STUDY JAPANESE ONLINE WITH NATIVES HERE

Translation and Meaning of: 台 - dai

On this page, we will study the meaning of the Japanese word 台 (dai) and its translation into English. Let's see their different meanings, example phrases, explanations, etymology and the similar words.

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 surface resembling a plate. 2. A flat surface on which objects or people rest.

Sumário
- Etymology
- Vocabulary
- Writing
- Phrases

Explanation and Etymology - (台) dai

The word 「台」 (dai) is a multifaceted kanji with a rich etymology and a wide range of uses in the Japanese language. The graphic description of the kanji refers to a support or base, and its usage implies concepts of platforms, supports, or counting units. The shape of the kanji itself suggests the image of a stage or pedestal, associated with ideas of support and elevation.

Etymologically, 「台」 has its roots in ancient pictograms that represented a table or elevated platform. This symbol evolved to represent structures that support or elevate objects or people, maintaining its original meaning of support. In the lexicographical context of Japanese, it is often used as a counter for machines and vehicles, serving as a unit of measure that reflects its function as a support and display.

Usos Comuns de 「台」

  • "台風" (taifū) - means "typhoon." Here, the kanji 台 acts as a metaphorical image of a broad platform of wind and natural force.
  • "土台" (dodai) - translated as "foundation" or "base", where the concept of support is essential for its structural function.
  • "台所" (daidokoro) - the word for "kitchen", which initially referred to a platform for cooking.

The cultural origin of 「台」 also extends beyond language, as the concept of platform or support is intrinsic to traditional Japanese architecture. Palaces and temples often featured elevated structures, suggesting the importance of 「台」 in both physical and symbolic environments. This focus on support and sustenance resonates in various cultural and social practices in Japan, reinforcing the importance of this word in everyday context.

Synonyms and similar words

  • 机 (tsukue) - Writing table, usually found in offices or classrooms.
  • デスク (desuku) - Office desk, frequently 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, commonly used in games or as a more formal term.
  • 台子 (daiko) - Small table or stand, often used to display items.

SEARCH FOR MORE WORDS WITH THE SAME MEANING

Words related

舞台

butai

stage (theatre)

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

tufão

台詞

serifu

speech; words; someone's lines; comments

寝台

shindai

bed; sofa

ベッド

bedo

bed

Words with the same pronunciation: だい dai

ダイヤグラム

daiyaguramu

diagram

ダイヤモンド

daiyamondo

diamond

ダイヤル

daiyaru

Dial

話題

wadai

topic; subject

落第

rakudai

failure; leave a class

問題

mondai

problem; question

膨大

boudai

big; bulky; gigantic; wide; swelling; expansion

莫大

bakudai

huge; vast

年代

nendai

age; it was; period; date

土台

dodai

foundation; base; base

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

Below are some example sentences:

灯台は海岸に立っています。

Toudai wa kaigan ni tatte imasu

The lighthouse is standing on the shore.

The lighthouse is on the coast.

  • 灯台 - Tower of light
  • 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 - Possession particle
  • 北部 - Region norte
  • に - Location particle
  • ある - Verb "to be" in the present
  • 美しい - Adjective "beautiful"
  • 港町 - Porto
  • です - Verb "to be" in the present tense
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 - travel
  • 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 - in
  • 台詞 - speak
  • は - é
  • とても - muito
  • 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 meaning "this" or "this one"
  • 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 meaning "this" or "this one"
  • 台本 - noun that means "itinerary" or "script"
  • は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
  • 素晴らしい - adjective meaning "wonderful" or "excellent"
  • です - verb "to be" in polite form
  • ね - final particle indicating a rhetorical question or 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 meaning "this" or "this one"
  • 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 be
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
Next

Other words of the same type: noun

See other words from our dictionary that are also: noun

台