住宅

• Pinyin: zhù zhái
• Hanzi breakdown: 住 = 亻(person) + 主 (master), a person staying; 宅 = 宀 (roof) + 乇 (phonetic)

Meaning

Residence; housing; dwelling; a place where people live.

A formal term for residential buildings or homes. Used in real estate, legal documents, urban planning, and official contexts. Encompasses apartments, houses, and other dwelling types. More formal than 房子 or 家.

Examples

1. 这片新开发的住宅区环境优美，配套设施齐全。 This newly developed residential area has a beautiful environment and complete facilities.
2. 政府出台了新政策来调控住宅市场的价格。 The government has introduced new policies to regulate housing market prices.
3. 他的住宅设计简约大方，充满了现代感。 His residence has a simple and elegant design, full of modern style.

Usage Guide

Context: real estate, legal, urban planning

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这是一栋高档住宅。(This is a high-end residence.)
• 住宅区内禁止商业经营。(Commercial operations are prohibited in residential areas.)

Don't Say

• 我去我朋友的住宅玩。(Too formal — just say 我去我朋友家玩)

Origin & History

Compound of 住 (to live, to reside) and 宅 (residence, house). 宅 contains the 宀 roof radical indicating a dwelling.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal