平台 (píngtái) — platform
HSK 5 | noun | a raised surface or digital/organizational structure enabling activity
平台 (píngtái)
A platform is either a raised flat surface used as a stage or base, or -- more commonly in modern usage -- a digital or organizational structure that enables people to perform activities, access services, or communicate.
Meanings
- [noun] platform (physical: stage, podium); platform (digital: app, website, service); platform (organizational: opportunity structure)
Example Sentences
这家公司开发了一个供用户交流的在线平台。 Zhè jiā gōngsī kāifāle yīgè gòng yònghù jiāoliú de zàixiàn píngtái. This company developed an online platform for users to communicate.
社交媒体平台改变了人们分享信息的方式。 Shèjiāo méitǐ píngtái gǎibiànle rénmen fēnxiǎng xìnxī de fāngshì. Social media platforms have changed the way people share information.
大学为学生提供了展示才华的重要平台。 Dàxué wèi xuéshēng tígōngle zhǎnshì cáihuá de zhòngyào píngtái. Universities provide an important platform for students to showcase their talents.
电商平台的兴起使传统零售业面临巨大挑战。 Diànshāng píngtái de xīngqǐ shǐ chuántǒng língshòuyè miànlín jùdà tiǎozhàn. The rise of e-commerce platforms has posed enormous challenges to traditional retail.
这次国际会议为各国科学家搭建了合作平台。 Zhè cì guójì huìyì wèi gèguó kēxuéjiā dājiànle hézuò píngtái. This international conference built a cooperative platform for scientists from various countries.
平台经济已经成为现代经济的重要组成部分。 Píngtái jīngjì yǐjīng chéngwéi xiàndài jīngjì de zhòngyào zǔchéng bùfèn. Platform economy has become an important component of the modern economy.
Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 在线平台 (zàixiàn píngtái) | online platform |
| 电商平台 (diànshāng píngtái) | e-commerce platform |
| 社交平台 (shèjiāo píngtái) | social platform |
| 搭建平台 (dājiàn píngtái) | to build/create a platform |
| 平台经济 (píngtái jīngjì) | platform economy |
| 提供平台 (tígōng píngtái) | to provide a platform |
Usage Notes
平台 has expanded far beyond its literal meaning of "flat elevated surface" and is now one of the most versatile nouns in modern Chinese. In technology, it refers to digital services and apps. In business and education, it means an enabling structure or opportunity. The phrase 搭建平台 (to build a platform) is particularly common in organizational and entrepreneurial contexts.
平台经济 (platform economy) is a major economic concept in China, referring to businesses like Alibaba, Tencent, and Meituan that create value by connecting multiple user groups.
Memory Hook
平 (flat/level) + 台 (stage/platform) -- a flat stage everyone can stand on equally, whether in a theater or in the digital world.