Definition
胎 (tāi) is a noun meaning 'fetus' or 'tire', and also a classifier for litters of animals. As 'fetus', it contrasts with 胎儿 (tāi ér), which specifically refers to a human fetus/embryo; 胎 alone is more general and often used in compounds like 胚胎 (embryo). As 'tire', it is short for 轮胎 (lún tāi), which is the full word for a vehicle tire.
noun
tire (loanword)fetus
classifier
for litters of animals (puppies, kittens, etc.)
Easily confused
- 抬táilook-aliketo lift, to raise (one's head, hand, etc.)
- 太tàisound-aliketoo, excessively (often with 了)
- 治zhìlook-aliketo govern, to rule
- 台táisound-alike(noun) platform, stage, terrace; also station (e.g., 电视台, 气象台)
Examples
- 胎。Wǒ de chē xūyào huàn tāi le.My car needs new tires.
- ，。Tā huáiyùn sān gè yuè le, tāi'ér hěn jiànkāng.She is three months pregnant, and the fetus is healthy.
- 胎。Māo māma shēng le sān tāi xiǎo māo.The mother cat gave birth to a litter of three kittens.
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