Definition
台面 literally means 'tabletop' or 'desk surface', but extends metaphorically to 'public appearance' or 'the surface level' of a situation — as in 摆在台面上 ('put on the table', meaning to discuss openly). It also has a specialized gambling sense referring to the total stakes or winnings on the table. Less commonly, it's used in electronics for a specific type of transistor (mesa).
noun
tabletopdesk surfacecountertop
n.
(noun, figurative) public appearanceoutward imagethe open/visible aspect of a situation(noun, gambling) stakeswinnings and losses on the table
Examples
- 台面。Chúfáng de tái miàn cā de hěn gānjìng.The kitchen countertop is wiped very clean.
- 台面。Zhè jiàn shì zuìhǎo bǎi dào tái miàn shàng lái tán.It's best to put this matter on the table and discuss it openly.
- 台面，。Jīn wǎn dǔchǎng de tái miàn fēicháng dà, yíngshū dōu hěn cìjī.The stakes at the casino tonight are very high; winning and losing are both exciting.
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