教堂

• Pinyin: jiào táng
• Hanzi breakdown: 教 = 孝 + 攵, to teach/religion; 堂 = 尚 + 土, hall

Meaning

Church; a building for Christian worship.

Specifically refers to the physical building where Christians gather for worship, not the religious institution itself (教会). Used for Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox churches. Famous for architecture and as wedding venues.

Examples

1. 这座哥特式教堂建于十三世纪，是城市的标志性建筑。 This Gothic church was built in the 13th century and is a landmark of the city.
2. 每到周日，附近的居民都会来教堂参加礼拜。 Every Sunday, nearby residents come to the church to attend worship services.
3. 很多西方电影里的浪漫婚礼都是在教堂举行的。 Many romantic weddings in Western movies are held in churches.

Usage Guide

Context: religion, architecture, tourism

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个城市有一座很漂亮的教堂。(This city has a very beautiful church.)
• 他们在教堂举办了婚礼。(They held their wedding in a church.)

Don't Say

• 把佛教寺庙称为教堂 (教堂 is specifically for Christian churches — use 寺庙 for Buddhist temples)

Origin & History

Compound of 教 (religion/teaching) + 堂 (hall). Together meaning 'religious hall.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal