noun HSK 3
dormitory · dorm · living quarters
Meaning
宿舍 refers to shared living accommodations, most commonly student dormitories at schools and universities. It can also refer to employee housing or living quarters provided by institutions. The word literally combines 'lodging' and 'building/house'.
Usage
This is the standard term for dormitories in mainland China. Students typically say 回宿舍 (return to the dorm) or 在宿舍 (at the dorm). It's a neutral, everyday word used in both spoken and written contexts. Universities often have multiple dormitory buildings, each called a 宿舍楼.
Examples
- 01我住在学校的宿舍里。.I live in the school dormitory.
- 02下课后我们一起回宿舍吧。.Let's go back to the dorm together after class.
Characters
Measure words
- 间一间宿舍
- 栋一栋宿舍楼
Common collocations
- 学生宿舍student dormitory
- 回宿舍return to the dorm
- 宿舍楼dormitory building
- 住宿舍to live in a dorm
Origin
宿 originally meant to spend the night or lodge somewhere, while 舍 refers to a house or dwelling. Together they form the compound meaning 'lodging house' or dormitory.