When learning a new language like Chinese, it’s important to start with the basics. One fundamental word you will frequently encounter is “building.” In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “building” in Chinese, including both formal and informal expressions. Additionally, we will cover a few regional variations where necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Building” in Chinese
In formal situations or when using polite language, you can use the following terms to refer to a building:
1. 楼 (lóu)
This is the most common and generic term for a building in Mandarin Chinese. It can be used to refer to all kinds of buildings, from residential to commercial ones.
Example: 这是一栋高楼。(zhè shì yí dòng gāo lóu) – This is a tall building.
2. 大楼 (dà lóu)
When you want to emphasize the size or significance of a building, using 大楼 (dà lóu) is appropriate. It is often used for skyscrapers or prominent structures.
Example: 这是一座办公大楼。(zhè shì yí zuò bàn gōng dà lóu) – This is an office building.
3. 建筑物 (jiàn zhù wù)
If you want to be more specific and refer to a structure as a “building” in a technical or professional context, 建筑物 (jiàn zhù wù) is the appropriate term to use.
Example: 这些建筑物都有独特的设计。(zhè xiē jiàn zhù wù dōu yǒu dú tè de shè jì) – These buildings all have unique designs.
Informal Ways to Say “Building” in Chinese
Informal language is commonly used among friends, acquaintances, or in casual conversations. Here are a few informal expressions you can use to refer to a building:
1. 楼房 (lóu fáng)
The term 楼房 (lóu fáng) is a combination of 楼 (lóu) – building and 房 (fáng) – house. It is a less formal way to say “building” and is commonly used in everyday conversations.
Example: 我住在那座楼房里。(wǒ zhù zài nà zuò lóu fáng lǐ) – I live in that building.
2. 座 (zuò)
In informal contexts, especially when discussing buildings in terms of their size or features, 座 (zuò) is a commonly used measure word for “building.” It adds a playful tone to the conversation.
Example: 这座建筑物有很多彩色的玻璃。(zhè zuò jiàn zhù wù yǒu hěn duō cǎi sè de bō li) – This building has many colorful glasses.
Regional Variations
Chinese is a rich language with various regional dialects that may have different ways of saying “building.” While we have covered some of the commonly used terms, it’s worth mentioning a few regional variations:
1. 楼宇 (lóu yǔ) – Cantonese
In Cantonese, spoken mainly in Southern China and Hong Kong, the term 楼宇 (lóu yǔ) is often used to refer to buildings.
Example: 佢喺呢座楼宇工作。(keoi hai ni jeuk lóu yǔ gung zok) – He works in this building.
2. 楼堂馆所 (lóu táng guǎn suǒ) – Taiwanese Hokkien
Taiwanese Hokkien, spoken in Taiwan, has its own variation of “building” that combines several terms: 楼堂馆所 (lóu táng guǎn suǒ).
Example: 這座楼堂馆所是一家知名的博物馆。(tsit tsò lóu táng guǎn suǒ sī tsi̍t ka zhī miânn ê park vâng)
Tips: Regional variations are interesting to explore, but for general use and communication, the formal and informal expressions we discussed earlier will suffice.
Final Thoughts
Now you have a comprehensive guide on how to say “building” in Chinese. Remember to contextually choose between formal and informal expressions. The terms we covered, such as 楼 (lóu), 大楼 (dà lóu), 建筑物 (jiàn zhù wù), 楼房 (lóu fáng), and 座 (zuò), will help you navigate various conversations related to buildings. Don’t hesitate to practice using these phrases and pay attention to regional variations if you encounter them in context. Happy learning!
