别墅

• Pinyin: bié shù
• Hanzi breakdown: 别 = separate; 墅 = 土 (earth) + 野 (wild/field), meaning a country estate

Meaning

Villa; detached house; mansion. A standalone residential property, typically luxurious and with its own grounds.

In modern Chinese, 别墅 refers to upscale single-family homes with private gardens, often in suburban or scenic areas. Can range from modest vacation cottages to extravagant estates. Associated with wealth and a comfortable lifestyle.

Examples

1. 他们一家搬到了郊区的别墅，周末经常邀请朋友来烧烤。 Their family moved to a villa in the suburbs and often invites friends over for barbecues on weekends.
2. 这片别墅区的房价已经涨到每平米十万以上了。 Housing prices in this villa community have risen to over 100,000 yuan per square meter.
3. 退休以后我想在海边买个小别墅，养养花、钓钓鱼。 After retirement, I want to buy a small villa by the sea — grow some flowers, do some fishing.

Usage Guide

Context: real estate, lifestyle, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个别墅区的绿化做得很好。(The landscaping in this villa community is very well done.)
• 她梦想有一天能住上带游泳池的别墅。(She dreams of one day living in a villa with a swimming pool.)

Don't Say

• 我住在一个三十平米的别墅里。(Don't call a tiny apartment a 别墅 — it implies spacious, detached housing)

Origin & History

别 (separate, other) + 墅 (country estate). Originally referred to secondary residences outside the city, now means any standalone luxury home.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Upper/Middle class