场所

• Pinyin: chǎng suǒ
• Hanzi breakdown: 场 = simplified from 場, meaning field or space; 所 = 户 (door) + 斤 (axe), originally meaning a place

Meaning

Place; venue; location. A designated area or establishment for a particular activity.

A slightly formal term for a place or venue, often used in official contexts. Common in phrases like 公共场所 (public place), 娱乐场所 (entertainment venue), and 工作场所 (workplace). More formal than 地方 (place).

Examples

1. 公共场所禁止吸烟。 Smoking is prohibited in public places.
2. 图书馆是一个安静学习的场所。 The library is a quiet place for studying.
3. 这座城市有很多文化娱乐场所。 This city has many cultural and entertainment venues.

Usage Guide

Context: government, public, official

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 这里是公共场所，请保持安静。(This is a public place — please keep quiet.)
• 学校为学生提供了很好的学习场所。(The school provides students with excellent study venues.)

Don't Say

• 我家是一个场所 (Don't use 场所 for your own home — it implies a public or designated venue; say 我家是一个温暖的地方)

Origin & History

Compound of 场 (field, open space) and 所 (place, that which), together meaning a designated place for activities.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal