台阶

• Pinyin: tái jiē
• Hanzi breakdown: 台 = 厶 (private) + 口 (mouth), meaning platform or stage; 阶 = 阝(hill) + 介 (between), meaning steps or rank

Meaning

Steps; stairs; a flight of steps. Also figuratively, a way out of an awkward situation.

Literally refers to physical steps or stairs, especially outdoor stone or concrete steps leading to a building entrance or up a slope. Figuratively, 台阶 means 'a way to save face' or 'an out' in an embarrassing situation, as in 给他一个台阶下.

Examples

1. 小心台阶，别摔倒了。 Be careful on the steps; don't fall.
2. 他们慢慢地走上了寺庙前面的台阶。 They slowly walked up the steps in front of the temple.
3. 朋友给了他一个台阶下，他就不再坚持了。 A friend gave him a way out, and he stopped insisting.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, architecture, social situations

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 门前有好几级台阶，老人走的时候要小心。(There are several steps in front of the door; the elderly should be careful when walking.)
• 你就给他一个台阶下吧，别让他太难堪。(Just give him a way out; don't make it too awkward for him.)

Don't Say

• 我家住在三台阶。(Don't use 台阶 for floors of a building — use 楼 or 层. 台阶 means individual steps.)

Origin & History

Compound of 台 (platform, stage) and 阶 (step, rank), literally 'platform steps.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal