Dictionary
English - Chinese

Table

ˈteɪbəl
Extremely common
400 - 500
400 - 500
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

桌子, 表格, 议程, 名单

Table meanings in Chinese

桌子

Example:
I put my book on the table.
我把书放在桌子上。
The dining table is set for dinner.
餐桌上已经摆好了晚餐。
Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversation to refer to a piece of furniture.
Note: This is the most common meaning, referring to a flat surface supported by legs.

表格

Example:
Please fill out the table with your information.
请在表格中填写您的信息。
The data is organized in a table for clarity.
数据被整理成表格以便清晰查看。
Usage: formalContext: Used in academic, professional, or technical contexts to refer to a structured arrangement of data.
Note: This meaning refers to a grid or matrix used for organizing information.

议程

Example:
Let's table the discussion until next week.
我们把讨论暂时搁置到下周。
The committee will table their findings soon.
委员会将很快提交他们的结果。
Usage: formalContext: Used in meetings or discussions to refer to postponing or presenting topics.
Note: In this context, 'table' means to present or postpone a motion or discussion.

名单

Example:
He was on the guest list table for the event.
他在活动的客人名单上。
The table of participants is posted outside.
参与者名单张贴在外面。
Usage: formalContext: Used to refer to lists or records, especially in formal settings.
Note: This meaning is less common and typically used in specific contexts such as events or registrations.

Table's synonyms

desk

A desk is a piece of furniture with a flat surface for writing or working on a computer. It is often used for studying or office work.
Example: She sat at her desk to work on her assignment.
Note: A desk is typically used for individual work or study, while a table is more commonly used for dining or group activities.

counter

A counter is a flat surface, often in a kitchen or shop, where goods are displayed or transactions take place.
Example: The bakery had a display of pastries on the counter.
Note: A counter is usually higher than a table and is specifically designed for serving customers or displaying items for sale.

surface

A surface refers to the outermost layer or area of something, in this case, a flat area on top of a piece of furniture.
Example: He cleaned the surface of the table before setting the dishes.
Note: Surface is a more general term that can refer to any flat area, while a table specifically denotes a piece of furniture with legs used for various activities.

Table expressions, common phrases

Round the table

To have a discussion or meeting with all participants gathered at a table.
Example: Let's discuss this issue round the table to ensure everyone's input is heard.
Note: Refers to the act of gathering around a table for discussion rather than the physical object itself.

On the table

Something that is being discussed or considered.
Example: The proposal is on the table for further consideration.
Note: Implies that a topic or proposal is under consideration, not literally placed on a table.

Turn the tables

To reverse a situation, especially to gain an advantage over someone who had previously been in a stronger position.
Example: She turned the tables on her opponent with a clever argument.
Note: The phrase uses the idea of physically turning a table to symbolize reversing a situation.

Table something

To postpone or set aside a topic for later consideration.
Example: Let's table this discussion for now and revisit it next week.
Note: In this context, 'table' means to put something aside rather than placing it on a table.

Get a seat at the table

To gain the opportunity to be involved in important discussions or decision-making processes.
Example: She worked hard to get a seat at the table in the company's decision-making process.
Note: Refers to being included in discussions rather than physically sitting at a table.

Under the table

Refers to illegal or secret payments made, often to avoid official scrutiny or taxes.
Example: They were paying their employees under the table to avoid taxes.
Note: Describes hidden or secretive actions, not something physically under a table.

Knock on wood

To express a hope for good luck or to prevent bad luck from happening.
Example: I hope this new project goes well, knock on wood.
Note: Involves physically knocking on a wooden surface to ward off bad luck, unrelated to the physical table.

Table everyday (slang) expressions

Put/lay your cards on the table

To be honest and transparent about your intentions or opinions. Originates from laying all your cards out in a card game to show your hand.
Example: Before we proceed with the negotiation, let's put all our cards on the table.
Note: In this context, 'cards' represent hidden intentions, while 'table' symbolizes a surface where everything is exposed.

Clear the table

To remove items from a table, typically after a meal or activity. It can also mean to deal with or address a situation.
Example: After dinner, we need to clear the table so we can play board games.
Note: The focus is on removing items from the table, but metaphorically it refers to addressing or resolving a matter.

Table talk

Casual conversation or discussion that takes place around a table, usually during meals or meetings.
Example: During the meeting, there was a lot of table talk about the upcoming project.
Note: This term is specific to conversations that occur while people are gathered around a table. It implies informal dialogue.

Table for two

A reservation or arrangement for a table to accommodate a specific number of people, often used in the context of dining.
Example: I made a reservation at the restaurant for a table for two on our anniversary.
Note: The term emphasizes the need for a table to seat a particular number of diners in a restaurant setting.

Hit the table

To gather or convene around a table for a specific purpose, such as a meeting or discussion.
Example: Let's wait until everyone's here, and then we can hit the table for our brainstorming session.
Note: This slang term refers to people coming together around a table, ready to engage in an activity or conversation.

Bet the farm on the table

To risk everything on a particular outcome or decision, often used to indicate the level of confidence or commitment.
Example: He's really confident about this deal; he's willing to bet the farm on the table.
Note: This phrase intensifies the risk involved in a decision by equating it to risking all one's assets as if they were laid out on a table to wager.

Table - Examples

The data is presented in a table.
数据以表格形式呈现。
Please set the dishes on the table.
请把菜放在桌子上。
The results are summarized in a tabella.
结果在表格中总结。

Table grammar

Table - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: table
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): tables
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): table
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): tabled
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): tabling
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): tables
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): table
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): table
Syllables, Separation and Stress
table Contains 2 syllables: ta • ble
Phonetic transcription: ˈtā-bəl
ta ble , ˈtā bəl (The red syllable is stressed)

Table - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
table: 400 - 500 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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