Keywords: dipan, 地盘, Chinese word for turf, territory in Chinese, sphere of influence, personal space in Chinese, 地盘 meaning, what does dipan mean
Summary: Learn the meaning of 地盘 (dìpán), a versatile Chinese word for “turf,” “territory,” or “domain.” This entry explores how dìpán is used to describe everything from a gang's territory and a company's market to a cat's favorite spot or your personal space. Understand its cultural context, practical usage, and how it differs from similar words like `地方 (dìfang)`.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): dìpán
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 6
Concise Definition: A territory or sphere of influence under one's control.
In a Nutshell:地盘 (dìpán) is the area—physical or abstract—that you consider “yours.” Think of it as your turf, your domain, or your zone of control. It carries a strong, assertive feeling of ownership and implies that others should keep out or respect your authority within that space. Whether it's your side of the bedroom, your company's market, or a mafia boss's neighborhood, it's all 地盘.
Character Breakdown
地 (dì): This character means “earth,” “ground,” or “land.” It's the foundation of the word, rooting it in a physical place.
盘 (pán): This character originally means “plate” or “tray.” Picture a flat, defined surface.
When combined, 地盘 (dìpán) literally means a “plate of land” or a “tray of earth.” This vivid image suggests a clearly demarcated area that belongs to someone, just as the food on your plate belongs to you.
Cultural Context and Significance
地盘 (dìpán) taps into the universal concept of territoriality but with a distinct Chinese flavor. While the English word “turf” is a very close match, it's often strongly associated with gangs, sports rivalries, or highly informal situations. 地盘 is much broader.
Comparison to “Turf”: A CEO can talk about expanding the company's 地盘 (market share) in a business meeting without sounding like a gangster. A mother can claim the kitchen as her 地盘 half-jokingly. This flexibility makes it more integrated into everyday language than “turf.”
The concept reflects a clear sense of in-group/out-group and personal boundaries. Declaring a 地盘 is a way of setting rules and establishing authority within a defined space. It's a direct and unambiguous way to say, “This is mine, and in this area, my rules apply.” This can be seen in business negotiations, family dynamics, and social hierarchies.
Practical Usage in Modern China
地盘 is a common word used in various contexts, ranging from serious to playful. Its connotation depends entirely on the situation and tone of voice.
Business and Competition:
Used to describe a company's market, area of operations, or sphere of influence.
Example: 抢占地盘 (qiǎngzhàn dìpán) - to fight for and occupy market territory.
It carries a competitive, sometimes aggressive, business connotation.
Gangs and Conflict (The “Turf” Meaning):
This is the classic meaning you see in movies. It refers to the physical territory controlled by a gang or criminal organization.
It's used in news reports or discussions about organized crime.
Personal and Informal Space:
This is a very common, informal usage. It can refer to a person's room, their desk at work, or even their side of the couch.
It's often used with a possessive pronoun like 我的 (wǒ de). “这是我的地盘!” (This is my turf!). This can be said seriously, assertively, or jokingly.
Animals:
Used to describe an animal's territory.
Example: The cat considers the whole backyard its 地盘.
English: Our company is working hard to expand its territory in the Asian market.
Analysis: A standard business usage. It's a metaphor for market share and influence.
Example 5:
“嘿，别把你的书放我桌子上！这是我的地盘！”
Pinyin: “Hēi, bié bǎ nǐ de shū fàng wǒ zhuōzi shàng! Zhè shì wǒ de dìpán!”
English: “Hey, don't put your books on my desk! This is my turf!”
Analysis: An assertive and informal use to protect one's personal space. The tone could be annoyed or playful.
Example 6:
每个销售经理都有自己负责的地盘。
Pinyin: Měi ge xiāoshòu jīnglǐ dōu yǒu zìjǐ fùzé de dìpán.
English: Every sales manager has their own territory they are responsible for.
Analysis: A neutral, professional term in a sales or business context, synonymous with “sales territory.”
Example 7:
狗狗通过撒尿来标记自己的地盘。
Pinyin: Gǒugou tōngguò sāniào lái biāojì zìjǐ de dìpán.
English: The dog marks its territory by urinating.
Analysis: Another biological/animal-related usage, completely neutral.
Example 8:
在他的专业领域里，他就是国王，那是他的地盘。
Pinyin: Zài tā de zhuānyè lǐngyù lǐ, tā jiùshì guówáng, nà shì tā de dìpán.
English: In his field of expertise, he is the king; that's his domain.
Analysis: A figurative use to mean an area of expertise where someone has complete authority.
Example 9:
互联网巨头们正在激烈地争夺人工智能的地盘。
Pinyin: Hùliánwǎng jùtóumen zhèngzài jīliè de zhēngduó réngōng zhìnéng de dìpán.
English: The internet giants are fiercely competing for territory in the field of artificial intelligence.
Analysis: Shows how 地盘 can be used for abstract, non-physical “territories” like a technology sector.
Example 10:
你过界了，这里是我的地盘，请你离开。
Pinyin: Nǐ guòjiè le, zhèlǐ shì wǒ de dìpán, qǐng nǐ líkāi.
English: You've crossed the line. This is my territory, please leave.
Analysis: A very direct, confrontational use. This sentence clearly establishes a boundary and demands the other person respect it.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
地盘 (dìpán) vs. 地方 (dìfang): This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`地方 (dìfang)` simply means “place” or “area.” It is neutral and has no connotation of ownership or control.
Incorrect: `你想去哪个地盘吃饭？` (Nǐ xiǎng qù nǎge dìpán chīfàn?) - This sounds aggressive, like you're asking “Which gang's turf do you want to eat at?”
Correct: `你想去哪个地方吃饭？` (Nǐ xiǎng qù nǎge dìfang chīfàn?) - “What place do you want to go to eat?”
Formality: 地盘 (dìpán) vs. 领域 (lǐngyù):
`地盘` is generally informal or used in specific contexts like business competition or crime.
`领域 (lǐngyù)` means “field,” “domain,” or “sphere.” It is much more formal and abstract. You use it for academic fields, areas of knowledge, or professional sectors.
Example: “His research is in the 领域 of physics,” not “the 地盘 of physics.”
Related Terms and Concepts
领域 (lǐngyù) - A more formal and abstract word for “field” or “domain,” used for expertise and academic subjects.
范围 (fànwéi) - “Scope” or “range.” It describes the extent or boundary of something, but not necessarily control over it.
领土 (lǐngtǔ) - “Territory” in the political, sovereign sense, referring to a country's land.
地方 (dìfang) - A neutral word for “place” or “area,” without the sense of ownership. The opposite of 地盘 in connotation.
势力范围 (shìlì fànwéi) - “Sphere of influence.” A very formal term, often used in geopolitics to describe a region where a country has influence.
山头 (shāntóu) - Lit. “mountaintop.” Figuratively, it refers to a faction, clique, or personal fiefdom within an organization. Similar to 地盘 but implies factionalism.
管辖 (guǎnxiá) - “To have jurisdiction over.” A legal and administrative term for control.