住

• Pinyin: zhù
• Hanzi breakdown: 住 = 亻(person radical) + 主 (master, host) — a person residing as master of a place

Meaning

To live; to reside; to stay. Indicates dwelling at a place.

A fundamental verb for expressing where one lives. Used with 在 to specify location: 住在北京. Also functions as a result complement meaning 'firmly' or 'securely': 记住 (remember firmly), 站住 (stop/stand firm). In travel contexts, can mean 'to stay': 住酒店 (stay at a hotel).

Examples

1. 你住在哪里？ Where do you live?
2. 我住在北京。 I live in Beijing.
3. 他住在学校旁边。 He lives next to the school.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, location

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你住在哪儿？(Where do you live?)
• 我们住在五楼。(We live on the fifth floor.)

Don't Say

• 我住北京。(Don't omit 在 — say 我住在北京)

Origin & History

Composed of 亻(person) + 主 (master/host). A person staying as the master of a place — to reside.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal