Zhuōzi (桌子) is the fundamental word for 'table' or 'desk' in Chinese, essential for everyday communication.
Word in 30 Seconds
- A piece of furniture with a flat top and legs.
- Used for placing items, working, studying, or eating.
- Common in homes, offices, and schools.
- Basic vocabulary, essential for daily life.
**概述**：
“桌子”这个词在汉语中指代一种常见的家具。它的基本构造是有一个平坦的表面，通常是木头、金属、玻璃或塑料制成，下方有腿支撑。桌子的主要功能是提供一个用于放置物品、进行活动（如书写、吃饭、工作、学习）的平面。
在日常生活中，“桌子”是一个非常基础和高频的词汇，几乎每个人都能理解和使用。它没有太多复杂的引申义或隐含的文化内涵，但其形态和功能决定了它与“椅子”、“凳子”等家具紧密相关，常常一起出现。例如，餐桌配餐椅，书桌配书房椅。
从词源上看，“桌”的本意是指一种有脚的器具，后来引申为家具中的“桌子”。“子”是常见的名词后缀，表示事物的名称。
**使用模式**：
- 口语 vs. 书面语：在口语和书面语中，“桌子”的使用频率都很高，用法基本一致。无论是日常对话、新闻报道，还是文学作品，都能见到这个词。
- 正式 vs. 非正式：在绝大多数场合，“桌子”都可以使用，不带有特别的正式或非正式色彩，属于中性词。
- 地域差异：中国大陆、台湾、香港等地都使用“桌子”这个词，但在某些特定语境下，台湾地区可能会更偏向使用“桌仔”（zhuō zǎi）的口语化说法，但“桌子”是标准用法，通用无碍。
**常见语境**：
- 家居生活：这是“桌子”最常见的语境。例如：餐桌 (cānzhuō, dining table)、茶几 (chájī, coffee table)、书桌 (shūzhuō, desk)、床头柜 (chuángtóuguì, bedside table，虽然不是典型的桌子，但功能上类似)。人们会在餐桌上吃饭，在书桌上学习或工作，在茶几上放茶杯或杂志。
- 学校与办公：教室里的课桌 (kèzhuō, desk for students)、办公室里的办公桌 (bàngōngzhuō, office desk) 都是“桌子”的具体类型。学生在课桌上上课，职员在办公桌上处理文件。
- 餐饮业：餐厅、咖啡馆里摆放的桌子是顾客用餐的主要场所。例如：“请问有几位？这边有靠窗的桌子。”
- 公共场所：图书馆的阅览桌 (yuèlǎnzhuō, reading table)、公园里的野餐桌 (yěcānzhuō, picnic table) 等。
- 媒体与文学：在新闻报道中，可能会提到“会议桌”、“谈判桌”；在文学作品中，桌子更是承载情节的重要道具，比如“他将信放在了桌子上”。
**与相似词的比较**：
- 台 (tái)： “台”字本身可以指平台、舞台，也可以指桌子，尤其是在一些组合词中，如“讲台 (jiǎngtái, podium)”、“柜台 (guìtái, counter)”、“阳台 (yángtái, balcony)”。单独使用“台”来指代一般的桌子不如“桌子”普遍和明确。但在某些特定类型的桌子（如“工作台 (gōngzuòtái, workbench)”）或指代家具时，可以与“桌子”互换或并用。
- 案 (àn)： “案”字在古代可以指一种较低的、没有腿或腿很短的几案，主要用于放置物品或凭依。在现代汉语中，“案”字多出现在书面语或固定词组中，如“书案 (shū'àn, desk for writing/reading, often antique)”、“讲案 (jiǎng'àn, lectern)”、 “方案 (fāng'àn, plan/proposal)”。它比“桌子”更具古风或特定功能性。
- 几 (jī)： “几”指的是一种比桌子矮小、通常腿也较短的家具，类似于现代的矮桌或茶几。例如：“茶几 (chájī)”。单独的“几”字现代汉语中较少单独使用来指代桌子，多用于组合词。
**语域与语气**：
“桌子”是一个非常通用的词，适用于几乎所有语域和语气。在日常闲聊、正式会议、学术报告、文学创作中都可以自然使用。它没有特别的褒贬色彩，是中性词。
- 避免使用：在非常专业的家具制造或设计领域，可能会使用更具体的术语来描述桌子的类型、材质、结构等，但“桌子”仍然是基础词汇。
**常见搭配（词语搭配）**：
- 一张桌子 (yī zhāng zhuōzi)：这是最基本的量词搭配。“张”是形容扁平物品的量词。例句：“我需要买一张桌子。”
- 书桌 (shūzhuō)：专门用于学习或书写的桌子。例句：“他有一个宽敞明亮的书桌。”
- 餐桌 (cānzhuō)：用于吃饭的桌子。例句：“全家人围坐在餐桌旁吃晚饭。”
- 办公桌 (bàngōngzhuō)：办公室里使用的桌子。例句：“他的办公桌上堆满了文件。”
- 圆桌 (yuánzhuō)：圆形的桌子。例句：“他们围着圆桌讨论问题。”
- 方桌 (fāngzhuō)：方形的桌子。例句：“老式家具里有很多方桌。”
- 玻璃桌 (bōlí zhuō)：桌面是玻璃材质的桌子。例句：“这套茶几是玻璃桌，看起来很时尚。”
- 木桌 (mùzhuō)：桌面或整体为木质的桌子。例句：“奶奶家还有一张用了几十年的老木桌。”
- 收拾桌子 (shōushi zhuōzi)：整理桌子，使其干净整洁。例句：“吃完饭，我们一起收拾桌子。”
- 坐在桌子旁 (zuò zài zhuōzi páng)：表示位置。例句：“孩子们坐在桌子旁认真地画画。”
- 桌子底下 (zhuōzi dǐxia)：表示桌子下方的位置。例句：“我的笔掉到桌子底下了。”
Examples
请把书放在桌子上。
everydayPlease put the books on the table.
这是一家需要添置几张新办公桌的公司。
businessThis is a company that needs to purchase several new office desks.
晚饭后，我们围坐在餐桌旁聊天。
everydayAfter dinner, we sat around the dining table chatting.
研究人员将实验数据记录在一张大桌子上。
academicThe researchers recorded the experimental data on a large table.
他伏在书桌上，奋笔疾书。
literaryHe leaned over his desk, writing furiously.
咱们找个桌子坐下吧。
informalLet's find a table to sit down.
会议桌上摆满了文件和资料。
formalThe conference table was filled with documents and materials.
这件古董木桌保存得相当完好。
everydayThis antique wooden table is quite well-preserved.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
围着桌子
around the table
桌子底下
under the table
收拾桌子
clear the table
摆桌子
set the table
Often Confused With
'台' can refer to tables in specific contexts (like '讲台' - podium) or platforms, but '桌子' is the general term for table/desk. Using '台' for a regular table is uncommon.
'案' often refers to older, lower tables ('书案' - scholar's desk) or is used in abstract terms ('方案' - plan). '桌子' is the modern, general word.
'几' refers to a smaller, often lower table, like a side table or coffee table ('茶几'). It's not interchangeable with the general term '桌子'.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word '桌子' is highly versatile and suitable for most contexts, from casual conversations to formal settings. It's a neutral term. Be mindful that in very specific furniture design or manufacturing contexts, more technical terms might be used, but '桌子' remains the fundamental word. Avoid using '台' or '案' as direct substitutes in general conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use '个' (ge) as the measure word for '桌子'. The correct measure word is '张' (zhāng), as in '一张桌子'. Another common error is confusing '桌子' with '台', '案', or '几'; always use '桌子' for a general table or desk unless the context clearly indicates one of the other specific terms.
Tips
Measure Word Mastery
Remember to use '张' (zhāng) as the measure word for '桌子'. Practice saying '一张桌子' (yì zhāng zhuōzi) and '两张桌子' (liǎng zhāng zhuōzi) until it feels natural.
Confusing with '台'
While '台' can sometimes refer to a table-like furniture, avoid using it for general tables. Stick to '桌子' for clarity unless it's a specific item like '讲台' (podium).
Family Meal Focus
In Chinese culture, the dining table ('餐桌') is a central gathering place for family. Discussions and bonding often happen here, highlighting its importance beyond just eating.
Beyond the Basics
Explore compound words like '办公桌' (office desk), '会议桌' (conference table), and '圆桌' (round table) to expand your vocabulary and understand specific contexts.
Word Origin
The character '桌' originally depicted a vessel with legs. The suffix '子' (zi) is a common nominalizer, turning the concept into a concrete noun. Together, '桌子' evolved to mean the specific piece of furniture we know today.
Cultural Context
In Chinese homes, the dining table ('餐桌') is often the heart of the family, a place for shared meals, conversations, and strengthening bonds. The arrangement and use of tables can reflect family hierarchy and social customs, especially during festive gatherings.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'Zhuō' (卓) - a talented person - sitting at a 'zi' (子) - a small table - diligently working or studying. 'Zhuōzi' sounds like 'Talented person at the table'.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questions“桌子”是泛指，指任何有平坦桌面和腿的家具。“台”可以指桌子，但更多用于固定搭配，如“讲台”、“柜台”，或者指平台。日常生活中说“桌子”更普遍。
一般不建议。柜台有其特定功能和结构，叫“柜台”更准确。虽然都是平面，但“桌子”的含义更广，而“柜台”更具体。
桌子有很多类型，根据用途可以分为餐桌、书桌、办公桌、茶几等；根据形状可以分为圆桌、方桌；根据材质可以分为木桌、玻璃桌、金属桌等。
因为“张”是形容扁平物品（如纸、床、桌子）的量词，而“个”是用于很多不规则形状或一般事物的量词。“桌子”是扁平的，所以用“张”。
在一些古风或文学语境中，可能会用到“案”或“几”，比如“书案”、“茶几”。但“桌子”是最常用、最通用的说法，在绝大多数场合都适用。
可以直接问：“请问还有桌子吗？”或者更具体地问：“请问有靠窗的桌子吗？”或者“请问几位可以安排到桌子？”
在现代汉语中，“桌子”本身很少直接用于比喻，但它构成的词语可能会。例如，“谈判桌”可以象征谈判的场合，“历史的桌子”可能指历史的平台，但这些用法相对较少见。
汉语中名词通常没有严格的复数形式。我们可以通过数量词来表达复数，比如“几张桌子”、“很多桌子”、“两张桌子”等。
Test Yourself
我需要买______来放我的电脑。
The sentence describes needing something to place a computer on, which is the function of a '桌子' (table/desk).
What does '桌子' primarily refer to?
'桌子' is the Chinese word for table or desk, characterized by its flat surface and supporting legs.
我 / 在 / 书桌 / 学习 / 上
The sentence structure is Subject + Prepositional Phrase (Location) + Verb. '在书桌上' means 'on the desk'.
他买了一个新个桌子。
The measure word '个' is redundant and incorrect here. The standard measure word for '桌子' is '张'. If no measure word is used, it should be '他买了一个新桌子'.
Score: /4
Summary
Zhuōzi (桌子) is the fundamental word for 'table' or 'desk' in Chinese, essential for everyday communication.
- A piece of furniture with a flat top and legs.
- Used for placing items, working, studying, or eating.
- Common in homes, offices, and schools.
- Basic vocabulary, essential for daily life.
Measure Word Mastery
Remember to use '张' (zhāng) as the measure word for '桌子'. Practice saying '一张桌子' (yì zhāng zhuōzi) and '两张桌子' (liǎng zhāng zhuōzi) until it feels natural.
Confusing with '台'
While '台' can sometimes refer to a table-like furniture, avoid using it for general tables. Stick to '桌子' for clarity unless it's a specific item like '讲台' (podium).
Family Meal Focus
In Chinese culture, the dining table ('餐桌') is a central gathering place for family. Discussions and bonding often happen here, highlighting its importance beyond just eating.
Beyond the Basics
Explore compound words like '办公桌' (office desk), '会议桌' (conference table), and '圆桌' (round table) to expand your vocabulary and understand specific contexts.
Examples
6 of 8请把书放在桌子上。
Please put the books on the table.
这是一家需要添置几张新办公桌的公司。
This is a company that needs to purchase several new office desks.
晚饭后，我们围坐在餐桌旁聊天。
After dinner, we sat around the dining table chatting.
研究人员将实验数据记录在一张大桌子上。
The researchers recorded the experimental data on a large table.
他伏在书桌上，奋笔疾书。
He leaned over his desk, writing furiously.
咱们找个桌子坐下吧。
Let's find a table to sit down.
