搭档

• Pinyin: dā dàng
• Hanzi breakdown: 搭 = 扌(hand) + 塔 (phonetic); 档 = 木 (wood) + 当 (phonetic)

Meaning

Partner; to partner with. A collaborator in work, performance, or sports.

Refers to someone you work closely with on a specific task or project. Common in entertainment (主持搭档), business (合作搭档), and sports (doubles partner). Implies a complementary working relationship where both parties contribute their strengths.

Examples

1. 他们俩搭档主持节目已经十年了，默契十足。 The two of them have been co-hosting shows for ten years now — they have perfect chemistry.
2. 我需要找一个靠谱的搭档来完成这个项目。 I need to find a reliable partner to complete this project.
3. 她和新搭档配合得不太顺利，还需要磨合。 She's not working smoothly with her new partner yet — they still need time to adjust.

Usage Guide

Context: work, entertainment, sports

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我们搭档合作三年了。(We've been partners for three years.)
• 谁愿意跟我搭档打双打？(Who wants to partner with me for doubles?)

Don't Say

• 搭档强调工作配合，不能用于描述恋人关系 (搭档 emphasizes work collaboration — don't use it to describe romantic partners)

Origin & History

Combines 搭 (to join/connect) with 档 (grade/class), originally referring to performers who work together as a team.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal