noun HSK 4
Traditional 講台
jiǎng tái
podium · platform · teacher's platform · lectern

Meaning

讲台 refers to the raised platform or desk area at the front of a classroom or lecture hall where teachers stand to deliver lessons. It's a central physical feature of Chinese classrooms and symbolizes the teacher's authority and position.

Usage

This word is commonly used in educational contexts. When students say 走上讲台 (to step up to the podium), it can refer both literally to approaching the teacher's desk and metaphorically to becoming a teacher. The term is standard in mainland China; Taiwan may also use 讲桌 for the teacher's desk itself.

Examples

  1. 01
    老师走上讲台,开始讲课。
    Lǎo shī zǒu shàng jiǎng tái, kāi shǐ jiǎng .
    The teacher stepped up to the podium and began teaching.
  2. 02
    他在讲台上放了一本书和一杯水。
    zài jiǎng tái shàng fàng le běn shū bēi shuǐ.
    He placed a book and a cup of water on the lectern.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个讲台

Common collocations

  • 走上讲台
    zǒu shàng jiǎng tái
    to step up to the podium
  • 站在讲台
    zhàn zài jiǎng tái shàng
    to stand on the platform
  • 离开讲台
    kāi jiǎng tái
    to leave the podium

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 讲 (to lecture/speak) with 台 (platform/stage), literally meaning 'speaking platform.' It emerged naturally as modern educational institutions adopted Western classroom layouts with designated teaching areas.

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