Chinese word

塔

Pronunciation

Pinyintǎ

Meaning

  • nountower

Example

那座塔很高。nà zuò tǎ hěn gāo

That tower is very tall.

Illustration for 塔 (tower)

More examples

在古刹前，宝塔的轮廓与晨雾融为一体。zài gǔ chà qián báo tǎ de lún kuò yǔ chén wù róng wéi yì tǐ

In front of the ancient temple, the outline of the pagoda blended into the morning mist.

Core concept

A narrow, elevated structure whose height is its defining feature, used as a monument, lookout, or support for equipment.

Common phrases

  • 宝塔báo tǎ

    pagoda

  • 钟塔zhōng tǎ

    clock tower

  • 高塔gāo tǎ

    tall tower

Similar words

建筑jiàn zhù: A building or structure planned and built for people to use.
楼lóu: A building with several floors, or one part of such a building.

Definition in Chinese

高大的垂直建筑，常指佛教的古塔或现代用于观光、通讯等的塔状构筑物。gāo dà de chuí zhí jiàn zhù cháng zhǐ fó jiào de gú tǎ huò xiàn dài yòng yú guān guāng tōng xùn děng de tǎ zhuàng gòu zhù wù

Word origin

Buddhist usage brought 塔 (tǎ, "tower") into Chinese as a name for the Sanskrit stūpa, and the word later broadened to tall structures with similar forms or functions.

Usage tips

  • On maps and tourist signs, 塔 (tǎ, "tower") may appear at the end of a landmark name, while the words before it identify the site or structure.

Related words

  • 塔楼tǎ lóutower buildingnoun
  • 塔状tǎ zhuàngtower-shapedadjective

Word lists with this word