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.
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
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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:
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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"
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
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
