地下室

• Pinyin: dì xià shì
• Hanzi breakdown: 地 = 土 (earth) + 也; 下 = pointing downward; 室 = 宀 (roof) + 至 (arrive)

Meaning

Basement. A room or floor below ground level.

Refers to rooms or levels built below the ground surface. Used for storage, parking, or living space. In cities with high housing costs, basement apartments (地下室) are common for budget housing.

Examples

1. 这栋别墅有一个很大的地下室，被改造成了家庭影院。 This villa has a large basement that has been converted into a home theater.
2. 他把那些不常用的东西都放在地下室储存。 He stores all the things he doesn't often use in the basement.
3. 北京很多年轻人刚来的时候住在地下室里。 Many young people in Beijing live in basements when they first arrive.

Usage Guide

Context: housing, storage

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 地下室有点潮湿。(The basement is a bit damp.)
• 车停在地下室了。(The car is parked in the basement.)

Don't Say

• 地下室在中国城市常指廉价住房，有一定社会含义 (In Chinese cities, 地下室 often refers to cheap housing and carries certain social implications)

Origin & History

Combines 地下 (underground) with 室 (room), meaning a room that is underground.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal