邻居

• Pinyin: lín jū
• Hanzi breakdown: 邻 = 令 (command) + 阝(city), adjacent area; 居 = 尸 (body) + 古 (old), to dwell

Meaning

Neighbor; someone who lives nearby. People residing in adjacent homes or the same neighborhood.

Refers to people living next door or in close proximity. In Chinese culture, maintaining good relations with neighbors has traditionally been valued. Can be used in both urban apartment settings and rural village contexts.

Examples

1. 我们搬到这里之后，邻居们都很热情地欢迎我们。 After we moved here, the neighbors warmly welcomed us.
2. 远亲不如近邻，关键时刻还是邻居最靠谱。 Distant relatives are not as reliable as close neighbors; neighbors are most dependable in critical moments.
3. 楼下的邻居总是把音乐开得很大声。 The neighbor downstairs always plays music very loudly.

Usage Guide

Context: community, everyday, residential

Tone: friendly

Do Say

• 我的邻居是一对年轻夫妇。(My neighbors are a young couple.)
• 和邻居搞好关系很重要。(It's important to maintain good relations with your neighbors.)

Don't Say

• 我的办公室邻居很吵。(For office contexts, use 同事 or 隔壁办公室的人 — 邻居 implies residential neighbors)

Origin & History

邻 (lín, neighbor/adjacent) + 居 (jū, dwell/reside). One who resides nearby.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal