Are you looking to expand your Chinese vocabulary? Knowing how to say “upstairs” in Chinese is a useful phrase to have under your belt. Whether you’re traveling to China or simply want to communicate with Chinese speakers, learning this word will come in handy. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to say “upstairs” in Mandarin Chinese, focusing mainly on the standard language. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Upstairs” in Chinese
When it comes to formal situations, such as in official settings or when addressing people you hold in high regard, it’s important to use more polite terms. Here are the formal ways to say “upstairs” in Chinese:
1. 楼上 (lóu shàng)
The most common and universally understood term for “upstairs” in Chinese is 楼上 (lóu shàng). This phrase consists of two characters, with 楼 (lóu) meaning “building” or “floor” and 上 (shàng) meaning “above”. Together, they mean “upstairs”.
For example, if you want to politely ask where someone is, you can say: “请问，洗手间在楼上吗?” (Qǐngwèn, xǐshǒujiān zài lóu shàng ma?) – “Excuse me, is the restroom upstairs?”
2. 上面 (shàng miàn)
Another formal term you can use for “upstairs” is 上面 (shàng miàn). Here, 上 (shàng) means “above” and 面 (miàn) means “surface” or “side”. So, combining them gives you “upstairs”.
For instance, when giving directions, you might say: “商店就在那栋大楼的上面” (Shāngdiàn jiù zài nà dòng dàlóu de shàng miàn) – “The store is upstairs in that building.”
Informal Ways to Say “Upstairs” in Chinese
When speaking in a more casual or familiar context, different phrases come into play. Here are the informal ways to express “upstairs” in Mandarin Chinese:
1. 上边 (shàng biān)
In informal settings, you may hear people use 上边 (shàng biān) to mean “upstairs”. This is a more colloquial term but widely understood nonetheless.
For example, you can say: “电影院在这栋大楼的上边” (Diànyǐngyuàn zài zhè dòng dàlóu de shàng biān) – “The cinema is upstairs in this building.”
2. 楼上去 (lóu shàng qù)
Another informal way to say “upstairs” is by using the phrase 楼上去 (lóu shàng qù). This can be roughly translated as “to go upstairs”. It’s an idiomatic expression often used in casual conversations.
For instance, if a friend asks where you’re headed, you might say: “我去楼上一下，拿点东西” (Wǒ qù lóu shàng yīxià, ná diǎn dōngxī) – “I’m going upstairs for a bit to get something.”
Tips and Cultural Insights
Learning how to say “upstairs” in Chinese is more than just memorizing phrases. Here are some useful tips and cultural insights that will enhance your understanding:
1. Politeness Matters
In Chinese culture, politeness is highly valued. When asking someone where a specific location is upstairs, it’s always polite to start with “请问” (qǐngwèn) which translates to “Excuse me” or “May I ask”. This shows respect for the person you’re talking to.
2. Pointing with Chin
When referring to something upstairs, it is customary to use your chin to gesture in that direction rather than pointing directly with your finger. This is considered more polite as it avoids direct physical pointing.
3. Be Mindful of Regional Differences
While the terms we discussed so far can be used throughout most Mandarin-speaking regions, it’s worth noting that there may be slight regional variations. Local dialects or accents might introduce alternative phrases, but the concepts behind them remain consistent. For travelers, it’s beneficial to know the standard terms discussed earlier, as they are widely understood.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know multiple ways to say “upstairs” in Chinese. Whether you find yourself in a formal or informal situation, you can confidently use these phrases to express your thoughts. Remember to adapt your vocabulary based on the context and the level of formality required. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be navigating buildings like a pro in Chinese-speaking regions!
