客厅

• Pinyin: kè tīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 客 = 宀 (roof) + 各 (each), meaning guest; 厅 = 厂 (cliff/building) + 丁, meaning hall

Meaning

Living room. The main room in a house for entertaining guests and relaxing.

The common room in a home where family gathers and guests are received. In Chinese homes, often the central space connecting other rooms. Contains the main seating area, TV, and is typically the most decorated room.

Examples

1. 我们家的客厅有四十平方米，很宽敞。 Our living room is forty square meters — very spacious.
2. 请在客厅坐一下，我去给你倒杯茶。 Please sit in the living room for a moment; I'll go pour you some tea.
3. 孩子们在客厅看电视，大人在厨房做饭。 The children are watching TV in the living room while the adults cook in the kitchen.

Usage Guide

Context: home, everyday, real estate

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 客厅的沙发很舒服。(The sofa in the living room is very comfortable.)
• 这套房子是三室一厅。(This apartment has three bedrooms and one living room.)

Don't Say

• 我在客厅睡觉。(Unusual — Chinese typically say 在沙发上睡着了 for falling asleep in living room)

Origin & History

客 (kè, guest) + 厅 (tīng, hall). Literally 'guest hall,' the room for receiving guests.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal