凳子

• Pinyin: dèng zi
• Hanzi breakdown: 凳 = 登 + 几 (ascend + low table = stool); 子 = child/nominal suffix

Meaning

Stool; bench without a backrest. A simple seat lacking armrests or back support.

A common household and public item in China. Distinct from 椅子 (chair with backrest). Small wooden stools (小凳子) are a staple in traditional kitchens, markets, and outdoor settings.

Examples

1. 她搬来一把凳子坐在摊位前，耐心等待顾客上门。 She brought over a stool and sat in front of the stand, patiently waiting for customers.
2. 教室里摆放着几张长凳子，供临时来访的学生使用。 There are a few long benches in the classroom for students who drop by temporarily.
3. 老人搬出一个小凳子，坐在院子里悠闲地晒太阳。 The elderly man brought out a small stool and sat in the courtyard, leisurely enjoying the sun.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, home, furniture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请把那把凳子搬过来，让老人坐下休息一会儿。(Please bring that stool over so the elderly person can sit and rest.)
• 这张木凳子虽然简陋，却是外婆留下的珍贵记忆。(This plain wooden stool is modest but holds precious memories left by grandmother.)

Don't Say

• 这个凳子有靠背 — a seat with a backrest is a 椅子, not a 凳子; use 这把椅子有靠背

Origin & History

凳 (stool/bench) + 子 (nominal suffix)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal