Platform
PLAT-form /ˈplætfɔːm/
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
The numbered area in a station where you wait for and board your train. Departure boards show the platform number, sometimes only a few minutes before the train leaves, so watch the screens.
Chinese explanation
站台，车站里按数字编号、候车和上车的地方。出发信息屏会显示站台号，有时开车前几分钟才公布，要盯着屏幕看。
Example conversation
A: Excuse me, which platform for the London train?
B: Platform 4, over the footbridge.
A：请问去伦敦的火车在几号站台？
B：4号站台，走天桥过去。
What you could say back
Related phrases
Official sources
Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
All Transport
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake