宿舍

• Pinyin: sù shè
• Hanzi breakdown: 宿 = 宀 (roof) + 亻(person) + 百 (hundred), to stay overnight; 舍 = 亼 (gather) + 口 + 土, dwelling

Meaning

Dormitory; living quarters. Shared accommodation, especially for students or workers.

Refers to shared living quarters, most commonly for students at schools and universities, but also for workers at factories or companies. Chinese universities typically require students to live in dormitories. Can house 4-8 people per room.

Examples

1. 大学宿舍一般是四人间或六人间。 University dorms are usually four-person or six-person rooms.
2. 我和室友们把宿舍布置得很温馨。 My roommates and I decorated the dorm to make it cozy.
3. 工厂为员工提供免费宿舍。 The factory provides free dormitories for employees.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work, housing

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 你住哪个宿舍？(Which dorm do you live in?)
• 宿舍十一点熄灯。(Lights out at 11 in the dorm.)

Don't Say

• 我的私人宿舍 for a private room — 宿舍 implies shared accommodation; for private housing, use 公寓 or 房子

Origin & History

Compound of 宿 (to stay overnight) + 舍 (dwelling), meaning a dwelling for overnight stays.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal