台上

• Pinyin: tái shàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 台 = 口 (mouth) + 厶 (private, phonetic component); 上 = pictograph of a point above a reference line

Meaning

On the stage; on the platform. Refers to the area on top of a stage or podium where performers or speakers stand.

Used in performance, speech, and ceremony contexts to indicate someone is occupying a raised public platform. 台上 often implies visibility, responsibility, or prominence. Its opposite is 台下, which refers to the area below the stage or the audience.

Examples

1. 台上的演员表演得非常精彩，观众不停地鼓掌。 The performers on stage gave a wonderful show, and the audience applauded non-stop.
2. 老师站在台上给同学们讲解这道数学题。 The teacher stood on the platform explaining this maths problem to the students.
3. 台上的选手看起来有点紧张，但发挥得很好。 The contestant on stage looked a little nervous but performed very well.

Usage Guide

Context: performance, education, events

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 台上的歌手声音非常好听。(The singer on stage has a beautiful voice.)
• 他在台上演讲时表现得非常自信。(He appeared very confident while giving a speech on stage.)

Don't Say

• 他台上了。(Don't use 台上 as a verb — say 他上台了 to mean 'he went up on stage.')

Origin & History

Compound of 台 (platform/stage) and 上 (above/on top), literally 'on the platform.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal