '去' (qù) 表示目的地
我们去停车场。(We are going to the parking lot.)
使用 '把' (bǎ) 句型强调动作的对象
我把车停在停车场。(I parked the car in the parking lot.)
使用 '有' (yǒu) 表示存在
这里有停车场吗？(Is there a parking lot here?)
形容词修饰名词
这是一个很大的停车场。(This is a very big parking lot.)
Examples by Level
这是停车场。
This is a parking lot.
Simple declarative sentence.
车在停车场。
The car is in the parking lot.
Uses '在' (zài) to indicate location.
请去停车场。
Please go to the parking lot.
Imperative sentence with '请' (qǐng).
停车场有车。
There are cars in the parking lot.
Subject-Verb-Object structure.
我看见停车场。
I see the parking lot.
Simple sentence with verb '看见' (kànjiàn - to see).
这个是停车场。
This is a parking lot.
Uses demonstrative pronoun '这' (zhè).
停车场很大。
The parking lot is big.
Adjective describing the noun.
我们去停车场。
We are going to the parking lot.
Simple sentence indicating movement.
请问，附近的停车场在哪里？
Excuse me, where is the nearby parking lot?
Question asking for location, using '附近' (fùjìn - nearby) and '在哪里' (zài nǎlǐ - where is).
我把车停在这个免费的停车场。
I parked the car in this free parking lot.
Uses '把' (bǎ) structure and adjective '免费的' (miǎnfèi de - free).
这个停车场很大，但是没有很多空位。
This parking lot is big, but there are not many empty spaces.
Compound sentence using '但是' (dànshì - but).
你需要支付停车费才能使用这个停车场。
You need to pay the parking fee to use this parking lot.
Uses modal verb '需要' (xūyào - need to) and '才能' (cáinéng - only then can).
我们找不到去市中心的停车场。
We can't find the parking lot to go to the city center.
Uses '找不到' (zhǎobudào - can't find) and purpose clause.
商场有一个很大的室内停车场。
The mall has a very large indoor parking lot.
Describes the type of parking lot ('室内' - shìnèi - indoor).
请注意，这个停车场只对住户开放。
Please note, this parking lot is only open to residents.
Uses '请注意' (qǐng zhùyì - please note) and '只对...开放' (zhǐ duì... kāifàng - only open to...).
周末的停车场总是很拥挤。
The parking lot on weekends is always very crowded.
Describes a common situation using '总是' (zǒngshì - always).
我建议我们把车停在离市中心稍远一点的那个大型停车场，那里通常比较便宜。
I suggest we park the car in that large parking lot a bit further from the city center; it's usually cheaper there.
More complex sentence with suggestion, comparative, and adverbial phrases.
由于节假日期间车流量大，市中心的停车场很快就满了，我们不得不绕了好几圈才找到一个空位。
Due to the large traffic flow during the holiday period, the parking lots in the city center filled up quickly, and we had to drive around several times before finding a spot.
Uses causal conjunction '由于' (yóuyú - due to) and expresses a sequence of actions.
这个多层停车场的设计非常人性化，不仅有清晰的指示牌，还配备了充足的照明和安全监控系统。
The design of this multi-story parking lot is very user-friendly; not only does it have clear signs, but it is also equipped with ample lighting and a security monitoring system.
Uses '不仅...还...' (bùjǐn... hái... - not only... but also...) and descriptive adjectives.
在寻找免费停车场时，很多司机倾向于选择那些离主要景点稍远但交通便利的地方。
When looking for free parking, many drivers tend to choose places that are slightly further from the main attractions but easily accessible by transport.
Discusses driver behavior and preferences using '倾向于' (qīngxiàng yú - tend to).
如果不小心把车停在了禁止停车区域，可能会面临高额的罚款，所以务必留意停车场内的标识。
If you accidentally park the car in a no-parking zone, you might face a hefty fine, so be sure to pay attention to the signs within the parking lot.
Conditional sentence with warning and emphasis on caution.
考虑到环保问题，一些新建的停车场开始推广电动汽车充电桩，以满足日益增长的需求。
Considering environmental issues, some newly built parking lots have started to promote electric vehicle charging stations to meet the growing demand.
Uses '考虑到' (kǎolǜ dào - considering) and expresses a trend.
每次去市中心办事，我都尽量提前到达，以便在那个最方便的地下停车场找到一个好位置。
Every time I go to the city center for errands, I try to arrive in advance so that I can find a good spot in that most convenient underground parking lot.
Expresses purpose with '以便' (yǐbiàn - so that) and uses superlative.
虽然这个购物中心的停车场很大，但周末高峰时段，寻找一个停车位仍然是一项挑战。
Although the parking lot of this shopping center is large, finding a parking space during peak hours on weekends remains a challenge.
Uses concessive conjunction '虽然' (suīrán - although) and highlights a persistent issue.
鉴于城市交通拥堵日益严重，政府正在大力推广智能停车系统，旨在优化现有停车场的利用率并缓解停车难的问题。
In view of the increasingly severe urban traffic congestion, the government is vigorously promoting intelligent parking systems, aiming to optimize the utilization rate of existing parking lots and alleviate the problem of parking difficulties.
Formal language, uses '鉴于' (jiànyú - in view of), '旨在' (zhǐ zài - aiming to), and abstract nouns.
许多新兴的城市规划中都考虑到了可持续发展的理念，比如在大型综合体中设置集成了太阳能发电和雨水收集系统的生态停车场。
Many emerging urban plans consider the concept of sustainable development, such as setting up ecological parking lots that integrate solar power generation and rainwater harvesting systems in large complexes.
Discusses urban planning concepts, uses '比如' (bǐrú - for example) and compound nouns.
在老城区，由于历史建筑的限制，新建大型停车场的可行性较低，因此当地居民常常抱怨停车位严重不足。
In the old town area, due to the limitations of historical buildings, the feasibility of building new large parking lots is low, hence local residents often complain about the severe shortage of parking spaces.
Explains cause and effect using '由于' (yóuyú - due to) and '因此' (yīncǐ - hence), expresses complaint.
随着共享经济的兴起，一些停车场开始探索将闲置空间转化为共享充电桩或短期停车位，以提高空间利用效率并创造新的收入来源。
With the rise of the sharing economy, some parking lots have begun to explore transforming idle spaces into shared charging stations or short-term parking spots to improve space utilization efficiency and create new revenue streams.
Discusses economic trends and business strategies, uses '随着' (suízhe - along with) and '以' (yǐ - in order to).
为了应对日益增长的电动汽车普及率，越来越多的停车场正在升级改造，增设无线充电设施和智能泊车引导系统。
To cope with the increasing popularization rate of electric vehicles, more and more parking lots are upgrading and renovating, adding wireless charging facilities and intelligent parking guidance systems.
Focuses on technological advancements and future trends, uses '为了' (wèile - in order to) and '日益' (rìyì - increasingly).
城市的公共交通发展水平直接影响着市民对私家车出行的依赖程度，进而影响着对停车场的需求量。
The development level of urban public transportation directly affects the degree of citizens' reliance on private car travel, and in turn affects the demand for parking lots.
Analyzes cause and effect relationships between different factors, uses '直接影响' (zhíjiē yǐngxiǎng - directly affect) and '进而' (jìn'ér - and in turn).
在规划大型活动场所时，必须充分考虑到人流和车流的疏导问题，合理设置入口、出口以及足够数量的临时停车场。
When planning large event venues, the issues of crowd and traffic flow management must be fully considered, with reasonable setting of entrances, exits, and a sufficient number of temporary parking lots.
Emphasizes planning considerations and logistics, uses '必须' (bìxū - must) and '合理设置' (hélǐ shèzhì - reasonably set up).
尽管许多城市都在鼓励使用公共交通，但对于住在郊区或需要携带大量物品的市民来说，私家车和随之而来的停车场需求仍然是不可或缺的。
Although many cities are encouraging the use of public transportation, for citizens living in the suburbs or needing to carry a lot of items, private cars and the consequent demand for parking lots remain indispensable.
Presents a nuanced argument using '尽管' (jǐnguǎn - although) and highlights practical considerations.
为了有效缓解城市停车难的顽疾，政府部门正积极探索多元化的解决方案，包括但不限于优化现有停车场的空间利用效率、推广错峰停车机制以及引入智能化停车诱导系统。
In order to effectively alleviate the persistent problem of urban parking difficulties, government departments are actively exploring diversified solutions, including but not limited to optimizing the spatial utilization efficiency of existing parking lots, promoting staggered parking mechanisms, and introducing intelligent parking guidance systems.
Formal academic tone, uses complex sentence structures, abstract nouns, and a list of solutions.
城市更新项目在重新规划土地用途时，往往会优先考虑增加公共绿地和完善交通基础设施，而大型停车场的建设则可能因其对城市景观的影响而受到限制。
When re-planning land use, urban renewal projects often prioritize increasing public green spaces and improving transportation infrastructure, while the construction of large parking lots may be restricted due to their impact on the urban landscape.
Discusses urban planning priorities and potential conflicts, uses '往往会优先考虑' (wǎngwǎng huì yōuxiān kǎolǜ - often prioritize) and passive voice.
随着智能交通技术的飞速发展，未来的停车场将不仅仅是车辆的停放场所，更可能演变为集成了充电、自动驾驶车辆停泊、甚至商业服务的多功能交通枢纽。
With the rapid development of intelligent transportation technology, future parking lots will not only be places for vehicle parking but may also evolve into multi-functional transportation hubs integrating charging, autonomous vehicle docking, and even commercial services.
Speculative and forward-looking, uses '不仅仅是...更可能演变为...' (bùjǐn jǐnshì... gèng kěnéng yǎnbian wèi... - not only... but may also evolve into...) and technical terms.
在评估一个地区的交通承载能力时，停车设施的供给量和分布情况是关键考量因素之一，它直接关系到居民的出行便利性和城市整体运行效率。
When assessing a region's traffic carrying capacity, the supply and distribution of parking facilities are among the key considerations, directly relating to residents' travel convenience and the overall operational efficiency of the city.
Analytical and evaluative, uses '评估' (pínggū - assess), '关键考量因素' (guānjiàn kǎoliàng yīnsù - key consideration factor), and abstract concepts.
一些高科技园区为了吸引人才和企业入驻，不惜投入巨资建设配备先进自动泊车系统的智能化停车场，以此作为提升区域竞争力的重要手段。
Some high-tech parks, in order to attract talent and enterprises, spare no expense in investing heavily to build intelligent parking lots equipped with advanced automated parking systems, using this as an important means to enhance regional competitiveness.
Discusses economic incentives and strategic investments, uses '不惜投入巨资' (bùxī tóurù jùzī - spare no expense in investing heavily) and '以此作为...' (yǐ cǐ zuòwéi... - using this as...).
尽管城市中心区域的土地成本高昂，但出于对商业活动和居民生活便利性的考量，对停车场的持续需求依然存在，并促使了对地下空间和垂直停车技术的探索。
Despite the high land costs in urban central areas, due to considerations for commercial activities and residents' convenience, the continuous demand for parking lots still exists, prompting exploration into underground spaces and vertical parking technologies.
Explains economic factors and their impact on innovation, uses '尽管' (jǐnguǎn - despite), '出于...的考量' (chūyú... de kǎolǜ - due to considerations of), and '促使了' (cùshǐ le - prompted).
在应对突发公共事件时，临时停车场的规划和管理能力显得尤为重要，它直接关系到应急车辆的通行效率和人员的疏散安全。
In responding to sudden public emergencies, the planning and management capabilities of temporary parking lots are particularly important, directly relating to the passage efficiency of emergency vehicles and the safety of personnel evacuation.
Focuses on crisis management and logistics, uses '尤为重要' (yóuwéi zhòngyào - particularly important) and '关系到' (guānxì dào - relates to).
通过大数据分析，我们可以精准预测不同时段和区域的停车场使用高峰，从而为交通管理部门制定更科学的停车政策提供依据。
Through big data analysis, we can accurately predict the peak usage times and areas of parking lots, thereby providing a basis for traffic management departments to formulate more scientific parking policies.
Discusses data-driven decision-making, uses '通过' (tōngguò - through), '精准预测' (jīngzhǔn yùcè - accurately predict), and '从而' (cóng'ér - thereby).
面对日益严峻的城市化挑战，可持续交通解决方案的有效实施，将极大程度上依赖于对现有停车基础设施的智能化改造和对新兴停车模式的创新性融合，而非仅仅是增设数量。
In the face of increasingly severe urbanization challenges, the effective implementation of sustainable transportation solutions will largely depend on the intelligent transformation of existing parking infrastructure and the innovative integration of emerging parking models, rather than merely increasing the quantity.
Highly academic and abstract, discusses complex interdependencies and strategic approaches.
城市景观的塑造与交通系统的有机整合，要求我们在规划大型交通枢纽及附属停车场时，必须超越功能主义的局限，融入生态美学和人文关怀的理念。
The shaping of the urban landscape and the organic integration of the transportation system require us to transcend the limitations of functionalism when planning large transportation hubs and their associated parking lots, incorporating concepts of ecological aesthetics and humanistic care.
Philosophical and aesthetic considerations in urban planning, uses '超越...的局限' (chāoyuè... de júxiàn - transcend the limitations of) and '融入' (róngrù - incorporate).
对城市停车场的动态管理，已从传统的基于时段的收费模式，演进为更为精细化的需求响应式定价策略，旨在通过价格信号的实时调控，引导车辆流向和优化资源配置。
The dynamic management of urban parking lots has evolved from traditional time-based charging models to more refined demand-responsive pricing strategies, aiming to guide vehicle flow and optimize resource allocation through real-time regulation of price signals.
Focuses on economic theory and sophisticated management techniques, uses '演进为' (yǎnjìn wèi - evolved into) and '旨在' (zhǐ zài - aiming to).
在人工智能和物联网技术的赋能下，未来的停车场有望实现从被动停泊到主动服务的转变，成为智慧城市生态系统中不可或缺的智能节点。
Empowered by artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies, future parking lots are expected to transition from passive parking to active services, becoming indispensable intelligent nodes in the smart city ecosystem.
Futuristic and technologically advanced, uses '赋能' (fùnéng - empower) and '有望实现...的转变' (yǒuwàng shíxiàn... de zhuǎnbiàn - is expected to achieve a transition from... to...).
考量到城市发展对土地资源的挤压效应，立体停车库和地下停车场的开发利用，已成为缓解城市停车压力的重要战略性举措，尽管其初期投资巨大且技术要求高。
Considering the pressure of urban development on land resources, the development and utilization of multi-story parking garages and underground parking lots have become important strategic measures to alleviate urban parking pressure, despite their substantial initial investment and high technical requirements.
Economic and strategic analysis, uses '考量到' (kǎoliàng dào - considering), '挤压效应' (jǐyā xiàoyìng - pressure effect), and '尽管' (jǐnguǎn - despite).
多模态交通枢纽的规划设计，必须将停车场的功能性与其周边环境的融合度、以及对城市整体交通流的贡献度进行综合评估。
The planning and design of multimodal transportation hubs must comprehensively assess the functionality of parking lots in conjunction with their integration into the surrounding environment and their contribution to the overall urban traffic flow.
Focuses on complex system integration and holistic planning, uses '多模态' (duōmótài - multimodal), '融合度' (rónghé dù - degree of integration), and '综合评估' (zōnghé pínggū - comprehensive assessment).
对于老旧城区的改造，如何在保留历史风貌的同时，有效增设或优化停车场，以满足现代交通需求，是一个极具挑战性的城市规划课题。
For the renovation of old urban areas, how to effectively add or optimize parking lots while preserving historical features to meet modern transportation demands is a highly challenging urban planning issue.
Highlights a complex planning dilemma, uses '如何在...的同时' (rúhé zài... de tóngshí - how to... at the same time) and '极具挑战性' (jí jù tiǎozhàn xìng - highly challenging).
通过对停车场数据的深度挖掘和分析，我们可以洞察出城市居民的出行行为模式，进而为城市交通政策的制定提供更为精准和前瞻性的依据。
Through in-depth mining and analysis of parking lot data, we can gain insights into the travel behavior patterns of urban residents, thereby providing more accurate and forward-looking basis for the formulation of urban transportation policies.
Emphasizes data analytics and strategic policy-making, uses '深度挖掘' (shēndù wājué - in-depth mining), '洞察出' (dòngchá chū - gain insights into), and '前瞻性' (qiánzhānxìng - forward-looking).
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Excuse me, where is the parking lot?
When you're lost and need to find a place to park your car.
— I parked the car in the parking lot.
Used to inform someone where you've left your vehicle.
— Does this parking lot charge a fee?
When you need to know if you have to pay for parking.
— Find a parking lot.
A simple command or request to locate a parking area.
— Free parking lot.
Used to inquire about or identify parking areas that do not require payment.
— Go to the parking lot.
An instruction or statement of intent to move towards the parking area.
— Parking lot entrance.
Used to direct someone to the entry point of a parking facility.
— Parking lot exit.
Used to direct someone to the exit point of a parking facility.
— This parking lot is very big.
Describing the size of a parking facility.
— Please park the car in the parking lot.
An instruction given to a driver.
Often Confused With
车站 means 'station' (like a bus station or train station). While both contain '车' (car), 停车场 is specifically for parking vehicles, whereas 车站 is for boarding or alighting public transport.
车道 means 'lane' or 'driveway'. It's a path for vehicles to travel on, not a place to park them.
停车场 refers to the entire lot or facility, while 停车位 refers to an individual parking spot within that lot.
Easily Confused
Both words contain the character '车' (chē), meaning car or vehicle, and are related to transportation.
车站 refers to a 'station' (bus station, train station, etc.) where people wait for or board public transport. 停车场 refers to a 'parking lot' where vehicles are stored when not in use. You go to a 车站 to travel by bus or train, but you go to a 停车场 to leave your car.
我需要去火车站买票，而不是去火车站的停车场。
停车 is the verb 'to park', and 停车场 is the noun 'parking lot'. They are closely related but represent different grammatical functions.
停车 (tíng chē) is the action of parking a vehicle. 停车场 (tíng chē chǎng) is the place where this action occurs. You perform the action of 停车 in the 停车场.
请把车停在停车场里。(Please park the car in the parking lot.)
Both are places for cars, and '车' (car) is present in both.
车库 (chē kù) specifically refers to a 'garage', which is typically an enclosed building or space for parking cars, often attached to a residence or as part of a larger building. 停车场 is a more general term for any designated parking area, which can be open-air or a multi-story structure.
我把车停在了家里的车库，而不是街边的停车场。
Both refer to areas for parking.
停车场 (tíng chē chǎng) is the most common and general term for a parking lot or car park. 停车区 (tíng chē qū) is also translated as 'parking area' and can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but 停车场 is more widely used and often implies a more formal or established facility. 停车区 might sometimes refer to a less defined or temporary parking zone.
这个购物中心有一个很大的停车场，但旁边还有一个临时的停车区。
Both relate to parking vehicles.
路边停车 (lù biān tíng chē) describes the act or location of parking a car along the side of a road. It is distinct from 停车场, which is a dedicated, purpose-built facility for parking.
在市中心很难找到路边停车位，所以我们去了那个付费停车场。
Sentence Patterns
请问，[地点] 的 停车场 在哪里？
请问，电影院的停车场在哪里？
我把车停在 [地点] 的 停车场。
我把车停在商场的停车场。
这个 停车场 [形容词]。
这个停车场很大。
这里有 停车场 吗？
请问，这里有免费停车场吗？
去 [地点] 的 停车场 需要 [时间/费用]。
去市中心的停车场需要支付停车费。
在 停车场 [做某事]。
我在停车场等了你十分钟。
由于 [原因]，停车场 [情况]。
由于节假日，停车场总是很拥挤。
我建议 [做某事]，因为 [原因] 停车场 [特点]。
我建议把车停在远一点的停车场，因为那里比较便宜。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
High
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Confusing 停车场 with 车站 (chē zhàn - station).
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停车场 (tíng chē chǎng) means parking lot; 车站 means station.
While both contain '车' (car), 停车场 is for parking, and 车站 is for public transport hubs. Imagine parking your car at a train station's parking lot.
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Mispronouncing the tones, especially the third tone in 场 (chǎng).
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The correct tones are tíng (2nd), chē (1st), chǎng (3rd).
Incorrect tones can change the meaning or make the word unintelligible. Practice the 'low-dipping-rising' tone for 场.
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Using 停车场 to refer to a single parking space.
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Use 停车位 (tíng chē wèi) for a single parking space.
停车场 is the entire lot or facility. 停车位 is one specific spot within it. Think of 停车场 as the whole parking building and 停车位 as one apartment within it.
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Forgetting the character 场 (chǎng) and just saying 停车 (tíng chē).
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The full word is 停车场 (tíng chē chǎng).
停车 (tíng chē) means 'to park (a car)' as a verb. 停车场 is the noun 'parking lot'. You need the 'place' character 场 to denote the location.
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Using 停车场 for street parking without a designated area.
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Use 停车场 for designated lots; for street parking, say 路边停车 (lù biān tíng chē).
While a street might have parking, 停车场 specifically refers to a planned or designated area for parking, not just any available roadside spot.
Tips
Master the Tones
The word 停车场 consists of three characters with distinct tones: 停 (tíng - 2nd tone), 车 (chē - 1st tone), and 场 (chǎng - 3rd tone). Pay close attention to these tones, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion. Practice saying them in isolation and then together.
When to Use It
Use 停车场 when you are referring to a place where cars are parked, such as a shopping mall lot, a street parking area, or a multi-story garage. It's a practical word for everyday navigation.
Visual Association
Imagine a large open field (场 - chǎng) where cars (车 - chē) need to stop (停 - tíng). Visualizing this scene can help you remember the characters and their order.
Basic Sentence Structures
Use simple structures like '请问，停车场在哪里？' (Where is the parking lot?) or '我把车停在停车场。' (I parked the car in the parking lot.) to practice using the word.
Urban Necessity
Parking is a major concern in many Chinese cities. Understanding 停车场 is essential for daily life and navigating urban environments effectively.
Listen Actively
When watching Chinese media or listening to native speakers, actively listen for the word 停车场. Try to understand its usage in different contexts, such as signs, announcements, or conversations.
Expand Your Vocabulary
Learn related terms like 停车位 (tíng chē wèi - parking space) and 车库 (chē kù - garage) to have a more comprehensive understanding of parking-related vocabulary.
Use it When Traveling
When you travel to a Chinese-speaking region, don't hesitate to use 停车场 when asking for directions or looking for a place to park your rental car. Native speakers will appreciate your effort.
Regular Review
Incorporate 停车场 into your regular vocabulary review. Try to use it in sentences you write or speak daily to reinforce your memory.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a tired car (车 - chē) that needs to stop (停 - tíng) in a big open place (场 - chǎng). The 'chǎng' part sounds a bit like 'charge', like a car needing a charge in a big parking lot.
Visual Association
Picture a large, open field (场) where many cars (车) are stopping (停) to rest. You can visualize a grid of parking spots within this field.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe your daily commute, mentioning where you park your car using 停车场. For example, '我每天上班，把车停在公司的停车场。'
Word Origin
The word 停车场 is a compound word formed by combining three characters: 停 (tíng), 车 (chē), and 场 (chǎng). Each character contributes to the overall meaning. This formation is typical in Chinese for creating new terms by combining existing words or morphemes.
Original meaning: 'Stop car place'. 停 (tíng) means to stop, 车 (chē) means car or vehicle, and 场 (chǎng) means a place or an open area.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
There are no particular sensitivities associated with the word 停车场 itself. However, parking availability and cost can be sensitive topics in urban planning discussions.
In English-speaking countries, terms like 'parking lot', 'car park', 'garage', and 'parking bay' are used. The Chinese term 停车场 encompasses most of these meanings.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Asking for directions in a city or town.
- 请问，停车场在哪里？
- 附近的停车场远吗？
- 怎么去最近的停车场？
Shopping at a mall or large store.
- 这个商场有停车场吗？
- 把车停在商场的停车场。
- 停车场入口在哪里？
Traveling by car to an event or destination.
- 我们需要找个停车场。
- 这个停车场收费吗？
- 我把车停在那个大停车场了。
Discussing parking availability or rules.
- 周末停车场总是很挤。
- 这里是免费停车场。
- 请注意停车场标识。
Describing where a car is parked.
- 我的车停在地下停车场。
- 车在停车场，我去找。
- 你记得把车停在哪个停车场吗？
Conversation Starters
"你通常把车停在哪里？"
"你觉得哪个停车场的收费最合理？"
"在中国，找停车位是不是很困难？"
"你有没有在停车场遇到过有趣的事情？"
"你更喜欢室内停车场还是室外停车场？"
Journal Prompts
描述你上次开车去某个地方时，寻找停车场的经历。
你认为一个理想的停车场应该具备哪些特点？
想象一下未来的停车场会是什么样子？
谈谈你对城市停车费用的看法。
写下你曾经因为找不到停车场而遇到的麻烦。
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most common and versatile term for 'parking lot' in Chinese is 停车场 (tíng chē chǎng). It can be used in most situations, whether you're referring to a large multi-story garage or a small open-air lot.
You can ask '请问，停车场在哪里？' (Qǐngwèn, tíngchēchǎng zài nǎlǐ?), which means 'Excuse me, where is the parking lot?' You can also add a location, like '附近的停车场在哪里？' (Fùjìn de tíngchēchǎng zài nǎlǐ? - Where is the nearby parking lot?).
停车场 (tíng chē chǎng) is a general term for a parking lot or car park, which can be open-air or a building. 车库 (chē kù) specifically refers to a 'garage', which is usually an enclosed space for parking cars, often attached to a house or building.
Not always. Some 停车场 are free (免费停车场 - miǎnfèi tíngchēchǎng), while others charge a fee (收费停车场 - shōufèi tíngchēchǎng). It's common to ask '这个停车场收费吗？' (Zhège tíngchēchǎng shōufèi ma? - Does this parking lot charge a fee?).
No, 停车场 refers to the entire lot or facility. An individual parking spot is called a 停车位 (tíng chē wèi).
You can say '我把车停在停车场了。' (Wǒ bǎ chē tíng zài tíngchēchǎng le.) using the '把' structure, or '我的车停在停车场里。' (Wǒ de chē tíng zài tíngchēchǎng lǐ.)
The pronunciation involves three characters with specific tones. Practicing the tones for 停 (tíng - 2nd tone), 车 (chē - 1st tone), and 场 (chǎng - 3rd tone) is important. With some practice, it's manageable.
Related words include 停车 (tíng chē - to park), 停车位 (tíng chē wèi - parking space), 车库 (chē kù - garage), and 停车费 (tíng chē fèi - parking fee).
Yes, 停车场 is a standard term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In very formal contexts, you might see phrases like '车辆停放区域' (chēliàng tíngfàng qūyù - vehicle parking area).
The character 场 (chǎng) means 'place', 'field', 'ground', or 'venue'. In 停车场, it signifies the designated area or place for parking cars.
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Summary
停车场 (tíng chē chǎng) is the standard Chinese term for 'parking lot'. It's a vital word for anyone navigating urban environments or discussing transportation.
- Parking lot for cars.
- Where vehicles are stored.
- Essential for urban navigation.
- Chinese: 停车场 (tíng chē chǎng).
Master the Tones
The word 停车场 consists of three characters with distinct tones: 停 (tíng - 2nd tone), 车 (chē - 1st tone), and 场 (chǎng - 3rd tone). Pay close attention to these tones, as mispronunciation can lead to confusion. Practice saying them in isolation and then together.
Context is Key
While 停车场 is straightforward, understanding its context is important. It refers to a designated area for parking, not just any place where a car stops. Differentiate it from 车站 (station) or 车道 (lane).
When to Use It
Use 停车场 when you are referring to a place where cars are parked, such as a shopping mall lot, a street parking area, or a multi-story garage. It's a practical word for everyday navigation.
Visual Association
Imagine a large open field (场 - chǎng) where cars (车 - chē) need to stop (停 - tíng). Visualizing this scene can help you remember the characters and their order.
Example
停车场停满了车。
