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台阶

tái jiē

HSK 5

Meaning

  • steps
  • flight of steps
  • step (over obstacle)
  • fig. way out of an embarrassing situation
  • bench (geology)

Definition

阶梯；也比喻途径、机会或面子等。

Steps; also figuratively means opportunity, way out, or face-saving.

Usage

可用于具体楼梯，也可用于抽象意义，如下台阶（挽回面子）、找台阶（找借口）。

Can be used literally for stairs, or figuratively in phrases like 'giving someone a way out' or 'saving face'.

Examples

  • 1 请走楼梯，注意台阶。 (Please take the stairs and watch your steps.)
  • 2 他给了我们一个台阶下。 (He gave us a way out / saved face.)
  • 3 这个台阶太陡了。 (This step is too steep.)
  • 4 给他找个台阶，别让他难堪。 (Give him an excuse to save face, don't embarrass him.)
  • 5 他借故离开了，算是下了台阶。 (He left using an excuse, which was his way out.)

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