‘托盘’ (tuō pán) is a compound noun meaning ‘tray’ or ‘serving platter’—a flat, often rectangular or circular surface used to carry or serve items like food, drinks, or small objects. The first character 托 (tuō) means ‘to support’, ‘to hold up’, or ‘to carry with the hands’, while 盘 (pán) means ‘plate’, ‘dish’, or ‘shallow container’. Together, they literally convey the idea of ‘a plate that supports/carrying things’, reflecting its functional role in daily life.

This word is commonly used in restaurants, cafés, offices, and homes. It applies to both disposable trays (e.g., plastic or cardboard) and reusable ones (e.g., metal, wood, or ceramic). Unlike the more general term 盘 (pán), which can refer to any plate or dish, 托盘 specifically implies a larger, sturdier surface designed for transport or service—not for eating directly from. It’s neutral in register and appropriate in both casual and formal contexts.