Chinese word

前台

Pronunciation

Pinyinqián tái

Meaning

  • nounfront desk

Example

请到前台领取包裹。qǐng dào qián tái líng qǔ bāo guǒ

Please go to the front desk to pick up your package.

Illustration for 前台 (front desk)

More examples

如有问题，请到前台咨询。rú yǒu wèn tí qǐng dào qián tái zī xún

If you have any questions, please inquire at the front desk.

Core concept

A clearly marked service point near a building's entrance where visitors are received and routine matters are handled.

Common phrases

  • 到前台咨询dào qián tái zī xún

    inquire at the front desk

  • 在前台办理zài qián tái bàn lǐ

    complete procedures at the front desk

  • 前台值班qián tái zhí bān

    be on duty at the front desk

Similar words

接待处jiē dài chù: A place or department set aside to receive visitors, give directions, and process simple requests.
服务台fú wù tái: A counter where people receive services, ask for information, or handle simple matters.
柜台guì tái: A shop or bank counter used for payments and other customer transactions.
接待员jiē dài yuán: A person responsible for welcoming visitors, giving information, and handling simple requests.

Definition in Chinese

表示专门用于接待、办事和咨询的柜台或处室，常见于酒店、机关、医院等场所的入口或大厅位置。biǎo shì zhuān mén yòng yú jiē dài bàn shì hé zī xún de guì tái huò chù shì cháng jiàn yú jiǔ diàn jī guān yī yuàn děng cháng suǒ de rù kǒu huò dà tīng wèi zhì

Word origin

前台 (qiántái, "front platform") combines 前 (qián, "front") and 台 (tái, "platform"), naming a service point placed toward the front of a building.

Usage tips

  • In everyday Chinese, the noun can refer to the reception staff as well as the physical service area, so a request directed at it can be answered by a person.

Other meanings

  • reception counternoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 前台服务qián tái fú wùfront desk servicenoun
  • 前台主管qián tái zhú guǎnfront desk supervisornoun

Word lists with this word