台阶 táijiē steps
steps; flight of steps; step (over obstacle); figuratively way out of an embarrassing situation; bench (geology)
How to remember 台阶: 台 platform + 阶 stairs = steps.
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How it is used
- Concrete noun for a short outdoor flight of steps: 走上台阶 (zǒushàng táijiē) - walk up the steps.
- Figurative use is important: 给个台阶下 (gěi ge táijiē xià) - give someone a way to save face/back down gracefully from an awkward standoff.
- Different from 楼梯 (lóutī), an indoor staircase used to move between floors - 台阶 is typically a short set of steps, often at an entrance.