台灯

• Pinyin: tái dēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 台 = table, platform; 灯 = lamp — a table lamp

Meaning

Desk lamp; table lamp. A lamp designed to be placed on a desk or table for reading or working.

An essential study and work accessory. Common types: LED台灯 (LED desk lamp), 护眼台灯 (eye-protection lamp), 可调节台灯 (adjustable lamp). Proper lighting is emphasized in Chinese education culture to protect eyesight. Distinguished from 落地灯 (floor lamp), 吊灯 (pendant lamp), and 床头灯 (bedside lamp).

Examples

1. 晚上写作业一定要开台灯，保护眼睛。 You must turn on the desk lamp when doing homework at night to protect your eyes.
2. 这款台灯可以调节亮度和色温。 This desk lamp can adjust brightness and color temperature.
3. 他书桌上摆着一盏老式的铜台灯。 An old-fashioned copper desk lamp sits on his desk.

Usage Guide

Context: home, study, office

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 把台灯调亮一点。(Turn the desk lamp up a bit.)
• 这个台灯的光线很柔和。(This desk lamp has very soft light.)

Don't Say

• 客厅的大灯不叫'台灯' (Living room ceiling lights aren't called 台灯 — use 吊灯 or 顶灯)

Origin & History

Compound of 台 (table, platform) + 灯 (lamp). A lamp that sits on a table.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal