About
堂 is a phonosemantic compound: 尚 indicates the sound, and 土 (earth) indicates the meaning. It originally referred to a raised earthen platform or rammed-earth foundation for important buildings. Over time, the meaning shifted from the earthwork itself to the large central structures built on such platforms, main halls, public buildings, and the principal rooms of traditional courtyard residences. The 土 radical reflects the early architectural practice of using compacted soil to provide structural elevation and stability.
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我们在课堂上学中文。
食堂的饭菜很好吃。
礼堂里正在举行婚礼。
他是我堂哥，很关心我。
这个教堂建于十九世纪。
法院的法庭庄严肃穆。
学校的大堂装饰得很漂亮。
专家在讲堂上发表了精彩演讲。
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