书房

• Pinyin: shū fáng
• Hanzi breakdown: 书 = book; 房 = room — a room for books and study

Meaning

Study; home office; reading room. A room in a house dedicated to reading, writing, and intellectual work.

A traditional and somewhat refined term for a room used for reading and study. In modern apartments, it often doubles as a home office. Associated with scholarly pursuits and cultivated lifestyles. Related terms: 书桌 (desk), 书架 (bookshelf), 书柜 (bookcase). Distinguished from 办公室 (office at workplace).

Examples

1. 他每天晚上都会在书房里看书到深夜。 He reads in his study until late every night.
2. 这套房子有三室两厅，其中一间可以改成书房。 This apartment has three bedrooms and two living rooms; one room can be converted into a study.
3. 爷爷的书房里摆满了古籍和字画。 Grandpa's study is filled with ancient books and calligraphy.

Usage Guide

Context: home, real estate, lifestyle

Tone: refined

Do Say

• 我想把小卧室改成书房。(I want to convert the small bedroom into a study.)
• 书房里需要一张大书桌。(The study needs a large desk.)

Don't Say

• 图书馆的阅读区不叫'书房' (Library reading areas aren't called 书房 — use 阅览室; 书房 is specifically a room in a home)

Origin & History

Compound of 书 (book, writing) + 房 (room). A room for books and scholarly activities.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Middle class and above