舞台
wǔtái
The English word "stage" (referring to a physical or metaphorical platform) is translated into Chinese as 舞台 (wǔtái).
舞台 refers to a physical platform used for performances, such as a theater stage (剧院舞台) or a music concert stage (音乐会舞台). It is also used metaphorically to describe a sphere of activity or a global arena, similar to the English term "international stage" (国际舞台). To say "on stage", you use the phrase 在舞台上.
Meaning: phase (noun)
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the physical or metaphorical platform and a step in a process. While 舞台 is used for platforms, the word 阶段 (jiēduàn) should be used when you mean a "stage" or "phase" in a process or a specific period of time.
How do you pronounce it?
wǔtái
Did you know?
- If you are talking about a 'stage' in a game or a level, you wouldn't use either of these words, but would instead use 关 (guān), which literally means a 'pass' or 'checkpoint'.
- The character 台 in 舞台 originally referred to a high earthen platform used for military observation or religious rituals before it meant a theater stage.
- While 舞台 describes the physical stage, Chinese uses the term 台下 ('below the stage') to refer collectively to the audience.
Examples in context
- 體育場內已搭建起舞台。A stage has been set up in the stadium.This sentence shows the setup of a 舞台 in a stadium.Tatoeba #13575526 by LeviHighway, translation #10014533 by CK
- 有些音樂家會在舞台上喝酒。Some musicians drink on stage.This sentence describes musicians performing on a 舞台.Tatoeba #13575530 by LeviHighway, translation #9833101 by CK
- 普丁將成為國際舞台上的棄兒。Putin will be a pariah on the international stage.This sentence uses 舞台 metaphorically to describe the international arena.Tatoeba #13575531 by LeviHighway, translation #10698071 by soliloquist
- 今晚的表演将在大舞台上进行。 (Jīnwǎn de biǎoyǎn jiāng zài dà wǔtái shàng jìnxíng.)Tonight's performance will take place on the main stage.
- 昨晚他在舞台上唱了一首歌。 (Zuówǎn tā zài tái shàng chàng le yī shǒu gē.)Last night, he sang a song on stage.
- 在村庄的戏台上，人们表演了精彩的剧目。 (Zài cūnzhuāng de xìtái shàng, rénmen biǎoyǎn le jīngcǎi de jùmù.)People performed fantastic shows on the village's stage.
- 我梦想着在国际舞台上表演。 (Wǒ mèngxiǎng zhe zài guójì wǔtái shàng biǎoyǎn.)I dream of performing on an international stage.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Zhiqiang are discussing their career goals.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你觉得你的事业现在处于什么舞台？Nǐ juéde nǐ de shìyè xiànzài chǔyú shénme wǔtái?What stage do you think your career is at right now?
- 志强 Zhiqiang我觉得我正处于快速成长阶段的舞台。Wǒ juéde wǒ zhèng chǔyú kuàisù chéngzhǎng jiēduàn de wǔtái.I think I am at the stage of rapid growth.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen这是一个非常关键的舞台。Zhè shì yīgè fēicháng guānjiàn de wǔtái.This is a very critical stage.
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，我得在这舞台上努力。Shì de, wǒ děi zài zhè wǔtái shàng nǔlì.Yes, I have to work hard at this stage.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
