桌子

• Pinyin: zhuō zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 桌 = 卓 (lofty/elevated) with 木 (wood) — an elevated wooden surface; 子 = noun suffix

Meaning

Table; desk. A flat-topped piece of furniture used for eating, writing, or working.

The general word for any table or desk. The 子 suffix makes it a common noun (without 子, 桌 is more literary). Specify types with modifiers: 书桌 (writing desk), 餐桌 (dining table), 课桌 (school desk). The measure word for tables is 张.

Examples

1. 桌子上有一本书。 There is a book on the table.
2. 请把杯子放在桌子上。 Please put the cup on the table.
3. 我们需要一张新桌子。 We need a new table.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, home, school

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 桌子太小了。(The table is too small.)
• 请擦一下桌子。(Please wipe the table.)

Don't Say

• 一个桌子。(Use the correct measure word — say 一张桌子, not 一个桌子)

Origin & History

The character 桌 is composed of 木 (wood) at the bottom, indicating wooden furniture, with the upper part suggesting height or elevation. 子 is a common noun suffix.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal