堂

• Pinyin: táng
• Hanzi breakdown: 堂 = 尚 (still/yet, phonetic) + 土 (earth)

Meaning

Hall; measure word for classes or sessions. Also a component in kinship terms for paternal relatives.

Multiple uses: (1) a hall or main room; (2) measure word for class periods or court sessions; (3) prefix for paternal cousins (堂兄, 堂妹). Context determines meaning.

Examples

1. 今天下午有两堂课，都是数学，我已经开始头疼了。 There are two classes this afternoon, both math — I'm already getting a headache.
2. 这堂课讲得特别精彩，同学们都听得入了迷。 This class was taught brilliantly; all the students were captivated.
3. 他是我堂哥，我们的爸爸是亲兄弟。 He's my paternal cousin — our fathers are brothers.

Usage Guide

Context: education, family, architecture

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 这堂课很有趣。(This class is very interesting.)
• 他是我堂弟。(He's my paternal younger cousin.)

Don't Say

• 把母方表亲叫'堂' (堂 is only for paternal side — for maternal cousins, use 表)

Origin & History

Originally meant the main hall of a house. Extended to measure word for formal sessions (classes, court) and paternal family terms.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal