Definition
殿堂 (diàn táng) literally means a grand hall or palace building, often in a temple or palace complex. Its more important use is figurative: a 'sanctuary' or 'shrine' representing the highest achievement in a field (e.g., 艺术殿堂 'art sanctuary'). Unlike 宫殿 (gōng diàn 'palace') or 大厅 (dà tīng 'hall'), which are purely literal, 殿堂 carries this elevated metaphorical meaning.
noun
(literally) palacehallgrand temple building(figuratively) sanctuaryshrine (the highest achievement in a field)
Examples
- 殿堂。Zhè zuò bówùguǎn bèi yù wéi yìshù de diàn táng.This museum is hailed as an art sanctuary.
- 殿堂。Kēxuéjiā men mèngxiǎng jìnrù kēxué de zuìgāo diàn táng.Scientists dream of entering the highest shrine of science.
- 殿堂。Gǔdài de diàn táng zhìjīn réngrán lìng rén jìngwèi.The ancient halls still inspire awe today.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.