Chinese word

总台

Pronunciation

Pinyinzǒng tái

Meaning

  • nounfront desk

Example

包裹在总台，你去拿吧。bāo guǒ zài zǒng tái nǐ qù ná ba

The package is at the front desk. Go get it.

Illustration for 总台 (front desk)

More examples

总台的工作人员很热情。zǒng tái de gōng zuò rén yuán hěn rè qíng

The front desk staff are very friendly.

Core concept

The visible service point that connects people, information, calls, and stored belongings with the right place.

Common phrases

  • 在总台登记zài zǒng tái dēng jì

    register at the front desk

  • 到总台询问dào zǒng tái xún wèn

    go to the front desk to ask

  • 向总台咨询xiàng zǒng tái zī xún

    ask at the front desk

Similar words

前台qián tái: An entrance reception desk for welcoming visitors and handling their arrival.
服务台fú wù tái: A desk that offers guidance and handles simple requests in a shop or facility.
咨询台zī xún tái: A desk that provides information and answers visitors' questions.
接待处jiē dài chù: A place or department that welcomes visitors and helps them.

Definition in Chinese

设置在公共场所或机构中，集中处理问询、寄存、转接、登记等事务的接待性窗口或岗位。shè zhì zài gōng gòng cháng suǒ huò jī gòu zhōng jí zhōng chú lǐ wèn xún jì cún zhuǎn jiē dēng jì děng shì wù de jiē dài xìng chuāng kǒu huò gǎng wèi

Word origin

Built from 总 (zǒng, "overall") and 台 (tái, "counter"), the term names a single counter that brings several service tasks together.

Usage tips

  • The term can refer to the service point and, by extension, the staff working there, so Chinese may use it for a workplace even when an employee is understood to be handling the request.

Opposites

Related words

  • 总台人员zǒng tái rén yuánfront desk staffnoun
  • 总台服务zǒng tái fú wùfront desk servicesnoun

Word lists with this word