自习室
zìxíshì
The English phrase 'study hall' can be translated into Chinese as 自习室 (zìxíshì).
Use 自习室 when referring to the physical location where students go to study independently.
Meaning: class period (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 自习 (zìxí), meaning 'self-study' and 室 (shì), meaning 'room'.
Which one should you use?
While 自习室 (zìxíshì) refers to the physical room or study hall, 自习课 (zìxíkè) refers to the specific period or class time designated for self-study.
Is it said differently in some regions?
自修室 might be used in some Cantonese-speaking regions.
How do you pronounce it?
zìxíshì
Did you know?
- The term 自习室 is now frequently used to describe commercial, paid study cafes where students and adults rent desks by the hour to avoid distractions at home.
- The term 自修 (zìxiū) used in some regions implies 'self-cultivation', suggesting that studying is a way to refine one's soul or character, not just a way to learn facts.
- In many Chinese schools, the 自习 (zìxí) period is not a free break, but a highly supervised time where students must remain silent and productive under a teacher's watch.
Examples in context
- 我去学校的自习室学习。I am going to the school study hall to study.
- 如果你需要一个安静的自习环境，温习室是个不错的选择。If you need a quiet study environment, the study hall is a good choice.
Example conversation
Two students are discussing where to meet after class.
- 佳怡 Jiayi浩然，你现在在哪里？Hàorán, nǐ xiànzài zài nǎlǐ?Haoran, where are you now?
- 浩然 Haoran我在自习室准备考试。Wǒ zài zìxíshì zhǔnbèi kǎoshì.I am in the study hall preparing for the exam.
- 佳怡 Jiayi我可以过去找你吗？Wǒ kěyǐ guòqù zhǎo nǐ ma?Can I come and find you?
- 浩然 Haoran没问题，快点过来吧。Méi wèntí, kuài diǎn guòlái ba.No problem, come over quickly.
