Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== shūzhuō: 书桌 - Desk, Writing Desk ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** shuzhuo, shūzhuō, 书桌, Chinese desk, writing desk in Chinese, study table, what is a desk in Chinese, desk vs table in Chinese, learning Chinese vocabulary * **Summary:** Learn the essential Chinese word for "desk," **书桌 (shūzhuō)**. This guide explores its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use. Discover why a `书桌` is more than just a piece of furniture in Chinese culture, representing the deep value placed on education and study. Perfect for students and anyone furnishing a home or office in a Chinese context. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** shūzhuō * **Part of Speech:** Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 2 * **Concise Definition:** A desk, specifically one used for reading, writing, or studying. * **In a Nutshell:** `书桌 (shūzhuō)` literally translates to "book table." It's not just any table (`桌子`), but a dedicated space for intellectual work. Think of the desk in a bedroom where a student does homework, the desk in a home office, or a scholar's writing table. It's the default word for a personal workspace for study and concentration. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **书 (shū):** This character means "book," "letter," or "to write." The image is a simplification of a hand holding a writing brush, directly linking it to scholarly and literary activities. * **桌 (zhuō):** This character means "table." It is composed of a pictograph for a stand or small table (`几`) under a horizontal line, with the radical for wood (`木`) at the bottom, indicating a wooden piece of furniture with a flat top. Together, **书 (book) + 桌 (table)** creates the very logical and transparent compound word **书桌 (shūzhuō)**, a "book table" or a desk for studying. ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In Chinese culture, education is held in extremely high regard (尊师重教 - //zūn shī zhòng jiào//, "respect the teacher, value education"). The `书桌` is the physical embodiment of this value within the home. It is a child's personal space dedicated to learning and self-improvement. Compared to the general Western concept of a "desk," which can be a functional piece of furniture in a corporate office, a reception area, or a workshop, the `书桌` carries a stronger, more specific connotation of personal study and scholarship. For a family, buying a child their first `书桌` is a significant milestone. It's not just a piece of furniture; it's an investment in their future and a symbol of the family's hope for their academic success. The `书桌` is the centerpiece of the **书房 (shūfáng)**, or "study room," which has been a traditional feature in the homes of scholars and officials for centuries. It represents a sanctuary for quiet contemplation, reading, and creation. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== `书桌` is an extremely common, everyday word. * **For Students:** This is the most common context. Every student, from primary school to university, has a `书桌` for homework and studying. * **In the Home:** It's used to refer to a desk in a bedroom or a home office (study room). * **Work Context:** While perfectly understandable, in a formal corporate environment, the term **办公桌 (bàngōngzhuō)**, or "office desk," is often more precise. Using `书桌` for your desk at a large company might sound slightly informal, as if it's for "studying" rather than professional "work." However, for a home office, `书桌` is perfectly natural. The term is neutral in connotation and is used in both formal and informal speech. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 我的**书桌**上有很多书。 * Pinyin: Wǒ de **shūzhuō** shàng yǒu hěn duō shū. * English: There are many books on my desk. * Analysis: A simple sentence demonstrating possession (`我的`) and location (`上`). This is a very common and basic structure. * **Example 2:** * 他每天晚上都坐在**书桌**前写作业。 * Pinyin: Tā měitiān wǎnshang dōu zuò zài **shūzhuō** qián xiě zuòyè. * English: He sits at his desk to do homework every evening. * Analysis: `在书桌前 (zài shūzhuō qián)` literally means "at the front of the desk" and is the standard way to say "at the desk." * **Example 3:** * 我需要一张新**书桌**，这张太小了。 * Pinyin: Wǒ xūyào yī zhāng xīn **shūzhuō**, zhè zhāng tài xiǎo le. * English: I need a new desk, this one is too small. * Analysis: Note the use of the measure word `张 (zhāng)`, which is used for flat objects like tables, desks, paper, and beds. * **Example 4:** * 请把你的电脑从**书桌**上拿开。 * Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nǐ de diànnǎo cóng **shūzhuō** shàng ná kāi. * English: Please move your computer off the desk. * Analysis: This sentence uses the `把 (bǎ)` construction to show disposal or action upon an object, a key grammar point in Chinese. * **Example 5:** * 妈妈帮我整理了**书桌**。 * Pinyin: Māma bāng wǒ zhěnglǐ le **shūzhuō**. * English: Mom helped me tidy my desk. * Analysis: `整理 (zhěnglǐ)` is a common verb paired with `书桌`, meaning "to organize" or "to tidy up." * **Example 6:** * 这张**书桌**是实木的，质量很好。 * Pinyin: Zhè zhāng **shūzhuō** shì shímù de, zhìliàng hěn hǎo. * English: This desk is made of solid wood, the quality is very good. * Analysis: A good example of how to describe a piece of furniture. `实木 (shímù)` means "solid wood." * **Example 7:** * 我喜欢在安静的**书桌**前看书。 * Pinyin: Wǒ xǐhuān zài ānjìng de **shūzhuō** qián kànshū. * English: I like reading at a quiet desk. * Analysis: This example shows how an adjective, `安静的 (ānjìng de)`, can be used to describe the environment of the desk, not just the desk itself. * **Example 8:** * 他的**书桌**上总是堆满了各种各样的文具。 * Pinyin: Tā de **shūzhuō** shàng zǒngshì duīmǎn le gèzhǒng gèyàng de wénjù. * English: His desk is always piled high with all kinds of stationery. * Analysis: `堆满 (duīmǎn)` means "to be piled full," a vivid verb that paints a clear picture. * **Example 9:** * 你能帮我把这个台灯放到**书桌**上吗？ * Pinyin: Nǐ néng bāng wǒ bǎ zhège táidēng fàng dào **shūzhuō** shàng ma? * English: Can you help me put this desk lamp on the desk? * Analysis: `台灯 (táidēng)` is the specific word for a desk lamp, a very common object found on a `书桌`. * **Example 10:** * 为了保护眼睛，**书桌**的光线一定要充足。 * Pinyin: Wèile bǎohù yǎnjing, **shūzhuō** de guāngxiàn yīdìng yào chōngzú. * English: To protect your eyes, the lighting at your desk must be sufficient. * Analysis: This sentence shows how `书桌` can be used in a more abstract sense to refer to the "desk area" or "desk environment." ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== The most common point of confusion for learners is the difference between `书桌 (shūzhuō)` and the more general word for table, `桌子 (zhuōzi)`. * **书桌 (shūzhuō) vs. 桌子 (zhuōzi):** * `书桌 (shūzhuō)` is **specific**. It's a desk for studying/writing. * `桌子 (zhuōzi)` is **general**. It refers to any kind of table: a dining table (饭桌 fànzhuō), a coffee table (茶几 chájī), a side table, etc. * **Common Mistake:** Pointing to the table you eat dinner on and calling it a `书桌`. * **Correct Usage:** 我们在**桌子**上吃饭，然后我去**书桌**前做功课。(Wǒmen zài **zhuōzi** shàng chīfàn, ránhòu wǒ qù **shūzhuō** qián zuò gōngkè.) - "We eat at the **table**, and then I go to my **desk** to do homework." * **书桌 (shūzhuō) vs. 办公桌 (bàngōngzhuō):** * `书桌 (shūzhuō)` feels personal, related to study and home life. * `办公桌 (bàngōngzhuō)` means "office desk" (`办公` means "to work" or "handle business"). It is used specifically for a desk in a professional workplace. * **Nuance:** While you can call your desk at work a `书桌` and be understood, using `办公桌` sounds more professional and appropriate for the context. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[桌子]] (zhuōzi) - The general word for "table." `书桌` is a type of `桌子`. * [[椅子]] (yǐzi) - "Chair." The essential companion to a `书桌`. * [[书房]] (shūfáng) - "Study room" or "home office," the room where a `书桌` is typically the main piece of furniture. * [[办公桌]] (bàngōngzhuō) - "Office desk." The more professional term for a desk in a workplace. * [[学习]] (xuéxí) - "To study; to learn." The primary activity performed at a `书桌`. * [[文具]] (wénjù) - "Stationery." Items like pens, pencils, and notebooks that are found on a `书桌`. * [[台灯]] (táidēng) - "Desk lamp." A common accessory for a `书桌`. * [[书架]] (shūjià) - "Bookshelf." Often placed near a `书桌` to hold books. * [[电脑]] (diànnǎo) - "Computer." In modern times, an indispensable item on nearly every `书桌`. * [[整理]] (zhěnglǐ) - "To tidy up; to organize." A common verb used when talking about cleaning one's `书桌`.