间

• Pinyin: jiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 间 = 门 (door) + 日 (sun) — light between doors, representing space or a room

Meaning

Measure word for rooms. Used to count rooms, offices, and similar enclosed spaces.

The primary HSK 1 usage is as a measure word: 一间房间 (one room), 一间教室 (one classroom). Also appears in compound words like 房间 (room), 时间 (time), 中间 (middle), but as a measure word it specifically counts rooms and enclosed spaces.

Examples

1. 我们有两间房间。 We have two rooms.
2. 这间教室很大。 This classroom is very big.
3. 请给我一间房间。 Please give me a room.

Usage Guide

Context: accommodation, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我要订一间房间。(I want to book a room.)
• 学校有很多间教室。(The school has many classrooms.)

Don't Say

• 一间桌子。(间 is only for rooms — for tables use 张: 一张桌子)

Origin & History

The character shows 门 (door/gate) with 日 (sun) inside — sunlight coming through a door, representing the space between.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal