窗台

• Pinyin: chuāng tái
• Hanzi breakdown: 窗 = 穴 (hole) + 囱 (chimney opening); 台 = simplified from 臺, meaning platform or raised surface

Meaning

Windowsill; window ledge. The flat surface at the bottom of a window frame.

Refers to the horizontal ledge or shelf at the base of a window, both inside and outside. People often place plants, decorations, or small items on the windowsill. Common in descriptions of homes and interior design. Also used figuratively in literary contexts.

Examples

1. 她在窗台上摆了几盆花，看起来很漂亮。 She placed several pots of flowers on the windowsill — they look very pretty.
2. 猫喜欢趴在窗台上晒太阳。 The cat likes to lie on the windowsill and bask in the sun.
3. 窗台上落了一层灰，该擦一擦了。 A layer of dust has settled on the windowsill — it needs a wipe.

Usage Guide

Context: home, everyday, description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我把钥匙放在窗台上了。(I put the keys on the windowsill.)
• 窗台上的那盆花是谁种的？(Who planted that pot of flowers on the windowsill?)

Don't Say

• 把窗台和窗户混用，比如'打开窗台' (Don't confuse 窗台 with 窗户 — you can't 'open a windowsill'; use 窗户 for the window itself)

Origin & History

窗 (window) + 台 (platform, ledge). A straightforward compound describing the platform or ledge beneath a window.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal