noun HSK 3
Traditional 客廳
living room · parlor · sitting room
Meaning
客厅 is the main common area in a home where family members gather and guests are received. The word combines 客 (guest) and 厅 (hall), literally meaning 'guest hall.' It's the most frequently used term for living room in modern Mandarin.
Usage
This is the standard, neutral term used across all Chinese-speaking regions for the living room. It's used in both casual conversation and formal contexts. Native speakers typically use it when describing home layouts, furniture placement, or where activities take place at home.
Examples
- 01我们家的客厅很大，可以放一张大沙发。, .Our living room is very large and can fit a big sofa.
- 02晚上我们常常在客厅看电视。.In the evening we often watch TV in the living room.
Characters
Measure words
- 间一间客厅
Common collocations
- 在客厅in the living room
- 客厅里inside the living room
- 宽敞的客厅spacious living room
- 打扫客厅to clean the living room
Origin
The word literally means 'guest hall,' reflecting the traditional function of this space as the primary area for receiving and entertaining visitors in Chinese homes.