In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for checking out of hotels or rental properties.
- Combines 'return' (退) and 'room' (房) for a literal meaning.
- Essential for travelers and renters across all of China.
Meaning
This phrase is what you say when you're finished with your hotel stay and ready to hand back the keys. It literally means 'returning the room' to the owner or manager.
Key Examples
3 of 6At the hotel front desk
你好，我想退房。
Hello, I would like to check out.
Asking about the schedule
请问最晚几点退房？
Excuse me, what is the latest check-out time?
Texting a landlord
房东你好，我下周六退房。
Hi landlord, I will move out/return the room next Saturday.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'returning' a room reflects the transactional nature of lodging in China. Interestingly, in the booming rental market, this phrase is also used when young professionals 'return' their rented rooms to move to a new city, often carrying a sense of bittersweet transition.
The 'Check' Wait
In some Chinese hotels, they will ask you to wait while they 'check the room' (`查房`). Don't leave immediately; wait for the 'OK' from the staff.
Not for Shopping
Never use `退房` at a supermarket or restaurant. Use `结账` (jiézhàng) or `买单` (mǎidān) instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Used specifically for checking out of hotels or rental properties.
- Combines 'return' (退) and 'room' (房) for a literal meaning.
- Essential for travelers and renters across all of China.
What It Means
退房 is the standard way to say 'check out.' It is a simple verb-object construction. 退 means to return or retreat. 房 means room. Together, they signal the end of your stay. You are officially giving the space back. It is practical and direct.
How To Use It
You can use it as a verb. For example, 'I want to 退房.' You can also use it as a noun. For example, 'The 退房 time is 11 AM.' It usually happens at a front desk. You don't need fancy grammar here. Just state your intent clearly. If you are in a rush, just saying the phrase works. The staff will know exactly what to do.
When To Use It
Use it at hotels or hostels. Use it at guesthouses (民宿). Use it when calling the front desk. It is perfect for asking about deadlines. 'What time is 退房?' is a classic traveler's question. It is also used in apartment rentals. When your lease ends, you 退房 with the landlord. It marks the official handover of the keys.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for checking out at a store. That is 结账. Don't use it for leaving a friend's house. That would sound like you're ending a lease! It is specific to paid accommodations. If you are just leaving a room temporarily, don't say this. They might give your room to someone else! Also, don't use it for 'checking out' a person you find attractive.
Cultural Background
In China, 退房 is often a quick process. Many modern hotels have 'express check-out.' You just drop the card in a box. However, in older hotels, they might check the room first. They look for used minibar items or damage. This is called 查房. You wait at the desk while they inspect. It’s not a trust issue; it’s just traditional procedure. Don't be offended if they ask you to wait a moment.
Common Variations
You might hear 退房时间 for check-out time. Some people say 办理退房 to sound more formal. This means 'to process the check-out.' If you want to stay longer, ask for 延迟退房. That is the magical phrase for a 'late check-out.' Everyone loves a few extra hours of sleep!
Usage Notes
The phrase is very stable across all regions of China. It is a neutral term suitable for both budget hostels and five-star hotels.
The 'Check' Wait
In some Chinese hotels, they will ask you to wait while they 'check the room' (`查房`). Don't leave immediately; wait for the 'OK' from the staff.
Not for Shopping
Never use `退房` at a supermarket or restaurant. Use `结账` (jiézhàng) or `买单` (mǎidān) instead.
Deposit Returns
When you `退房`, remember to ask for your `押金` (yājīn - deposit) back if you paid one in cash!
Examples
6你好，我想退房。
Hello, I would like to check out.
The most standard and polite way to start the process.
请问最晚几点退房？
Excuse me, what is the latest check-out time?
Essential for planning your morning.
房东你好，我下周六退房。
Hi landlord, I will move out/return the room next Saturday.
Used here for ending a rental agreement.
这地方太吵了，我要马上退房！
This place is too noisy, I want to check out right now!
Expressing urgency and dissatisfaction.
我们可以延迟退房吗？
Can we have a late check-out?
Uses the 'delay' prefix to ask for more time.
东西我拿走了，明天就去退房。
I've taken my things; I'll go return the room tomorrow.
Shows the phrase used in a more personal, heavy context.
Test Yourself
You are at the reception desk at 11:00 AM. What do you say?
你好，我要 ___。
`退房` is for checking out of a hotel, while `买单` is for paying a restaurant bill.
How do you ask for the check-out time?
几点 ___？
Asking 'What time is check-out?' uses the phrase `几点退房?`.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Check Out'
Texting a landlord or friend.
我退房了。
Standard hotel interaction.
我要退房。
Official business or luxury hotel.
请帮我办理退房手续。
Where to use 退房
Luxury Hotel
Handing over the key card.
Airbnb/Guesthouse
Messaging the host.
Rental Apartment
Ending a lease.
Phone Call
Asking about late check-out.
Practice Bank
2 exercises你好，我要 ___。
`退房` is for checking out of a hotel, while `买单` is for paying a restaurant bill.
几点 ___？
Asking 'What time is check-out?' uses the phrase `几点退房?`.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 退房 is perfectly fine for Airbnbs or guesthouses. You can message the host saying 我退房了 (I've checked out).
It is neutral. Adding 你好 (hello) at the start or 谢谢 (thanks) at the end makes it much friendlier.
The opposite is 入住 (rùzhù), which means to check in. For example, 我要办理入住.
Yes, if you are moving out of an apartment, you tell the landlord you want to 退房.
No, that would be confusing. Use 买单 (mǎidān) to pay the bill at a restaurant.
You should ask for 延迟退房 (yánchí tuìfáng), which literally means 'delayed room return'.
Not really; it's a very functional term. However, young people might just say 'Check out' in English in very trendy hotels.
Usually, you return the key, they check for extra charges, and they refund your deposit if applicable.
Only if you are literally talking about the hotel logistics of the business trip. It has no metaphorical business meaning.
No, for a locker you would say 还钥匙 (return the key) or 退柜子 (return the locker).
Related Phrases
入住
To check in
押金
Deposit
房卡
Room card/key
延时
To delay/extend time
