Translation and Meaning of: 台 - dai

The Japanese word 台[だい] may seem simple at first glance, but its use and meaning cover various contexts in the language. Whether you are a Japanese language student or someone interested in Japanese culture, understanding this word can open doors to more natural communication. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, and practical applications, as well as tips for memorizing it easily.

In the Suki Nihongo dictionary, 台 is defined as a versatile term often associated with elevated objects or platforms. But is this the only way to use it? Let's discover how this word fits into everyday Japanese and why it is so present in common expressions.

Meaning and uses of 台[だい]

The basic meaning of 台 refers to a base, support, or elevated platform. Think of tables, shelves, or even a stage in a theater – all can be called 台 in certain contexts. However, this word also appears in compound terms, such as 台所[だいどころ] (kitchen) or 台風[たいふう] (typhoon), showing its flexibility.

An interesting detail is that 台 does not always indicate something physical. In expressions like 台詞[せりふ] (character dialogue), it takes on a more abstract meaning. This variation in usage makes the word essential for anyone looking to master Japanese in different situations.

Origin and writing of the kanji 台

The kanji 台 has its origins in China, where it was used to represent platforms or elevated structures. Over time, its meaning expanded in Japan, incorporating ideas of support and base. The combination of the radicals 口 (kuchi - mouth) and 厶 (private) suggests a historical connection with places of importance or prominence.

It is worth noting that the reading だい is not the only possible one for this kanji. In words like 台風[たいふう], it is read as たい, showing how the pronunciation can vary depending on the context. This is a great example of why it is important to learn kanji along with their compound words.

Tips for memorizing and using 台[だい]

An effective way to solidify the meaning of 台 is to associate it with everyday objects that serve as a base. For example, a coffee table (リビングの台) or a plant stand (植木の台). Creating these mental connections helps to remember the word when it appears in texts or conversations.

Another tip is to practice with common expressions that contain 台, such as 台所[だいどころ] (kitchen) or 台本[だいほん] (script). By hearing or reading these words in real contexts – such as in Japanese dramas or cooking recipes – it becomes easier to absorb their correct usage without memorizing random lists.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

  • 机 (tsukue) - Table for writing, typically found in offices or classrooms.
  • デスク (desuku) - Work desk, often used in office environments.
  • テーブル (tēburu) - Table used for meals or meetings, usually lower than a 机.
  • 卓 (taku) - Board or table, usually used in games or as a more formal term.
  • 台子 (daiko) - Small table or stand, often used to display items.

Related words

舞台

butai

stage (theater)

土台

dodai

foundation; base; base

灯台

toudai

Lighthouse

台所

daidokoro

kitchen

台無し

dainashi

mess; spoiled; (Come) Nothing

台本

daihon

Libretto; scenario

台風

taifuu

Typhoon

台詞

serifu

speech; words; someone's lines; comments

寝台

shindai

bed; sofa

ベッド

bedo

bed

Romaji: dai
Kana: だい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: stand; rack; table; support

Meaning in English: stand;rack;table;support

Definition: 1. A low, horizontal support surface resembling a board. 2. A fixed flat surface on which objects or people rest.

Quick Access
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Sentences

How to Write in Japanese - (台) dai

See below a step-by-step guide on how to write the word by hand in Japanese. (台) dai:

Example Sentences - (台) dai

See below some example sentences:

灯台は海岸に立っています。

Toudai wa kaigan ni tatte imasu

The lighthouse stands on the coast.

The lighthouse is on the coast.

  • 灯台 - light tower
  • は - Topic particle
  • 海岸 - coast
  • に - Location particle
  • 立っています - is standing
淡水は台湾の北部にある美しい港町です。

Dansui wa Taiwan no hokubu ni aru utsukushii koumachi desu

Danshui is a beautiful port city located in the northern part of Taiwan.

Tamami is a beautiful port city in the northern part of Taiwan.

  • 淡水 - Name of the city of Tamsui
  • は - Topic particle
  • 台湾 - Taiwan
  • の - Possessive particle
  • 北部 - Region norte
  • に - Location particle
  • ある - Verb "to be" in the present
  • 美しい - Adjective "beautiful"
  • 港町 - harbor
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present
役者は舞台で輝く。

Yakusha wa butai de kagayaku

The actors shine on stage.

The actors shine on stage.

  • 役者 - actors/actresses
  • は - Topic particle
  • 舞台 - stage
  • で - Location particle
  • 輝く - shine
寝台列車は快適な旅を提供します。

O trem

bed offers comfortable travel

Sleeping trains offer a comfortable ride.

  • 寝台列車 - sleeper train
  • は - Topic particle
  • 快適な - comfortable
  • 旅 - trip
  • を - direct object particle
  • 提供します - to supply
この役の台詞はとても難しいです。

Kono yaku no serifu wa totemo muzukashii desu

The lines of this paper are very difficult.

The line of this role is very difficult.

  • この - this
  • 役 - paper
  • の - of
  • 台詞 - speak
  • は - is
  • とても - very
  • 難しい - difficult
  • です - is (politeness)
この台はとても重いです。

Kono dai wa totemo omoi desu

This platform is very heavy.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 台 - noun meaning "table" or "platform"
  • は - particle that marks the topic of the sentence
  • とても - adverb meaning "very"
  • 重い - adjective meaning "heavy"
  • です - Verb "to be" in polite form
この台本は素晴らしいですね。

Kono daihon wa subarashii desu ne

This script is wonderful.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 台本 - noun that means "script" or "screenplay"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 素晴らしい - adjective that means "wonderful" or "excellent"
  • です - verb to be in the polite form
  • ね - final particle that indicates a rhetorical question or a confirmation
この計画は台無しになった。

Kono keikaku wa dainashi ni natta

This plan was ruined.

  • この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
  • 計画 - noun meaning "plan" or "project"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 台無し - adjective meaning "ruined" or "spoiled"
  • に - particle indicating action or state
  • なった - verb in the past form meaning "became" or "stood"
土台は建物の基礎です。

Daidai wa tatemono no kiso desu

The base is the basics of the building.

  • 土台 (dodai) - base, foundation
  • は (wa) - Topic particle
  • 建物 (tatemono) - building, construction
  • の (no) - Possessive particle
  • 基礎 (kiso) - foundation, base
  • です (desu) - verb to be, to stay
彼女は舞台に登場した。

Kanojo wa butai ni toujou shita

She appeared on stage.

  • 彼女 - she
  • は - Topic particle
  • 舞台 - stage
  • に - target particle
  • 登場した - appeared

Other Words of this Type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

台