复式
fùshì
The Chinese word for duplex is 复式 (fùshì).
复式 is used to describe a duplex. In formal real estate contexts, you may see the term expanded to 复式住宅 (fùshì zhùzhái) to specifically denote a duplex residence or house. When the focus is on a duplex apartment located within a larger building, the term 复式楼 (fùshì lóu) is frequently used.
Meaning: house (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 复式 is composed of 复 (fù), meaning 'double' or 'multiple' and 式 (shì), meaning 'style' or 'type'.
Which one should you use?
While 复式 is the standard term, 双层公寓 is a more formal way to say duplex. If you are specifically referring to a duplex apartment or a duplex floor within a building, use 复式楼.
How do you pronounce it?
fùshì
Did you know?
- In Chinese urban planning, a 复式 unit is often distinguished from a 跃层 (yuècéng) by the percentage of floor area on the second level, which must be smaller for a true 复式.
- In China, the term 复式 is not limited to houses and can also describe complex structural systems, such as a 复式结构 (fùshì jiégòu) meaning a 'complex structure' in engineering.
- In certain urban contexts, describing a home as a 复式 suggests a certain level of prestige, as these vertical layouts are often more expensive than standard single-floor apartments.
Examples in context
- 这套复式非常宽敞。Zhè tào fùshì fēicháng kuānchang.This duplex is very spacious.
- 我们打算买一套复式。Wǒmen dǎsuàn mǎi yī tào fùshì.We plan to buy a duplex.
Example conversation
Two friends are looking at apartment listings online.
- 梓涵 Zihan你看这套复式怎么样？Nǐ kàn zhè tào fùshì zěnmeyàng?What do you think of this duplex?
- 俊杰 Junjie这套复式的采光很好。Zhè tào fùshì de cǎiguāng hěn hǎo.The lighting in this duplex is very good.
- 梓涵 Zihan我也觉得，而且价格很合适。Wǒ yě juéde, érqiě jiàgé hěn héshì.I think so too, and the price is reasonable.
- 俊杰 Junjie那我们明天去看看吧。Nà wǒmen míngtiān qù kànkan ba.Then let's go see it tomorrow.
