Definition
铺垫 has a concrete meaning — a cushion, mat, or bedding used for padding — and a very common figurative meaning: 'foreshadowing' or 'groundwork' in storytelling, planning, or social situations. As a noun, it refers to the thing that sets the stage for something else, whether a physical pad or a narrative setup. The figurative use is especially frequent in discussions of literature, film, or strategy.
n.
beddingcushionmat (physical padding)foreshadowinggroundworkpreparation (figurative, e.g. in a story or plan)
Examples
- 铺垫，。Dì shàng pū le yì céng pū diàn, zuò shàng qù hěn shūfu.A layer of cushioning was spread on the floor, making it very comfortable to sit on.
- 铺垫。Xiǎoshuō kāitóu de nà duàn miáoxiě wèi hòumiàn de qíngjié zuò le hěn hǎo de pū diàn.The description at the beginning of the novel serves as excellent foreshadowing for the later plot.
- 铺垫。Tánpàn qián de yǒuhǎo jiāoliú shì yì zhǒng zhòngyào de pū diàn.Friendly communication before negotiations is an important form of groundwork.
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