====== dìpán: 地盘 - Turf, Territory, Domain ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** dipan, 地盘, Chinese word for turf, territory in Chinese, sphere of influence, personal space in Chinese, 地盘 meaning, what does dipan mean
  * **Summary:** Learn the meaning of **地盘 (dìpán)**, a versatile Chinese word for "turf," "territory," or "domain." This entry explores how **dìpán** is used to describe everything from a gang's territory and a company's market to a cat's favorite spot or your personal space. Understand its cultural context, practical usage, and how it differs from similar words like `地方 (dìfang)`.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** dìpán
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 6
  * **Concise Definition:** A territory or sphere of influence under one's control.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **地盘 (dìpán)** is the area—physical or abstract—that you consider "yours." Think of it as your turf, your domain, or your zone of control. It carries a strong, assertive feeling of ownership and implies that others should keep out or respect your authority within that space. Whether it's your side of the bedroom, your company's market, or a mafia boss's neighborhood, it's all **地盘**.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **地 (dì):** This character means "earth," "ground," or "land." It's the foundation of the word, rooting it in a physical place.
  * **盘 (pán):** This character originally means "plate" or "tray." Picture a flat, defined surface.
  * When combined, **地盘 (dìpán)** literally means a "plate of land" or a "tray of earth." This vivid image suggests a clearly demarcated area that belongs to someone, just as the food on your plate belongs to you.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
  * **地盘 (dìpán)** taps into the universal concept of territoriality but with a distinct Chinese flavor. While the English word "turf" is a very close match, it's often strongly associated with gangs, sports rivalries, or highly informal situations. **地盘** is much broader.
  * **Comparison to "Turf":** A CEO can talk about expanding the company's **地盘** (market share) in a business meeting without sounding like a gangster. A mother can claim the kitchen as her **地盘** half-jokingly. This flexibility makes it more integrated into everyday language than "turf."
  * The concept reflects a clear sense of in-group/out-group and personal boundaries. Declaring a **地盘** is a way of setting rules and establishing authority within a defined space. It's a direct and unambiguous way to say, "This is mine, and in this area, my rules apply." This can be seen in business negotiations, family dynamics, and social hierarchies.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
  * **地盘** is a common word used in various contexts, ranging from serious to playful. Its connotation depends entirely on the situation and tone of voice.
  * **Business and Competition:**
    * Used to describe a company's market, area of operations, or sphere of influence.
    * Example: 抢占地盘 (qiǎngzhàn dìpán) - to fight for and occupy market territory.
    * It carries a competitive, sometimes aggressive, business connotation.
  * **Gangs and Conflict (The "Turf" Meaning):**
    * This is the classic meaning you see in movies. It refers to the physical territory controlled by a gang or criminal organization.
    * It's used in news reports or discussions about organized crime.
  * **Personal and Informal Space:**
    * This is a very common, informal usage. It can refer to a person's room, their desk at work, or even their side of the couch.
    * It's often used with a possessive pronoun like 我的 (wǒ de). "这是我的地盘!" (This is my turf!). This can be said seriously, assertively, or jokingly.
  * **Animals:**
    * Used to describe an animal's territory.
    * Example: The cat considers the whole backyard its **地盘**.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 这只猫把整个后院都当成了自己的**地盘**。
    * Pinyin: Zhè zhī māo bǎ zhěnggè hòuyuàn dōu dàngchéngle zìjǐ de **dìpán**.
    * English: This cat treats the entire backyard as its own territory.
    * Analysis: A neutral, descriptive use of **地盘** to talk about animal behavior.
  * **Example 2:**
    * 在我们家，厨房是我妈妈的**地盘**，谁都不能乱动。
    * Pinyin: Zài wǒmen jiā, chúfáng shì wǒ māma de **dìpán**, shéi dōu bùnéng luàn dòng.
    * English: In our family, the kitchen is my mom's domain; no one is allowed to mess with it.
    * Analysis: A common, informal, and slightly humorous use showing personal domain within a family.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 为了争夺**地盘**，两个帮派发生了火拼。
    * Pinyin: Wèile zhēngduó **dìpán**, liǎng gè bāngpài fāshēngle huǒpīn.
    * English: The two gangs got into a firefight to fight for territory.
    * Analysis: The classic, negative "gang turf" meaning. Here, **地盘** is the cause of violent conflict.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 我们公司正努力扩大在亚洲市场的**地盘**。
    * Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī zhèng nǔlì kuòdà zài Yàzhōu shìchǎng de **dìpán**.
    * English: Our company is working hard to expand its territory in the Asian market.
    * Analysis: A standard business usage. It's a metaphor for market share and influence.
  * **Example 5:**
    * “嘿，别把你的书放我桌子上！这是我的**地盘**！”
    * Pinyin: "Hēi, bié bǎ nǐ de shū fàng wǒ zhuōzi shàng! Zhè shì wǒ de **dìpán**!"
    * English: "Hey, don't put your books on my desk! This is my turf!"
    * Analysis: An assertive and informal use to protect one's personal space. The tone could be annoyed or playful.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 每个销售经理都有自己负责的**地盘**。
    * Pinyin: Měi ge xiāoshòu jīnglǐ dōu yǒu zìjǐ fùzé de **dìpán**.
    * English: Every sales manager has their own territory they are responsible for.
    * Analysis: A neutral, professional term in a sales or business context, synonymous with "sales territory."
  * **Example 7:**
    * 狗狗通过撒尿来标记自己的**地盘**。
    * Pinyin: Gǒugou tōngguò sāniào lái biāojì zìjǐ de **dìpán**.
    * English: The dog marks its territory by urinating.
    * Analysis: Another biological/animal-related usage, completely neutral.
  * **Example 8:**
    * 在他的专业领域里，他就是国王，那是他的**地盘**。
    * Pinyin: Zài tā de zhuānyè lǐngyù lǐ, tā jiùshì guówáng, nà shì tā de **dìpán**.
    * English: In his field of expertise, he is the king; that's his domain.
    * Analysis: A figurative use to mean an area of expertise where someone has complete authority.
  * **Example 9:**
    * 互联网巨头们正在激烈地争夺人工智能的**地盘**。
    * Pinyin: Hùliánwǎng jùtóumen zhèngzài jīliè de zhēngduó réngōng zhìnéng de **dìpán**.
    * English: The internet giants are fiercely competing for territory in the field of artificial intelligence.
    * Analysis: Shows how **地盘** can be used for abstract, non-physical "territories" like a technology sector.
  * **Example 10:**
    * 你过界了，这里是我的**地盘**，请你离开。
    * Pinyin: Nǐ guòjiè le, zhèlǐ shì wǒ de **dìpán**, qǐng nǐ líkāi.
    * English: You've crossed the line. This is my territory, please leave.
    * Analysis: A very direct, confrontational use. This sentence clearly establishes a boundary and demands the other person respect it.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **地盘 (dìpán) vs. 地方 (dìfang):** This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
    * `地方 (dìfang)` simply means "place" or "area." It is neutral and has no connotation of ownership or control.
    * **Incorrect:** `你想去哪个**地盘**吃饭？` (Nǐ xiǎng qù nǎge **dìpán** chīfàn?) - This sounds aggressive, like you're asking "Which gang's turf do you want to eat at?"
    * **Correct:** `你想去哪个**地方**吃饭？` (Nǐ xiǎng qù nǎge **dìfang** chīfàn?) - "What place do you want to go to eat?"
  * **Formality: 地盘 (dìpán) vs. 领域 (lǐngyù):**
    * `地盘` is generally informal or used in specific contexts like business competition or crime.
    * `领域 (lǐngyù)` means "field," "domain," or "sphere." It is much more formal and abstract. You use it for academic fields, areas of knowledge, or professional sectors.
    * **Example:** "His research is in the **领域** of physics," not "the **地盘** of physics."
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * [[领域]] (lǐngyù) - A more formal and abstract word for "field" or "domain," used for expertise and academic subjects.
  * [[范围]] (fànwéi) - "Scope" or "range." It describes the extent or boundary of something, but not necessarily control over it.
  * [[领土]] (lǐngtǔ) - "Territory" in the political, sovereign sense, referring to a country's land.
  * [[地方]] (dìfang) - A neutral word for "place" or "area," without the sense of ownership. The opposite of **地盘** in connotation.
  * [[势力范围]] (shìlì fànwéi) - "Sphere of influence." A very formal term, often used in geopolitics to describe a region where a country has influence.
  * [[山头]] (shāntóu) - Lit. "mountaintop." Figuratively, it refers to a faction, clique, or personal fiefdom within an organization. Similar to **地盘** but implies factionalism.
  * [[管辖]] (guǎnxiá) - "To have jurisdiction over." A legal and administrative term for control.