platform; stand; (measure word for machines)
HSK level
台 is written with 5 strokes. The animation replays automatically.
台 (tái) is a noun meaning a raised 'platform,' 'stand,' or 'stage,' and — more importantly for learners — one of the most common Chinese measure words, used to count machines and electronic appliances.
As a noun it appears in words like 舞台 (stage), 讲台 (lectern), and 阳台 (balcony), and names broadcasting stations (电视台 TV station, 电台 radio station). As a measure word, 台 counts computers, televisions, cars' engines, air conditioners, and machinery: 一台电脑 (one computer), 三台机器 (three machines).
Unlike the generic English 'a,' Chinese forces you to pick the right measure word, and 台 is the one for anything mechanical or electronic sitting on a surface. Note the simplified 台 merges several traditional characters (臺, 檯, 颱); in Taiwan 台 also abbreviates 臺灣 (Taiwan).
Note: Neutral and extremely common in both speech and writing. As a measure word it is obligatory for counting machines and electronic devices.
我想买一台新电脑。
Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yì tái xīn diànnǎo.
I want to buy a new computer.
spoken
这家工厂有几十台机器。
Zhè jiā gōngchǎng yǒu jǐshí tái jīqì.
This factory has dozens of machines.
neutral
演员站在舞台上唱歌。
Yǎnyuán zhàn zài wǔtái shàng chànggē.
The performer stood on stage and sang.
neutral
我家的阳台上种了很多花。
Wǒ jiā de yángtái shàng zhòngle hěn duō huā.
There are lots of flowers planted on my balcony.
spoken
抬 (same pinyin) is a verb meaning 'to lift / carry.' 台 is a noun/measure word. They share the sound but 抬 has the hand radical 扌.
架 is the measure word for aircraft and some framed machines (一架飞机 = one airplane). 台 is for computers, TVs, and general machinery. Don't say 一台飞机.
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