Definitions

couch

Etymology

A bed of wood  and feathers  to sleep in at night 

About

The character "榻" etymologically combines the wood radical "木" with the phonetic component "𦐇" to denote a wooden piece of furniture, initially referring to a low and narrow bed used for sitting or sleeping. Its meaning was precisely defined in early contexts as a humble couch for daily use or accommodating guests, which later broadened to include more general types of beds and daybeds without losing its original connotation. The structural integrity of the character has been maintained over time, with its components consistently reflecting both its material composition and auditory pronunciation.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个房间铺着米。

Zhège fángjiān pūzhe tàtàmǐ.

This room is covered with tatami.

他喜欢在竹上休息。

Tā xǐhuān zài zhútà shàng xiūxi.

He likes to rest on the bamboo couch.

客人下在五星级酒店。

Kèrén xiàtà zài wǔxīngjí jiǔdiàn.

The guests are staying at a five-star hotel.

他的卧很柔软舒适。

Tā de wòtà hěn róuruǎn shūshì.

His bed is very soft and comfortable.

爷爷常坐在院子的上晒太阳。

Yéye cháng zuò zài yuànzi de tà shàng shàitàiyáng.

Grandpa often sits on the couch in the yard to sunbathe.

这家旅馆的下体验非常美好。

Zhè jiā lǚguǎn de xiàtà tǐyàn fēicháng měihǎo.

The staying experience at this inn is very pleasant.

古代文人常在上读书品茶。

Gǔdài wénrén cháng zài tà shàng dúshū pǐnchá.

Ancient scholars often read books and tasted tea on the couch.

设计师为客房定制了独特的米风格。

Shèjìshī wèi kèfáng dìngzhìle dútè de tàtàmǐ fēnggé.

The designer customized a unique tatami style for the guest room.