台

• Reading: だい
• Romaji: dai
• Kanji breakdown: 台 (dai/tai) — stand, platform, base
• Pronunciation: /da.i/

Meaning

Stand; base; platform; pedestal; table. Also used as a counter for machines, vehicles, and large equipment.

As a noun, 台 refers to a raised surface or support structure such as a table, stand, or platform. As a counter suffix, it counts machines (パソコン), vehicles (車), and large appliances (テレビ). Counting: 一台 (いちだい), 二台 (にだい), 三台 (さんだい). No irregular sound changes.

Examples

1. 車を二台持っています。 I have two cars.
2. この台の上に置いてください。 Please put it on this stand.
3. パソコンが三台あります。 There are three computers.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, technology, transportation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 台 originally depicted a platform or elevated structure. The upper component ム and lower component 口 together suggest a raised base for placing objects.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal