In 15 Seconds
- Covers everything from structural renovation to interior decoration.
- Commonly used for homes, offices, and storefronts.
- A major life milestone and frequent conversation topic in China.
Meaning
It refers to the process of fixing up, modeling, or decorating a space to make it livable or beautiful. It covers everything from heavy construction like knocking down walls to the final touches of picking out curtains.
Key Examples
3 of 6Telling a friend why you are busy
我最近正忙着装修新房子呢。
I've been busy renovating my new house lately.
Asking a shop owner when they will reopen
店里还在装修吗？什么时候开业？
Is the shop still under renovation? When will it open?
Discussing a contract with a professional
这份装修合同需要仔细检查。
This renovation contract needs to be checked carefully.
Cultural Background
In China, most new apartments are sold as 'Mao Pei Fang' (raw shells), meaning owners must install everything from scratch. This makes 'renovation' a major life event and a common topic of social bonding or venting. The process is often seen as the final step in truly 'owning' a home and establishing one's status.
The 'Empty Box' Context
Remember that in China, 'renovating' often starts from bare concrete, so it's a much bigger deal than just painting walls.
Don't fix your phone with it
Never use `装修` for small electronics or appliances; that's strictly `修理` (xiūlǐ).
In 15 Seconds
- Covers everything from structural renovation to interior decoration.
- Commonly used for homes, offices, and storefronts.
- A major life milestone and frequent conversation topic in China.
What It Means
装修 (zhuāngxiū) is the ultimate word for home improvement. It combines 'fitting out' with 'repairing.' Think of it as the bridge between a bare concrete shell and your dream home. In China, most new apartments are sold as 'empty boxes.' You get the walls and the floor, but nothing else. That is where 装修 comes in. It is a massive project that every homeowner eventually faces.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb or a noun. You can say you are 'doing' 装修 or that the house 'is' 装修-ing. It is very flexible. You can apply it to a single room or a whole building. If you are buying furniture, you are part of the 装修 process. If you are painting a wall, you are 装修-ing. It is the go-to word for any physical change to a property's interior.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing real estate or moving. It is a hot topic at dinner parties. People love to complain about the cost or the noise. Use it when you see a shop closed for 'renovations.' You will see signs saying 内部装修 (internal renovation) everywhere. It is the standard term for both residential and commercial upgrades. It is perfect for professional meetings with contractors too.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use 装修 for fixing a broken toaster. That is 修理 (xiūlǐ). Do not use it for 'decorating' a Christmas tree. That is 装饰 (zhuāngshì). 装修 implies a more permanent, structural, or functional change to a space. Also, do not use it for digital 'decorating' like changing your phone wallpaper. That feels a bit too heavy for a screen!
Cultural Background
In China, 装修 is a rite of passage. Because apartments are often delivered as 'raw' shells (毛坯房), the owner must do everything. This includes plumbing, wiring, and flooring. It is a huge industry. There is even a specific 'renovation season' in spring and autumn. People avoid 装修 in the humid summer or freezing winter. It is often a point of pride and a sign of wealth.
Common Variations
You will hear 精装修 (jīng zhuāngxiū) for high-end, fully finished apartments. Then there is 简装 (jiǎnzhuāng) for a simple, budget-friendly setup. If someone says they are 'busy with 装修,' give them a hug. It usually means they are stressed about contractors and budget overruns. It is a universal struggle wrapped in a Chinese word.
Usage Notes
It is a neutral, versatile term. Use it for any interior construction or design work, but avoid it for small repairs or non-structural decorating.
The 'Empty Box' Context
Remember that in China, 'renovating' often starts from bare concrete, so it's a much bigger deal than just painting walls.
Don't fix your phone with it
Never use `装修` for small electronics or appliances; that's strictly `修理` (xiūlǐ).
The 'Renovation' Complaint
Complaining about the noise of a neighbor's `装修` is a great way to start a conversation with other neighbors.
Examples
6我最近正忙着装修新房子呢。
I've been busy renovating my new house lately.
A very common excuse for being unavailable in China.
店里还在装修吗？什么时候开业？
Is the shop still under renovation? When will it open?
Standard way to ask about a business's status.
这份装修合同需要仔细检查。
This renovation contract needs to be checked carefully.
Used as a noun in a professional context.
楼上装修的声音太大了，我没法睡觉。
The renovation noise from upstairs is too loud; I can't sleep.
A relatable and frequent complaint in apartment living.
哇，你家装修得真漂亮！
Wow, your home is decorated so beautifully!
A polite compliment when visiting someone's home.
那家咖啡馆在装修，我们换个地方吧。
That cafe is being renovated, let's change the location.
Practical use for daily planning.
Test Yourself
Choose the best word to describe fixing up a new apartment.
我的新家下周开始___。
`装修` is for renovation; `修理` is for repairing broken items, and `打扫` is for cleaning.
How do you describe a 'fully renovated' apartment?
这套房子是___，拎包就能住。
`精装修` means high-quality, full renovation, often implying it's move-in ready.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of '装修'
Chatting with friends about home stress.
我家装修快累死了！
Standard daily usage for shops or homes.
这家店在装修。
Legal contracts or real estate listings.
装修工程承包合同
Where to use '装修'
New Apartment
Designing your first home.
Retail Shop
A store changing its interior.
Office Space
Updating a corporate floor.
Neighborhood
Apologizing for drill noises.
Practice Bank
2 exercises我的新家下周开始___。
`装修` is for renovation; `修理` is for repairing broken items, and `打扫` is for cleaning.
这套房子是___，拎包就能住。
`精装修` means high-quality, full renovation, often implying it's move-in ready.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say 装修厨房 (renovate the kitchen) or 装修卧室 (renovate the bedroom).
No, it is used for any interior space, including offices, restaurants, and malls.
装修 involves construction and hard fittings, while 装饰 is more about superficial 'decoration' like art or flowers.
It's both! You can 'do' renovation (做装修) or it can be the subject of a sentence (装修很贵).
You can say 正在装修 (zhèngzài zhuāngxiū) or see signs that say 内部装修.
It is neutral. It's used in both casual chats and professional construction contracts.
It means 'fine renovation,' referring to apartments that come fully finished with high-quality materials.
Usually, we use 布置 (bùzhì) or 绿化 (lǜhuà) for gardens. 装修 is specifically for interiors/structures.
Using it to mean 'repairing' a broken item like a watch. Use 修理 for that.
Because most apartments are sold unfinished, so almost every homeowner has to manage a 装修 project.
Related Phrases
装饰
To decorate (more superficial/aesthetic)
修理
To repair/fix something broken
家具
Furniture
改造
To remodel or transform
