noun HSK 4
Traditional 書房
study · home office · library room
Meaning
书房 refers to a dedicated room in a home used for reading, writing, and studying. Traditionally in Chinese culture, the study was an important private space for scholars and literati to cultivate themselves through reading and practicing calligraphy.
Usage
Commonly used when describing rooms in a house or apartment. In modern usage, it often doubles as a home office. The word carries slightly more cultural weight than a simple 'office,' evoking the image of a quiet, scholarly space with books and perhaps traditional furnishings.
Examples
- 01他每天晚上都在书房里看书写字。.He reads and practices calligraphy in his study every evening.
- 02我们的新房子有三个卧室和一个书房。.Our new house has three bedrooms and a study.
Characters
Measure words
- 间一间书房
Common collocations
- 在书房里in the study
- 书房很安静the study is very quiet
- 布置书房to furnish/arrange the study
Origin
Literally 'book room,' combining 书 (book) and 房 (room). The concept has deep roots in Chinese scholarly tradition, where having a personal study was a mark of education and refinement.