电视台

• Pinyin: diàn shì tái
• Hanzi breakdown: 电 (electric) + 视 (view) + 台 (platform/station)

Meaning

TV station; television network. An organisation that broadcasts television programmes.

Refers to television broadcasting organisations, from national networks like CCTV to local stations. Also used to describe the physical building where broadcasts originate.

Examples

1. 中央电视台是中国最大的电视台。 China Central Television is the largest TV station in China.
2. 她在电视台工作，是一名记者。 She works at a TV station and is a reporter.
3. 这个节目是哪个电视台播出的？ Which TV station broadcast this programme?

Usage Guide

Context: media, news, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 当地电视台报道了这件事。(The local TV station reported on this matter.)
• 他梦想有一天能上电视台。(He dreams of being on TV someday.)

Don't Say

• 我在电视台里看电视 (Don't say you watch TV 'in' the TV station — 电视台 is the broadcasting organisation, not a place to watch TV)

Origin & History

Compound of 电视 (television) and 台 (platform, station), literally 'television station.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal