At the A1 level, you should recognize '家具店' as a place where you buy things for your house. You might learn it alongside other shops like '书店' (bookstore) or '水果店' (fruit shop). At this stage, you only need to know how to say 'I go to the furniture store' (我去家具店) or 'This is a furniture store' (这是家具店). Focus on the basic meaning and the fact that it is a 'shop' (店) for 'furniture' (家具). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet, just identify the characters '家' (home) and '店' (shop) which are very common at this level.
At the A2 level, you are expected to use '家具店' in simple daily conversations. You should be able to describe why you are going there (e.g., '买桌子' - to buy a table). You should also begin using the correct measure word '家' (jiā). You might use '家具店' in the context of moving house (搬家) or describing your neighborhood. You should be able to understand simple directions to a furniture store and ask about opening hours. This level focuses on the practical application of the word in a shopping context.
At the B1 level, you can use '家具店' to discuss more complex topics like preferences and comparisons. You might compare two different furniture stores based on their prices, quality, or style. You should be able to handle interactions with staff inside the store, such as asking for delivery (送货) or assembly (安装) services. You can also use the word in written paragraphs about your home renovation plans. Your vocabulary should expand to include related terms like '折扣' (discount) and '售后服务' (after-sales service) in the context of the store.
At the B2 level, you can discuss '家具店' in the context of consumer trends and business. You might talk about the rise of international chains like IKEA in China versus traditional local furniture stores. You can express opinions on the environmental impact of 'fast furniture' sold in mass-market stores. You should be able to read news articles about the furniture retail industry. Your use of the word will be more nuanced, perhaps discussing the '购物体验' (shopping experience) or '品牌定位' (brand positioning) of different furniture stores.
At the C1 level, '家具店' becomes a starting point for discussing broader social and economic issues. You might analyze the logistics of furniture retail, the impact of e-commerce on physical furniture stores, or the cultural significance of furniture styles found in different types of stores (e.g., traditional Chinese vs. modern minimalist). You can use the word fluently in professional settings, such as business meetings regarding retail expansion or interior design projects. You are expected to use sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures when talking about the industry.
At the C2 level, you can use '家具店' as a site for philosophical or sociolinguistic analysis. You might discuss the semiotics of furniture store layouts or the way retail spaces like '家具店' reflect changing family structures and urban lifestyles in modern China. You can write academic-style critiques or lead high-level debates about the globalization of home aesthetics. The word itself is simple, but your ability to weave it into complex, abstract, and highly formal discourse demonstrates mastery.

家具店 in 30 Seconds

  • 家具店 (jiājù diàn) means 'furniture store'.
  • It is a compound of '家具' (furniture) and '店' (shop).
  • The standard measure word is '家' (jiā).
  • Commonly used when shopping for home items or moving.

The term 家具店 (jiājù diàn) is a fundamental compound noun in Chinese, combining '家具' (furniture) and '店' (shop/store). In the context of modern Chinese life, a furniture store is more than just a place of commerce; it represents the aspiration for a '理想的家' (lǐxiǎng de jiā - ideal home). Whether one is moving into a new apartment in Shanghai or refurbishing a traditional courtyard house, the furniture store is the primary destination for acquiring essentials like beds, tables, and cabinets. The term is universally understood across all Chinese-speaking regions, from the massive '家具城' (jiājù chéng - furniture cities) in Guangdong to the boutique lifestyle shops in Taipei.

Semantic Breakdown
The word consists of three characters. '家' (jiā) means home or family, '具' (jù) means tool or utensil, and '店' (diàn) means shop. Together, they literally translate to 'home-utensil shop'.
Cultural Nuance
In China, visiting a furniture store is often a multi-generational family event. Decisions are rarely made alone, as the home environment is seen as a collective space reflecting the family's status and harmony.

这家家具店的沙发非常舒服,而且价格合理。(This furniture store's sofas are very comfortable and the price is reasonable.)

Usage of '家具店' spans from casual conversation to formal real estate discussions. It is classified as an A2 level word because it is an essential part of daily vocabulary related to housing and shopping. When you walk into a '家具店', you are likely to encounter various sections: '客厅' (living room), '卧室' (bedroom), and '厨房' (kitchen). Understanding this word allows learners to navigate the practicalities of living in a Chinese-speaking environment, facilitating tasks such as furnishing a dorm room or asking for directions to a shopping district.

我们要去家具店买一张新床。(We need to go to the furniture store to buy a new bed.)

Common Contexts
1. Moving house (搬家). 2. Getting married (结婚) - traditionally involving buying new furniture. 3. Home renovation (装修).

市中心那家老家具店正在打折。(That old furniture store downtown is having a sale.)

Using 家具店 in a sentence requires an understanding of Chinese measure words and locational structures. The most common measure word for '家具店' is '家' (jiā), which is used for business establishments. For example, '一家家具店' (one furniture store). In more formal contexts, '间' (jiān) might be used, but '家' remains the standard choice for daily speech.

Sentence Structure 1: Subject + 在 + 家具店 + Verb
This structure is used to describe an action happening at the store. Example: '我在家具店看沙发' (I am looking at sofas at the furniture store).
Sentence Structure 2: 家具店 + 的 + Noun
Used to describe attributes of the store or items within it. Example: '这家家具店的服务很好' (The service of this furniture store is very good).

你可以在这家家具店定制衣柜。(You can customize wardrobes at this furniture store.)

When discussing the location, you often use '去' (qù - to go) or '在' (zài - at). Chinese learners should notice that '家具店' is a concrete noun, so it often functions as the object of a prepositional phrase indicating place. Furthermore, it can be modified by adjectives like '大型' (dàxíng - large-scale), '连锁' (liánsuǒ - chain), or '高档' (gāodàng - high-end).

那家家具店就在超市旁边。(That furniture store is right next to the supermarket.)

In a real-world setting, you will hear 家具店 most frequently in urban planning, retail advertisements, and personal anecdotes about home improvement. If you are in a taxi in Beijing and want to go to a local furniture mall, you might say, '师傅,请带我去最近的家具店' (Master/Driver, please take me to the nearest furniture store). You'll also encounter it on digital maps like Baidu Maps or Amap, where searching for '家具' will yield pins for numerous '家具店'.

广播:各位顾客,欢迎光临本家具店。(Announcement: Dear customers, welcome to our furniture store.)

In professional contexts, such as real estate (房地产), agents will mention the proximity of '家具店' as a selling point for a neighborhood. In the world of interior design (室内设计), designers often accompany clients to '家具店' to select materials. In pop culture, particularly in 'slice of life' TV dramas, scenes of young couples arguing over styles in a '家具店' are a common trope, symbolizing the stresses and joys of building a life together.

他在一家知名的家具店当经理。(He works as a manager at a well-known furniture store.)

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing '家具' (furniture) with '家电' (home appliances). While '家具店' sells tables and chairs, a '家电店' (more commonly called 电器店) sells fridges and washing machines. Another mistake is using the wrong measure word; as mentioned, using '个' instead of '家' makes your Chinese sound less authentic. Furthermore, learners often forget that '家具' is an uncountable concept in Chinese grammar—you don't say '一具家具' for 'one piece of furniture'; instead, you use '一件家具' or '一套家具' (a set of furniture).

Mistake: 家具店 vs. 家具城
Using '家具店' for a massive multi-story complex. In China, these giant hubs are '家具城'. If you tell a taxi driver '家具店', they might take you to a small shop instead of the big mall you intended.
Mistake: Pronunciation of '具' (jù)
Many learners pronounce 'ju' like the English 'jew'. In Chinese Pinyin, 'j' followed by 'u' is actually the 'ü' sound (rounded lips). Ensure you are making the 'ü' sound for '具'.

错误:我要去一个家具店。 (Wrong: I want to go to a [generic measure word] furniture store.)
正确:我要去一家家具店。 (Correct: I want to go to a [business measure word] furniture store.)

While 家具店 is the standard term, there are several related words that offer more specific meanings. Depending on the size, quality, and type of products, you might choose a different word to be more precise.

家具城 (jiājù chéng)
Literally 'Furniture City'. Refers to massive wholesale or retail markets that contain hundreds of individual vendors. These are extremely common in Chinese suburbs.
家居馆 (jiājū guǎn)
Literally 'Home Living Pavilion'. This term usually implies a more upscale, lifestyle-oriented store that sells not just furniture but also decor, lighting, and textiles (like IKEA or Zara Home).
木器厂 (mùqì chǎng)
Literally 'Woodware Factory'. This is used if you are going directly to a workshop to get custom wooden furniture made, a practice still common for high-end rosewood (红木) items.

比起普通的家具店,我更喜欢逛大型的家居馆。(Compared to ordinary furniture stores, I prefer browsing large home lifestyle pavilions.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '具' in '家具' contains the component for 'eyes' (目) and 'pedestal' (丌), originally suggesting something that is presented or looked at.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌdʒæɡjuː ˈdiæn/
US /ˌdʒæɡjuː ˈdiæn/
The primary stress in '家具店' falls on the third syllable '店' (diàn) because it is the head of the compound and carries the falling 4th tone.
Rhymes With
电 (diàn) 面 (miàn) 片 (piàn) 线 (xiàn) 变 (biàn) 见 (jiàn) 练 (liàn) 便 (biàn)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'ju' as 'jew' (English 'u' instead of Chinese 'ü').
  • Missing the fourth tone on 'diàn', making it sound like 'dian' (flat tone).
  • Treating 'jiā' and 'jù' as separate words without the proper compound rhythm.
  • Incorrectly nasalizing the 'an' in 'dian'.
  • Swapping the tones of 'jiā' (1st) and 'jù' (4th).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common but '具' can be tricky to write.

Writing 3/5

Writing '家具' requires attention to stroke order, especially the '目' inside '具'.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward once the 'ü' sound in 'jù' is mastered.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to identify in context.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

家 (home) 店 (shop) 桌子 (table) 椅子 (chair) 买 (buy)

Learn Next

装修 (renovate) 设计 (design) 送货 (delivery) 安装 (install) 材料 (material)

Advanced

室内设计 (interior design) 红木 (rosewood) 甲醛 (formaldehyde - often discussed regarding new furniture) 物流 (logistics) 零售业 (retail industry)

Grammar to Know

Measure Word '家'

一家家具店 (One furniture store)

Locational '里'

家具店里 (Inside the furniture store)

Resultative Complements

买到家具 (Successfully bought the furniture)

Adverb '正在'

家具店正在打折 (The store is currently having a sale)

Preposition '离'

家具店离这儿很远 (The store is far from here)

Examples by Level

1

我去家具店。

I go to the furniture store.

Subject + Verb + Object.

2

家具店很大。

The furniture store is big.

Noun + Adjective (no 'is' needed in Chinese).

3

这是家具店吗?

Is this a furniture store?

Basic question with '吗'.

4

家具店有椅子。

The furniture store has chairs.

Verb '有' (to have/there is).

5

那家家具店很远。

That furniture store is far.

Use of '那' (that) and measure word '家'.

6

家具店在左边。

The furniture store is on the left.

Locational '在...边'.

7

我想去家具店。

I want to go to the furniture store.

Modal verb '想' (want).

8

家具店不远。

The furniture store is not far.

Negation with '不'.

1

我们明天去家具店买新床。

We are going to the furniture store tomorrow to buy a new bed.

Time expression '明天' placed before the verb.

2

这家家具店的沙发很贵。

The sofas in this furniture store are expensive.

Possessive '的' connecting the store and the item.

3

家具店里有很多人。

There are many people in the furniture store.

Locational '店里' (inside the store).

4

哪家家具店比较好?

Which furniture store is better?

Question word '哪' (which) + measure word.

5

家具店九点开门。

The furniture store opens at nine.

Time + Verb phrase.

6

我要在家具店买一个桌子。

I want to buy a table at the furniture store.

'在...买' (buy at...).

7

这家家具店离我家很近。

This furniture store is very close to my house.

Structure 'A 离 B 很近'.

8

家具店卖漂亮的灯。

The furniture store sells beautiful lamps.

Subject + Verb + Object.

1

如果你想省钱,可以去那家二手家具店。

If you want to save money, you can go to that second-hand furniture store.

Conditional '如果...可以'.

2

这家家具店提供免费送货服务。

This furniture store provides free delivery service.

Verb '提供' (provide).

3

我在家具店挑选了很久,才决定买这个柜子。

I picked for a long time at the furniture store before deciding to buy this cabinet.

Use of '才' to indicate something happened later than expected.

4

那家家具店正在进行年终大促销。

That furniture store is having a big year-end sale.

Continuous action '正在'.

5

你可以去家具店看看有没有合适的办公椅。

You can go to the furniture store to see if there are any suitable office chairs.

Verb reduplication '看看' (have a look).

6

这家家具店的风格非常现代。

The style of this furniture store is very modern.

Noun '风格' (style).

7

我打算去家具店退掉上周买的椅子。

I plan to go to the furniture store to return the chair I bought last week.

Resultative complement '退掉' (return/get rid of).

8

家具店的营业员非常热情地接待了我们。

The furniture store clerk received us very warmly.

Adverbial '地'.

1

随着城市化的发展,郊区出现了越来越多的家具店。

With the development of urbanization, more and more furniture stores have appeared in the suburbs.

Structure '随着...的...发展'.

2

这家家具店以其独特的设计和优质的木材闻名。

This furniture store is famous for its unique design and high-quality wood.

Structure '以...闻名' (known for...).

3

为了吸引顾客,家具店经常会布置精美的样板间。

To attract customers, furniture stores often set up exquisite model rooms.

Purpose clause '为了' (in order to).

4

这家家具店的经营模式非常值得其他零售商学习。

The business model of this furniture store is well worth learning by other retailers.

Noun '经营模式' (business model).

5

尽管网上购物很方便,但我还是喜欢去实体家具店看实物。

Although online shopping is convenient, I still like going to physical furniture stores to see the actual items.

Concession '尽管...但还是'.

6

家具店的竞争日益激烈,许多店开始提供定制服务。

Competition among furniture stores is becoming increasingly fierce, and many stores are starting to offer customization services.

Adverb '日益' (day by day/increasingly).

7

他在那家跨国家具店担任市场总监。

He serves as the marketing director at that multinational furniture store.

Verb '担任' (hold a post/position).

8

这家家具店致力于推广环保家具的概念。

This furniture store is dedicated to promoting the concept of eco-friendly furniture.

Verb '致力于' (be dedicated to).

1

这家精品家具店通过精准的市场定位,成功吸引了高收入群体。

Through precise market positioning, this boutique furniture store has successfully attracted high-income groups.

Prepositional phrase '通过...' (through/by means of).

2

家具店的陈列布局往往经过精心设计,以引导顾客的购买路径。

The display layout of furniture stores is often carefully designed to guide customers' purchasing paths.

Adverb '往往' (often/frequently).

3

该家具店的破产倒闭反映了传统零售业面临的巨大挑战。

The bankruptcy of the furniture store reflects the huge challenges faced by the traditional retail industry.

Noun '挑战' (challenge).

4

我们可以从家具店的销售数据中分析出当前消费者的审美趋势。

We can analyze current consumer aesthetic trends from the sales data of furniture stores.

Resultative complement '分析出' (to analyze and find out).

5

这家家具店不仅销售产品,还提供全方位的室内设计咨询。

This furniture store not only sells products but also provides a full range of interior design consultations.

Correlative '不仅...还' (not only... but also).

6

随着原材料成本上涨,许多家具店不得不上调产品价格。

As the cost of raw materials rises, many furniture stores have no choice but to raise product prices.

Idiomatic '不得不' (have to/have no choice but to).

7

这家家具店在社交媒体上的营销策略极具创意。

This furniture store's marketing strategy on social media is extremely creative.

Structure '极具' (extremely/possess highly).

8

家具店的选址通常会考虑到交通便利性和周边居民的消费能力。

The location choice of a furniture store usually takes into account transportation convenience and the purchasing power of surrounding residents.

Verb '考虑到' (take into consideration).

1

家具店作为一个消费空间,深刻地映射出当代社会对家庭生活的重构。

As a consumer space, the furniture store profoundly reflects the contemporary society's reconstruction of family life.

Complex abstract subject and verb '映射' (map/reflect).

2

通过对家具店的空间叙事进行解构,我们可以发现其背后隐藏的消费主义逻辑。

By deconstructing the spatial narrative of furniture stores, we can discover the logic of consumerism hidden behind them.

Advanced vocabulary like '解构' (deconstruct) and '叙事' (narrative).

3

这家家具店试图通过营造一种沉浸式的购物环境来模糊商业与生活的界限。

This furniture store attempts to blur the boundaries between commerce and life by creating an immersive shopping environment.

Verb '模糊' (to blur) used abstractly.

4

在资本的驱动下,连锁家具店的扩张导致了城市商业景观的同质化。

Driven by capital, the expansion of chain furniture stores has led to the homogenization of urban commercial landscapes.

Noun '同质化' (homogenization).

5

家具店中所展示的‘理想生活’,往往是基于特定阶级审美的文化建构。

The 'ideal life' displayed in furniture stores is often a cultural construct based on the aesthetics of a specific class.

Noun '建构' (construct).

6

该家具店的品牌叙事成功地将传统工艺与现代极简主义哲学融合在了一起。

The furniture store's brand narrative successfully fuses traditional craftsmanship with modern minimalist philosophy.

Verb '融合' (fuse/merge).

7

家具店的兴衰更替,见证了经济周期对耐用消费品行业的深刻影响。

The rise and fall of furniture stores witness the profound influence of economic cycles on the durable consumer goods industry.

Noun '兴衰更替' (rise and fall/alternation of prosperity and decline).

8

深入探讨家具店的社会功能,有助于我们理解现代都市人的空间焦虑。

Deeply exploring the social functions of furniture stores helps us understand the spatial anxiety of modern urbanites.

Verb '探讨' (explore/discuss) as a gerund-like subject.

Common Collocations

一家家具店
逛家具店
高档家具店
二手家具店
连锁家具店
家具店老板
家具店橱窗
家具店送货
去家具店
家具店打折

Common Phrases

定制家具店

— A store that provides custom-made furniture.

我们在一家定制家具店订做了衣柜。

精品家具店

— A boutique furniture store with high-quality items.

这家精品家具店的家具都很贵。

老牌家具店

— An old, established furniture store with a long history.

那是镇上唯一的一家老牌家具店。

进口家具店

— A store that sells imported furniture.

进口家具店的风格比较多样。

红木家具店

— A store specializing in traditional Chinese rosewood furniture.

爷爷喜欢去红木家具店看桌子。

办公家具店

— A store selling desks, office chairs, etc.

我们需要去办公家具店买几张办公桌。

儿童家具店

— A store specializing in furniture for children.

这家儿童家具店的床很可爱。

户外家具店

— A store selling garden or patio furniture.

夏天到了,户外家具店的生意很好。

宜家家具店

— IKEA furniture store.

宜家家具店总是人山人海。

大型家具店

— A large-scale furniture store.

大型家具店通常在郊区。

Often Confused With

家具店 vs 家电店

Sells electronics/appliances (fridges, TVs), not furniture.

家具店 vs 书店

Sells books. Both end in '店', but the prefix is different.

家具店 vs 文具店

Sells stationery. '文具' sounds slightly similar to '家具'.

Idioms & Expressions

"成家立业"

— To get married and start a career. Often implies visiting a '家具店' to furnish a new home.

他已经成家立业了。

Formal
"安居乐业"

— To live and work in peace and contentment. Related to creating a good home environment.

人民安居乐业。

Formal
"金窝银窝,不如自己的草窝"

— East or west, home is best. Emphasizes the importance of home, regardless of how much furniture you buy.

俗话说,金窝银窝,不如自己的草窝。

Informal
"琳琅满目"

— A superb collection of beautiful things. Often used to describe a well-stocked '家具店'.

家具店里的商品琳琅满目。

Literary
"应有尽有"

— Have everything that one should have. Used for stores with a wide variety.

这家家具店里的东西应有尽有。

Neutral
"货比三家"

— Shop around to get the best deal. Essential advice for visiting '家具店'.

买家具要货比三家。

Proverb
"一应俱全"

— Everything needed is available. Similar to '应有尽有'.

店里的家具一应俱全。

Neutral
"焕然一新"

— To take on a completely new look. What happens after you visit a '家具店'.

换了新家具,家里焕然一新。

Neutral
"家徒四壁"

— To have nothing but four bare walls (extremely poor). The opposite of having been to a '家具店'.

他以前家徒四壁,现在发达了。

Literary
"门庭若市"

— The courtyard is as crowded as a marketplace. Used for a very popular '家具店'.

那家家具店开业时门庭若市。

Literary

Easily Confused

家具店 vs 家具 (jiājù)

The noun for furniture itself.

'家具' is the items; '家具店' is the place where they are sold.

我要买家具。 vs 我要去家具店。

家具店 vs 家居 (jiājū)

Often used in store names.

'家居' is a broader term for 'home living' or 'home decor'.

家居馆 (Home living pavilion).

家具店 vs 工具 (gōngjù)

Both end in '具'.

'工具' means 'tools' (like hammers), '家具' means 'furniture'.

我在家具店买桌子,在五金店买工具。

家具店 vs 店铺 (diànpù)

General word for shop.

'店铺' is the general term; '家具店' is specific.

这条街上有很多店铺,包括一家家具店。

家具店 vs 家具城 (jiājù chéng)

Related to size.

'家具店' is a single shop; '家具城' is a massive complex with many shops.

家具城比家具店大得多。

Sentence Patterns

A1

这是 [Noun]。

这是家具店。

A2

我去家具店买 [Item]。

我去家具店买椅子。

B1

这家家具店比那家 [Adj]。

这家家具店比那家便宜。

B2

除了家具店,我还去了 [Place]。

除了家具店,我还去了超市。

C1

家具店的选址取决于 [Factor]。

家具店的选址取决于交通。

C2

家具店反映了 [Abstract Concept]。

家具店反映了社会的审美变迁。

Mixed

虽然...但是...

虽然家具店很远,但是家具很漂亮。

Mixed

要是...就...

要是家具店打折,我就去买沙发。

Word Family

Nouns

家具 (furniture)
家具城 (furniture city)
家具商 (furniture dealer)
店主 (shop owner)
店铺 (shop/store)

Verbs

开店 (to open a shop)
逛店 (to browse a shop)
布展 (to set up a display)

Adjectives

家具全的 (fully furnished)
店面大的 (having a large storefront)

Related

沙发 (sofa)
桌子 (table)
椅子 (chair)
床 (bed)
柜子 (cabinet)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in urban daily life.

Common Mistakes
  • Using '个' as a measure word. Using '家'.

    '家' is the specific measure word for businesses and shops.

  • Confusing 家具 with 家电. Use 家具 for tables/chairs; 家电 for electronics.

    This is a very common semantic error for beginners.

  • Pronouncing 'jù' like 'ju' (English). Pronounce it with the rounded 'ü' sound.

    The 'u' after 'j, q, x' is always 'ü'.

  • Thinking 家具店 only sells wood furniture. It sells furniture of all materials.

    While '具' has a history with 'wood', modern furniture stores sell everything.

  • Writing '店' with the wrong radical. Use the '广' (shelter) radical.

    The top part is '广', not '尸'.

Tips

Learn Related Items

When you learn '家具店', also learn '沙发' (sofa), '床' (bed), and '桌子' (table) to make the word useful.

Use '家' consistently

Always try to use '家' for shops to sound more like a native speaker.

Nap Culture

Don't be surprised to see people sleeping on beds in Chinese furniture stores, especially IKEA!

Bargaining

In local furniture markets, always start by offering 50-70% of the asking price.

The 'ü' Sound

Practice the 'ü' in 'jù' by keeping your lips rounded as if saying 'woo' but making the 'ee' sound.

Search '家具'

On Chinese map apps, just searching '家具' will show you all the nearby stores.

Showrooms

Look for '样板间' (model rooms) in the store for decoration inspiration.

Stroke Order

The '具' character has a specific stroke order for the inner horizontal lines—don't rush it!

Installation

Check if '安装' (installation) is included in the price when buying at a '家具店'.

Price vs Quality

Use the phrase '性价比' (price-performance ratio) when discussing items from different stores.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Jia' as your home, 'Ju' as the tools (furniture) you need, and 'Dian' as the shop. Jia-Ju-Dian = Home-Tool-Shop.

Visual Association

Imagine a house (家) filled with tools (具) sitting inside a big storefront (店).

Word Web

家 (Home) 具 (Tool) 家具 (Furniture) 店 (Shop) 书店 (Bookstore) 商店 (Store) 家具城 (Furniture City) 家居 (Home living)

Challenge

Try to find the nearest '家具店' on a map of a Chinese city like Shanghai and describe what you would buy there using the measure word '家'.

Word Origin

The word is a modern Chinese compound. '家' (jiā) dates back to Oracle Bone Script, depicting a pig under a roof, symbolizing a home. '具' (jù) originally meant a tripod or a vessel used for food, later evolving to mean 'tool' or 'equipment'. '店' (diàn) originally referred to an inn or a place to store goods.

Original meaning: A place where household equipment is stored or sold.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic).

Cultural Context

None. It is a neutral commercial term.

In the West, furniture stores are often standalone brands. In China, 'Furniture Cities' (multiple vendors in one building) are more common.

IKEA (宜家) - the most famous furniture store chain in China. Red Star Macalline (红星美凯龙) - a massive Chinese furniture retail giant. Easyhome (居然之家) - another major Chinese furniture mall chain.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Moving to a new apartment

  • 搬新家
  • 买家具
  • 送货上门
  • 组装

Asking for directions

  • 家具店在哪?
  • 怎么走?
  • 过马路
  • 左转

Shopping for a specific item

  • 我想买个沙发
  • 有折扣吗?
  • 什么颜色?
  • 多大尺寸?

Work/Business

  • 家具市场
  • 供应商
  • 零售价格
  • 库存

Socializing

  • 逛街
  • 看家具
  • 样板间
  • 装修风格

Conversation Starters

"你最近去过哪家家具店吗? (Have you been to any furniture stores recently?)"

"你觉得宜家家具店怎么样? (What do you think of IKEA furniture stores?)"

"我想买个新床,你知道哪家家具店在打折吗? (I want to buy a new bed, do you know which furniture store is having a sale?)"

"这家家具店的沙发看起来很不舒服,对吧? (This furniture store's sofa looks very uncomfortable, right?)"

"你喜欢逛家具店还是网上买家具? (Do you like browsing furniture stores or buying furniture online?)"

Journal Prompts

描述你理想中的家具店是什么样的。 (Describe what your ideal furniture store would look like.)

记述一次你去家具店买家具的经历。 (Write about an experience you had buying furniture at a furniture store.)

为什么很多人喜欢在周末逛家具店? (Why do many people like to browse furniture stores on weekends?)

比较实体家具店和在线家具店的优缺点。 (Compare the pros and cons of physical furniture stores and online furniture stores.)

如果你开一家家具店,你会卖什么样的家具? (If you opened a furniture store, what kind of furniture would you sell?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The most common and correct measure word is '家' (jiā). For example, '一家家具店'.

You can say '我在找家具店' (Wǒ zài zhǎo jiājù diàn).

Yes, it is often called '宜家家具店' or simply '宜家'.

A '家具店' is usually one shop or brand, while a '家具城' is a large building filled with different furniture vendors.

While '一个' is understandable, it sounds less natural than '一家' for businesses.

Generally, no. Fridges are '家电' and are sold in '电器店' or '家电店'.

Most open around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM and close around 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM.

In large chain stores like IKEA, prices are fixed. In smaller independent shops or in a '家具城', bargaining is very common.

You can ask '你们提供送货服务吗?' (Do you provide delivery service?)

家 (home), 具 (tool/utensil), and 店 (shop).

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write a sentence: 'I am at the furniture store buying a table.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Describe a furniture store you like in 3 sentences.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Furniture Store' in Chinese with correct tones.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the audio (simulated): '请问,家具店几点关门?' What is the speaker asking?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'That furniture store is very small.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The furniture store is next to the bank.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Where is the furniture store?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We need to go to the furniture store to buy a wardrobe.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Which furniture store do you recommend?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I am going to the furniture store tomorrow.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'This furniture store is having a promotion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'I bought a desk at the furniture store yesterday.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Does the furniture store have a discount?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The furniture store is very clean.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'I am comparing two furniture stores.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'This furniture store is too expensive.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Is there a furniture store nearby?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'The furniture store is closed today.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'How much is this sofa?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I like this furniture store.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The furniture store is very quiet.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I want to work at a furniture store.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I am buying a bed.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I am looking for a minimalist furniture store.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The delivery from this furniture store is free.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'It is a shop.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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