书桌

• Pinyin: shū zhuō
• Hanzi breakdown: 书 = simplified from 書, writing/book; 桌 = 卜 (divination) + 日 (sun) + 木 (wood), a wooden table

Meaning

Desk; writing desk. A table used for reading, writing, or studying.

A desk specifically for studying or writing, typically found in bedrooms, studies, or offices. Different from 办公桌 (office desk) which is more work-oriented. Often paired with 椅子 (chair) when discussing study setups.

Examples

1. 孩子的书桌应该放在光线充足的地方。 A child's desk should be placed where there's plenty of light.
2. 他的书桌上总是堆满了各种资料和笔记。 His desk is always piled with various materials and notes.
3. 这张书桌是我上大学时买的，一直用到现在。 I bought this desk when I went to college, and I've been using it ever since.

Usage Guide

Context: furniture, study, home, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 在书桌前坐好。(Sit properly at the desk.)
• 把书桌收拾干净。(Clean up the desk.)

Don't Say

• 在书桌吃饭 — while possible, 书桌 implies study; for eating, use 餐桌 or just 桌子

Origin & History

Compound of 书 (book/writing) + 桌 (table), meaning a table for writing or reading.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal