建筑物

• Pinyin: jiàn zhù wù
• Hanzi breakdown: 建 = to build; 筑 = to construct; 物 = 牛 (ox) + 勿 — thing, object

Meaning

Building; structure. A man-made construction used for various purposes.

A general term for any constructed building or structure, including residential, commercial, industrial, and public buildings. More formal than 房子 (house) and encompasses a broader range of structures. Often used in legal, technical, and official contexts.

Examples

1. 这座城市有许多历史悠久的建筑物，吸引了大量游客。 This city has many historic buildings that attract a large number of tourists.
2. 新的建筑物必须符合抗震标准才能通过验收。 New buildings must meet seismic standards to pass inspection.
3. 古老的建筑物经过精心修缮，焕发出新的光彩。 The ancient buildings have been carefully restored and shine with new splendor.

Usage Guide

Context: architecture, legal, description

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 禁止在建筑物周围乱停车。(Parking randomly around the building is prohibited.)
• 这座建筑物已有两百年历史。(This building is already two hundred years old.)

Don't Say

• 在日常口语中总是说'建筑物'来指代房子 (In casual speech, don't always say 建筑物 when you mean 房子 — 建筑物 is more formal; 房子 or 楼 is more natural in conversation)

Origin & History

Composed of 建筑 (to construct; architecture) + 物 (thing; object). Refers to constructed objects, i.e., buildings.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal