房租

• Pinyin: fáng zū
• Hanzi breakdown: 房 = 户 (door) + 方 (direction), meaning house; 租 = 禾 (grain) + 且 (moreover), originally meaning grain tax, now meaning rent

Meaning

Rent (for housing). The money paid regularly for the use of a rented property.

Specifically refers to the cost of renting a place to live. Very common in conversations about housing, especially among young people and urban residents. Often discussed alongside topics like deposits, contracts, and landlords.

Examples

1. 这个城市的房租越来越贵了。 The rent in this city is getting more and more expensive.
2. 每个月的房租要在月初付。 The monthly rent must be paid at the beginning of the month.
3. 他和朋友合租，这样可以分担房租。 He shares a rental with friends so they can split the rent.

Usage Guide

Context: housing, finance, everyday

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 你每个月的房租是多少？(How much is your monthly rent?)
• 房租包含水电费吗？(Does the rent include utilities?)

Don't Say

• 我付了酒店的房租 (Don't use 房租 for hotel payments — use 房费 or 住宿费 for hotels; 房租 is specifically for long-term residential rental)

Origin & History

Compound of 房 (house, room) and 租 (rent), literally meaning house rent.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal