Chinese Conversation · Level 41
90 words
Chinese word
码头
Pronunciation
Pinyinmǎ tóu
Meaning
- noundock
Example
我在码头等你。wǒ zài mǎ tóu děng nǐ
I am waiting for you at the dock.
More examples
船上的货物已经在码头卸下。chuán shàng de huò wù yǐ jīng zài mǎ tóu xiè xià
The cargo on the ship has already been unloaded at the dock.
Core concept
The shore-side stopping point where a boat's passengers and load pass between water and land.
Common phrases
客运码头kè yùn mǎ tóu
passenger terminal
货运码头huò yùn mǎ tóu
cargo terminal
停靠在码头tíng kào zài mǎ tóu
be moored at the dock
Similar words
港口gáng kǒu: A seaport or river port where ships come and go, with facilities for passengers or cargo.
渡口dù kǒu: A place beside a river or lake where people board a ferry to cross the water.
埠头bù tóu: A shore structure where boats are tied up and goods are loaded or unloaded.
船坞chuán wù: An enclosed facility where ships are kept or repaired.
Definition in Chinese
靠近岸边的结构或平台，用于船只停靠、系船并进行装卸或上下旅客。kào jìn àn biān de jié gòu huò píng tái yòng yú chuán zhī tíng kào xì chuán bìng jìn xíng zhuāng xiè huò shàng xià lǚ kè
Word origin
The compound 码头 (mǎtóu, "dock") originated as a name for a boat landing and retained that central idea as such places grew from simple landing points into larger facilities.
Usage tips
- Travel directions may use this word for a small ferry boarding spot as well as a large cargo facility, so size cannot be inferred from the word alone.
Other meanings
- piernoun
- wharfnoun
Related words
- 码头工人mǎ tóu gōng réndockworkernoun
- 货运码头huò yùn mǎ tóucargo terminalnoun