Definition
桌面 is a place word (p.w.) that refers to a flat surface. Its most literal meaning is 'tabletop', but it also commonly refers to a computer 'desktop'. Figuratively, it appears in the phrase 摆在桌面上, meaning 'to put on the table' — to make something open and public, equivalent to 'aboveboard' in English. As a place word, it often follows 在 and can take 上 to specify location.
p.w.
(place word) tabletopsurface of a table(place word) desktop (of a computer)(figurative) aboveboardopen and public
Examples
- 桌面。Shū dōu fàng zài zhuō miàn shàng.The books are all on the tabletop.
- 桌面。Wǒ de zhuō miàn shàng yǒu hěn duō wénjiàn.There are many files on my desktop.
- 桌面。Zhè jiàn shì zuì hǎo bǎi zài zhuō miàn shàng tán.It's best to discuss this matter openly (put it on the table).
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