台阶 (tái jiē) — (literal) steps; flight of stairs; (figurative) a way out of an embarrassing situation, a face-saving exit
Definition
台阶 is a concrete thing — outdoor steps or a flight of stairs, often built in front of a building. 步 is a single step you take while walking, and 阶梯 is a grander indoor staircase. Figuratively, 台阶 also means a 'way out' that saves someone's face.
noun
(literal) stepsflight of stairs(figurative) a way out of an embarrassing situationa face-saving exit
Measure word · 个
Examples
- 台阶。Qǐng xiǎo xīn tái jiē.Please mind the steps.
- 台阶。Wǒ men xū yào gěi tā yí gè tái jiē xià.We need to give him a way out.
- 台阶。Zǒu zhè duàn tái jiē jiù dào le.Walk this flight of steps and you'll arrive.
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