Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== gōngyù: 公寓 - Apartment, Service Apartment ====== ===== Quick Summary ===== * **Keywords:** 公寓, gongyu, Chinese apartment, what is gongyu, apartment in China, rent apartment China, buy apartment China, 公寓 vs 房子, service apartment China, flat in Chinese, condo in Chinese, urban living China. * **Summary:** Discover the meaning of **公寓 (gōngyù)**, the essential Chinese word for "apartment." This comprehensive guide explores the cultural significance of apartment living in modern China, a key aspect of urban life and family investment. Learn the difference between a **公寓 (gōngyù)** and a **房子 (fángzi)**, how to use the term when renting or buying, and understand the various types, from a standard flat to a luxury service apartment. This entry is perfect for anyone looking to understand modern Chinese society and housing. ===== Core Meaning ===== * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** gōngyù * **Part of Speech:** Noun * **HSK Level:** HSK 3 * **Concise Definition:** A self-contained housing unit that occupies part of a larger building; an apartment or flat. * **In a Nutshell:** **公寓 (gōngyù)** is the standard, everyday word for an apartment in Mandarin Chinese. It refers to a private residence within a larger building that contains multiple units. In a country with immense urban populations, living in a **公寓** is the norm. The word itself combines "public" and "residence," perfectly capturing the idea of a private home within a shared building structure. ===== Character Breakdown ===== * **公 (gōng):** This character means "public," "shared," or "common." You see it in words like **公园 (gōngyuán)**, meaning "public park," or **公共汽车 (gōnggòng qìchē)**, "public bus." It implies something accessible to or shared by many. * **寓 (yù):** This character means "residence" or "to reside." It's less common on its own for beginners but carries the clear meaning of a place to live. * The two characters combine to literally mean "public/shared residence." This paints a clear picture of an apartment building: a large, shared structure (**公**) containing many individual residences (**寓**). ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== In China, the **公寓 (gōngyù)** is more than just a type of housing; it's a cornerstone of modern life, ambition, and family security. * **Urbanization and the Norm:** Following decades of rapid urbanization, the vast majority of city dwellers in China live in apartment buildings, often in massive residential complexes called **小区 (xiǎoqū)**. Unlike in many Western countries where a detached house is the ultimate goal, owning a **公寓** in a desirable city is a primary life achievement for many Chinese people. * **Investment and Marriage:** A **公寓** is the single most important asset for most Chinese families. It's not just a home but a primary vehicle for investment and saving. The pressure to own property is immense, particularly for men. It's a common expectation that a man should own an apartment before he can get married. This apartment, known as a **婚房 (hūnfáng)** or "wedding home," is seen as a sign of stability and readiness to provide for a family. * **Contrast with Western "Apartment":** While the physical structure is the same, the cultural weight differs. In the US, for example, renting an apartment is often seen as a temporary phase for young people, students, or those not yet ready or able to buy a house. In China, owning a **公寓** is the definitive symbol of middle-class status and a permanent, multi-generational home. The "American Dream" of a house with a yard contrasts with a modern "Chinese Dream" which might be a two-bedroom **公寓** on the 25th floor in Shanghai. ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== **公寓 (gōngyù)** is a practical, high-frequency word used in everyday conversations, real estate transactions, and online listings. * **Renting and Buying:** You will constantly use this word when dealing with housing. * To rent an apartment: **租公寓 (zū gōngyù)** * To buy an apartment: **买公寓 (mǎi gōngyù)** * **Types of Apartments:** The word **公寓** can be modified to be more specific. * **服务式公寓 (fúwùshì gōngyù):** A "serviced apartment," which includes hotel-like services such as cleaning and a concierge. These are popular with expats and business travelers. * **单身公寓 (dānshēn gōngyù):** A "bachelor apartment" or studio apartment, designed for a single person. * **酒店式公寓 (jiǔdiànshì gōngyù):** "Hotel-style apartment," very similar to a serviced apartment. * **In a Residential Complex (小区 - xiǎoqū):** Apartments are almost always located in a **小区 (xiǎoqū)**, which is a gated residential compound. So you might say your **公寓** is in a specific **小区**. ===== Example Sentences ===== * **Example 1:** * 我在北京租了一套**公寓**。 * Pinyin: Wǒ zài Běijīng zūle yí tào **gōngyù**. * English: I rented an apartment in Beijing. * Analysis: A standard sentence for telling someone about your living situation. Note the use of the measure word **套 (tào)**, which is crucial for apartments. * **Example 2:** * 这间**公寓**的租金是多少？ * Pinyin: Zhè jiān **gōngyù** de zūjīn shì duōshǎo? * English: How much is the rent for this apartment? * Analysis: A practical question for apartment hunting. While **套 (tào)** is the most common measure word, **间 (jiān)** can be used informally to mean "this unit/room." * **Example 3:** * 他们刚买的**公寓**有三个卧室。 * Pinyin: Tāmen gāng mǎi de **gōngyù** yǒu sān ge wòshì. * English: The apartment they just bought has three bedrooms. * Analysis: Shows how to describe the features of a **公寓**. * **Example 4:** * 你喜欢住**公寓**还是别墅？ * Pinyin: Nǐ xǐhuān zhù **gōngyù** háishì biéshù? * English: Do you prefer living in an apartment or a house? * Analysis: This directly contrasts an apartment with a standalone house (**别墅 - biéshù**), highlighting the distinction. * **Example 5:** * 我们小区的**公寓**楼都很新。 * Pinyin: Wǒmen xiǎoqū de **gōngyù**lóu dōu hěn xīn. * English: The apartment buildings in our residential complex are all very new. * Analysis: This introduces the related term **公寓楼 (gōngyùlóu)**, which specifically means "apartment building." * **Example 6:** * 这是一套装修豪华的服务式**公寓**。 * Pinyin: Zhè shì yí tào zhuāngxiū háohuá de fúwùshì **gōngyù**. * English: This is a luxuriously decorated serviced apartment. * Analysis: This example shows how to use the term for a specific, high-end type of apartment. * **Example 7:** * 很多年轻人选择住在单身**公寓**。 * Pinyin: Hěn duō niánqīngrén xuǎnzé zhù zài dānshēn **gōngyù**. * English: Many young people choose to live in studio apartments. * Analysis: Demonstrates the term for another specific apartment type. * **Example 8:** * 我的**公寓**离地铁站很近，非常方便。 * Pinyin: Wǒ de **gōngyù** lí dìtiězhàn hěn jìn, fēicháng fāngbiàn. * English: My apartment is very close to the subway station, it's extremely convenient. * Analysis: A common way to describe the benefits of one's living situation. * **Example 9:** * 找一套合适的**公寓**真不容易。 * Pinyin: Zhǎo yí tào héshì de **gōngyù** zhēn bù róngyì. * English: It's really not easy to find a suitable apartment. * Analysis: Expresses a common frustration during the apartment search process. * **Example 10:** * 这栋**公寓**的物业管理很好。 * Pinyin: Zhè dòng **gōngyù** de wùyè guǎnlǐ hěn hǎo. * English: The property management of this apartment building is very good. * Analysis: Introduces the concept of **物业管理 (wùyè guǎnlǐ)**, or property management, which is an important factor when choosing a **公寓**. ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== * **`公寓 (gōngyù)` vs. `房子 (fángzi)`:** This is the most common point of confusion. * **公寓 (gōngyù):** Specifically means an apartment unit in a larger building. It's precise. * **房子 (fángzi):** A very general term for "house," "residence," or "property." It can refer to a standalone house or, colloquially, to an apartment (like saying "my place" in English). * **Mistake:** If you live in a high-rise, saying "我住在一个**公寓**" (Wǒ zhù zài yí ge gōngyù) is more precise and natural than "我住在一个**房子**" (Wǒ zhù zài yí ge fángzi). Using **房子** isn't strictly wrong, but it's less specific and might imply a standalone house. * **`公寓 (gōngyù)` vs. `宿舍 (sùshè)`:** * **公寓 (gōngyù):** A private, self-contained unit with its own kitchen and bathroom. * **宿舍 (sùshè):** A dormitory, typically for students or company workers. It often involves shared bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. You live in a **宿舍**; you rent or own a **公寓**. * **The Correct Measure Word:** * The standard measure word for an apartment is **套 (tào)**, which is used for "sets" (like a set of clothes, a set of furniture). An apartment is seen as a "set" of rooms. * **Correct:** 我想租**一套公寓** (Wǒ xiǎng zū **yí tào gōngyù**). * **Incorrect:** 我想租一个公寓 (Wǒ xiǎng zū yí ge gōngyù). While a native speaker would understand you, using **个 (ge)** is a classic learner mistake. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * [[房子]] (fángzi) - The general term for "house" or "residence." **公寓** is a specific type of **房子**. * [[小区]] (xiǎoqū) - The residential complex or gated community where apartment buildings are located. * [[套]] (tào) - The correct measure word for apartments, meaning "set." * [[别墅]] (biéshù) - A villa or a detached, single-family house; the opposite of a **公寓**. * [[宿舍]] (sùshè) - A dormitory, for students or workers. Much more basic than a **公寓**. * [[房东]] (fángdōng) - Landlord ("house owner"). * [[房客]] (fángkè) - Tenant ("house guest"). * [[租]] (zū) - To rent. You **租公寓**. * [[物业]] (wùyè) - Property management. The company that manages the **小区** and **公寓** buildings. * [[卧室]] (wòshì) - Bedroom. A key feature when describing an apartment.