When you want to express that people live in the same place, you can use 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ).
It literally means 'live at one place'.
For example, if you want to say 'We live together', you would say 我们住在一起 (wǒmen zhù zài yīqǐ).
It's a very common phrase to talk about living arrangements.
When you're talking about people sharing a living space, use 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ). This phrase is a common way to express that individuals or a group reside in the same dwelling. It's practical for describing roommates, family members, or couples who cohabitate.
For example, if you want to say 'We live together,' you would say '我们住在一起' (wǒmen zhù zài yīqǐ). It directly translates to 'live together' and is versatile in many everyday situations.
When you want to express that people are cohabiting, the phrase to use is 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ). This literally translates to 'live at/in together'. It's a common and practical way to talk about people sharing a living space.
For example, if you want to say 'My friends and I live together', you would say 我和我的朋友住在一起 (Wǒ hé wǒ de péngyǒu zhù zài yīqǐ). It’s important to remember that this phrase is versatile and can be used for roommates, family members, or partners.
When using “住在一起” (zhù zài yīqǐ), it means people are living in the same residence. This can refer to family members, roommates, or even couples. It's a very common phrase to describe a living arrangement.
For example, if you say “他们住在一起,” it means “They live together.” This phrase doesn't inherently imply a romantic relationship, just shared living quarters.
You can also use it in questions like “你和朋友住在一起吗？” (Do you live with friends?). It's straightforward and practical for discussing living situations.
When using 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ), it means people are sharing the same living space.
This can refer to family members, roommates, or even couples.
It emphasizes the act of cohabitation rather than just being in the same building.
For instance, if two friends decide to move into an apartment, you would say they are 住在一起.
It implies a shared daily life under one roof.
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Chinese phrase 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) is straightforward: it means 'to live together.' It's a very common and practical phrase you'll use a lot when talking about living arrangements, relationships, or even shared spaces.
- DEFINITION
- To live together; to reside in the same place as someone else.
You use 住在一起 when you want to describe a situation where two or more people share a living space. This could be:
- Family members: Parents and children, siblings.
- Couples: Boyfriends/girlfriends, husbands/wives.
- Roommates/flatmates: Friends or strangers sharing an apartment or house.
- Even pets: Though less common, you could say people and their pets 住在一起.
It's a neutral term. It doesn't imply marriage or a romantic relationship, just the act of sharing a residence. The context will tell you more about the relationship between the people living together.
Here are some common situations where you'd use 住在一起:
他们住在一起两年了。
Translation hint: 'They have lived together for two years.'
你和谁住在一起？
Translation hint: 'Who do you live with?' or 'With whom do you live together?'
我姐姐和她的男朋友住在一起。
Translation hint: 'My older sister and her boyfriend live together.'
It's essential to understand that while 住在一起 is often used for couples, it doesn't automatically mean they are married or in a serious long-term relationship. It simply describes the current living arrangement. If you want to specify a marital status, you'd add that information separately. For instance, you might say, '他们结婚了，然后住在一起' (Tāmen jiéhūn le, ránhòu zhù zài yīqǐ) – 'They got married, and then they lived together.'
Another common use is when discussing shared housing, especially for students or young professionals. If you're looking for a roommate, you might ask, '你想找人住在一起吗？' (Nǐ xiǎng zhǎo rén zhù zài yīqǐ ma?) – 'Are you looking for someone to live with?'
This phrase is very versatile and frequently heard in daily conversation. Mastering its use will help you discuss a fundamental aspect of human life – where and with whom we live.
Alright, let's break down how to use "住在一起" (zhù zài yīqǐ), which means "to live together." It's pretty straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind to sound natural.
§ Basic Sentence Structure
The most common way to use "住在一起" is with a subject (who is living together) followed by the phrase itself. It usually acts as the main verb of the sentence.
他们住在一起了。
- Translation Hint
- They live together now. (The '了' indicates a change of state or completion)
我们想住在一起。
- Translation Hint
- We want to live together.
§ Adding Duration
If you want to say how long people have lived together, you put the duration after "住在一起."
他们住在一起两年了。
- Translation Hint
- They have lived together for two years.
§ Asking Questions
You can form questions using "住在一起" in a few ways:
- Using 吗 (ma) at the end.
- Using the A-not-A question structure.
你们住在一起吗？
- Translation Hint
- Do you all live together?
他们有没有住在一起？
- Translation Hint
- Do they (or don't they) live together?
§ Negating "住在一起"
To say someone doesn't live together, you use 不 (bù) before the phrase. If it's about something that hasn't happened yet, or is not the case, you use 没 (méi) or 没有 (méiyǒu).
他们不住在一起。
- Translation Hint
- They do not live together.
我们还没有住在一起。
- Translation Hint
- We do not live together yet (or haven't started living together).
§ More Complex Sentences
You can integrate "住在一起" into longer sentences using conjunctions or other phrases. Just treat it like a regular verb phrase.
因为租金很贵，所以他们决定住在一起。
- Translation Hint
- Because the rent is expensive, they decided to live together.
That covers the main ways you'll use "住在一起." Practice these examples and try making your own sentences. You'll get the hang of it quickly!
§ Don't confuse '住在一起' with '和...住'
Many learners get confused between these two phrases. While they both involve living with someone, their focus and nuance are different. '住在一起' emphasizes the state of cohabitation, that people are sharing the same living space. '和...住' simply means 'to live with...' and can refer to a temporary arrangement or a more general statement without necessarily implying they are literally living in the same apartment or house, although it can.
- DEFINITION
- To live together, implying shared accommodation.
我们都住在一起了。
Translation hint: We all live together (in the same place).
我不想和我的兄弟住在一起。
Translation hint: I don't want to live together with my brother.
- DEFINITION
- To live with..., a broader sense of sharing life or general proximity.
你和谁住？
Translation hint: Who do you live with?
我喜欢和我的家人住。
Translation hint: I like to live with my family.
§ Incorrectly using '一起住'
Sometimes learners try to rearrange the characters to '一起住' (yīqǐ zhù). While '一起' (yīqǐ) means 'together' and '住' (zhù) means 'to live', the fixed phrase for 'to live together' in the sense of cohabitation is '住在一起'. '一起住' isn't grammatically wrong, but it sounds less natural and less idiomatic when you want to convey the specific meaning of sharing a residence.
他们住在一起很多年了。
Translation hint: They have lived together for many years.
Using '他们一起住很多年了' would be understandable, but '他们住在一起很多年了' is the more common and natural way to express it.
§ Omitting '在'
Another common error is to omit the character '在' (zài) and just say '住一起'. While in very casual speech, especially between close friends, you might hear this, it's generally considered less complete and can sound a bit unpolished. For proper and clear communication, always include '在'.
- DEFINITION
- The '在' indicates location or state, making the phrase complete.
他们打算住在一起。
Translation hint: They plan to live together.
Saying '他们打算住一起' is informal. For formal contexts or when learning, always use the full '住在一起'.
§ Using it for non-human subjects or abstract concepts
'住在一起' is specifically for people living in the same physical space. You wouldn't use it for objects or abstract ideas that are 'together'. For example, you wouldn't say '这些书住在一起' (These books live together) when you mean '这些书放在一起' (These books are put together).
Correct:
他们是室友，所以住在一起。
Translation hint: They are roommates, so they live together.
Incorrect (for objects):
X 那些家具住在一起。 (Those furniture pieces live together.)
Correct alternative for objects: 那些家具放在一起。 (Those furniture pieces are put together.)
Alright, let's talk about '住在一起' (zhù zài yīqǐ). This phrase literally means 'to live at one place together,' and it's super common in daily Chinese conversations. It's how you say 'to live together' in a general sense.
§ Basic meaning of 住在一起
- Definition
- To live together
You'll use '住在一起' when you want to express that people share a living space. It's straightforward and can be applied to many situations.
他们住在一起三年了。
- Translation hint: They have lived together for three years.
我们应该住在一起吗？
- Translation hint: Should we live together?
§ Similar words and when to use '住在一起' vs alternatives
While '住在一起' is your go-to for 'to live together,' there are other related phrases. Let's look at a few and see when '住在一起' is the best choice.
同居 (tóngjū)
- Definition
- To cohabit (often implying an unmarried couple)
'同居' (tóngjū) also means 'to live together,' but it carries a stronger implication of an unmarried couple living in a romantic relationship. It's more specific than '住在一起'.
他们决定同居了。
- Translation hint: They decided to cohabit (live together as a couple).
Use '同居' when you want to specifically talk about partners living together without being married. If you're talking about roommates or family members, '住在一起' is a better fit.
合租 (hézū)
- Definition
- To share rent; to rent together
'合租' (hézū) is very specific. It means to share rent or to rent a place together, typically with roommates. It focuses on the financial aspect of sharing a living space.
我和朋友们合租一套公寓。
- Translation hint: My friends and I are sharing rent for an apartment.
While people who '合租' are also '住在一起,' '合租' tells you *why* they're living together (to share costs). '住在一起' is broader and simply states the fact of living in the same place.
和…一起住 (hé… yīqǐ zhù)
- Definition
- To live with someone
This phrase is very similar to '住在一起' but often puts more emphasis on *who* you are living with. You can say '我跟我父母一起住' (wǒ gēn wǒ fùmǔ yīqǐ zhù - I live with my parents). It's a slightly different grammatical structure but conveys a similar meaning of sharing a residence.
他喜欢和猫一起住。
- Translation hint: He likes to live with cats.
Use '和…一起住' when the person or people you live with are the focus, or when you want to be very clear about the specific individuals sharing the space. '住在一起' is more general about the state of living together.
§ Summary: When to use '住在一起'
Here's the takeaway:
- Use '住在一起' as the most general way to say 'to live together.' It's safe for any situation where people share a residence, regardless of their relationship.
- Use '同居' (tóngjū) when referring specifically to an unmarried romantic couple living together.
- Use '合租' (hézū) when people are sharing rent or renting a place together, usually implying roommates.
- Use '和…一起住' (hé… yīqǐ zhù) when you want to explicitly state *who* someone lives with.
So, next time you need to talk about people sharing a home in Chinese, you've got options. Choose '住在一起' for general use, and the others for more specific contexts.
How Formal Is It?
"他們決定同居，共同分擔生活的責任。 (They decided to cohabitate, sharing life's responsibilities together.)"
"我和我的朋友住在一起，分攤房租。 (My friend and I live together, splitting the rent.)"
"你什麼時候要跟我一起住啊？ (When are you going to live with me?)"
"小貓和小狗住在一起，它們是好朋友。 (The kitten and puppy live together, they are good friends.)"
"這幾個大學生搭夥過日子，省了不少錢。 (These college students are living together to save money.)"
Fun Fact
The phrase '住在一起' is very versatile and can refer to various living situations, from family members to roommates to romantic partners.
Pronunciation Guide
- Incorrect tone on '住' (zhù - 4th tone)
- Mispronouncing '在' (zài - 4th tone) as a lighter tone
- Not emphasizing '一' (yī - 1st tone, but often pronounced 4th tone when followed by another 4th tone or 2nd tone when followed by 3rd tone) properly in the context of '在一起'.
Grammar to Know
The most straightforward way to use '住在一起' is as a verb phrase meaning 'to live together'. It can directly follow a subject.
他们住在一起。 (They live together.)
'住在一起' can be used to describe the current state of living with someone. Often, '跟 (gēn)' is used to introduce the person(s) one lives with.
我跟我男朋友住在一起。 (I live together with my boyfriend.)
When asking if people live together, you can simply add '吗' at the end of the statement or use an A-not-A question.
你和你家人住在一起吗？ (Do you live together with your family?)
To express that people used to live together or will live together, you can add time markers or modal verbs before '住在一起'.
我们以前住在一起。 (We used to live together.)
'住在一起' can be used in more complex sentences to describe arrangements or situations where shared living is a factor.
因为房租太贵，所以我们选择住在一起。 (Because the rent is too expensive, we chose to live together.)
Examples by Level
我们住在一起。
We live together.
他们和父母住在一起。
They live together with their parents.
你和谁住在一起？
Who do you live together with?
我和我的朋友住在一起。
I live together with my friend.
她不想和她哥哥住在一起。
She doesn't want to live together with her older brother.
我们以前住在一起。
We used to live together.
他们现在还住在一起吗？
Do they still live together now?
我的猫喜欢和我住在一起。
My cat likes to live together with me.
我们住在一起，所以经常一起做饭。
We live together, so we often cook together.
他们是大学同学，毕业后也选择住在一起。
They were college classmates and chose to live together after graduation.
你喜欢和别人住在一起，还是一个人住？
Do you prefer to live with others, or live alone?
因为房租太贵，很多人选择和朋友住在一起。
Because rent is too expensive, many people choose to live with friends.
这对夫妻结婚十年了，一直幸福地住在一起。
This couple has been married for ten years and has always lived happily together.
我和我的室友住在一起快两年了，相处得很好。
My roommate and I have been living together for almost two years, and we get along very well.
我们计划明年开始住在一起，这样可以省钱。
We plan to start living together next year, so we can save money.
虽然他们是兄弟，但从来没有住在一起过。
Although they are brothers, they have never lived together.
你愿意和你的朋友住在一起吗？
Are you willing to live with your friends?
他们大学毕业后决定住在一起。
After graduating from university, they decided to live together.
住在一起需要互相理解和尊重。
Living together requires mutual understanding and respect.
这对夫妇已经住在一起十年了。
This couple has been living together for ten years.
我们计划明年夏天住在一起。
We plan to live together next summer.
虽然他们是兄弟，但他们不住在一起。
Although they are brothers, they don't live together.
住在一起可以分担房租和生活费用。
Living together can share rent and living expenses.
他不喜欢和陌生人住在一起。
He doesn't like living with strangers.
尽管他们性格迥异，但为了节省开销，他们还是决定住在一起。
Despite their different personalities, they decided to live together to save money.
我担心如果我和室友住在一起，我们的生活习惯会产生冲突。
I'm worried that if my roommate and I live together, our living habits will clash.
很多年轻夫妇在结婚前选择住在一起，以便更好地了解彼此。
Many young couples choose to live together before marriage to get to know each other better.
他们从小就是邻居，所以长大后决定住在一起也是很自然的事。
They were neighbors since childhood, so it was natural for them to decide to live together when they grew up.
经过一番争论，他们最终达成一致，决定继续住在一起。
After some arguments, they finally agreed to continue living together.
虽然经济压力很大，但他们为了互相照顾，还是坚持住在一起。
Although the economic pressure is high, they insist on living together to take care of each other.
父母希望我们兄弟姐妹能住在一起，彼此有个照应。
Our parents hope that we siblings can live together and look after each other.
大学毕业后，我们几个好朋友计划租一套大房子住在一起。
After graduating from university, several good friends and I plan to rent a big house and live together.
虽然他们已经离婚了，但为了孩子，他们仍然选择住在一起。
Although they are divorced, for the sake of the children, they still choose to live together.
虽然...但... (suīrán...dàn...) - although...but...; 为了... (wèile...) - for the sake of...
大学毕业后，我们几个好朋友决定在北京住在一起，互相照应。
After graduating from university, a few of my good friends and I decided to live together in Beijing to look after each other.
互相 (hùxiāng) - mutually; 照应 (zhàoyìng) - to look after
他们是青梅竹马，从小就住在一起，感情非常好。
They were childhood sweethearts, having lived together since childhood, and their relationship is very good.
青梅竹马 (qīngméizhúmǎ) - childhood sweethearts; 从小 (cóngxiǎo) - since childhood
因为工作原因，他不得不和几个同事住在一起，生活习惯差异很大。
Due to work reasons, he had to live together with several colleagues, and their living habits were very different.
不得不 (bùdébù) - have no choice but to; 差异 (chāyì) - difference
为了省钱，很多刚毕业的大学生都会选择合租住在一起。
To save money, many recent college graduates choose to share a rental and live together.
为了 (wèile) - in order to; 合租 (hézū) - to co-rent
他们从小就形影不离，甚至大学毕业后也选择住在一起。
They've been inseparable since childhood, and even after graduating from college, they chose to live together.
形影不离 (xíngyǐngbùlí) - inseparable
虽然住在一起时间不长，但我们已经像家人一样亲密无间了。
Although we haven't lived together for long, we've become as close as family.
亲密无间 (qīnmìwújiān) - very close, intimate
由于家庭变故，她和叔叔一家住在一起，得到了很好的照顾。
Due to family changes, she lived with her uncle's family and received excellent care.
变故 (biàngù) - unforeseen event, mishap; 照顾 (zhàogù) - to look after, to care for
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我们住在一起。
We live together.
你和谁住在一起？
Who do you live with?
他们不住在一起。
They don't live together.
我们住在一起三年了。
We have lived together for three years.
我喜欢和我的猫住在一起。
I like living with my cat.
他们决定大学毕业后住在一起。
They decided to live together after graduating from university.
住在一起可以省钱。
Living together can save money.
和很多人住在一起很吵。
Living with many people is noisy.
你觉得和朋友住在一起好吗？
Do you think it's good to live with friends?
我们从小就住在一起。
We have lived together since we were young.
Often Confused With
This construction means 'to live with someone,' which is very close in meaning. '住在一起' simply emphasizes the 'togetherness'.
This is essentially the same meaning, just with the word order reversed. Both are commonly used and largely interchangeable for 'to live together'.
This means 'to live a common life' or 'to share life,' which is broader than just sharing a residence. It implies shared experiences and daily routines.
Grammar Patterns
Easily Confused
Both mean 'to live together,' but '合住' implies sharing an apartment or house, often with roommates who are not family.
'合住' specifically refers to cohabitation in a shared living space, typically with non-family members for practical reasons like splitting rent. '住在一起' is more general.
我和朋友们合住一套公寓。 (Wǒ hé péngyǒnmen hézhù yī tào gōngyù.) - My friends and I share an apartment.
Both imply living in the same residence, but '同居' often carries the connotation of a romantic relationship, especially unmarried partners.
'同居' is commonly used to describe romantic partners living together without being married. '住在一起' is neutral regarding the relationship.
他们同居了三年才结婚。 (Tāmen tóngjū le sān nián cái jiéhūn.) - They lived together for three years before getting married.
Similar to '合住' and '住在一起' in meaning 'to live together,' but '共住' is less common in everyday conversation and can sound more formal or literary.
'共住' is a more formal or less common way to say 'live together' or 'cohabit.' '住在一起' is the most natural and widely used.
我们共住一个屋檐下。 (Wǒmen gòngzhù yī gè wūyán xià.) - We live together under one roof. (More poetic/formal)
'聚居' refers to a group of people living together in a community or settlement, often implying a larger group or specific area, unlike the individual-focused '住在一起'.
'聚居' describes a concentrated settlement of a particular group, like an ethnic community. '住在一起' refers to individuals living in the same residence.
这个地区有很多华人聚居。 (Zhège dìqū yǒu hěn duō Huárén jùjū.) - There are many Chinese people living together in this area.
While '共处' means 'to coexist' or 'to live in harmony,' it doesn't necessarily imply living in the same physical space like '住在一起' does.
'共处' focuses on the act of existing together, often emphasizing peaceful coexistence or getting along. '住在一起' is about shared residency.
我们学会了和平共处。 (Wǒmen xuéhuì le hépíng gòngchǔ.) - We learned to coexist peacefully.
Sentence Patterns
A 和 B 住在一起。
我 和 我 朋友 住在一起。(Wǒ hé wǒ péngyǒu zhù zài yīqǐ.) - My friend and I live together.
他们 已经 住在一起 (多久) 了。
他们 已经 住在一起 两年 了。(Tāmen yǐjīng zhù zài yīqǐ liǎng nián le.) - They have lived together for two years.
你 喜欢 和 (谁) 住在一起 吗？
你 喜欢 和 家人 住在一起 吗？(Nǐ xǐhuān hé jiārén zhù zài yīqǐ ma?) - Do you like living with your family?
因为 (原因)，所以 我们 住在一起。
因为 房租 太贵，所以 我们 住在一起。(Yīnwèi fángzū tài guì, suǒyǐ wǒmen zhù zài yīqǐ.) - Because rent is too expensive, we live together.
(地点) 适合 两个人 住在一起。
这个 公寓 适合 两个人 住在一起。(Zhège gōngyù shìhé liǎng gè rén zhù zài yīqǐ.) - This apartment is suitable for two people to live together.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a **zhu** (pig) and a **zai** (child) who decide to **yiqi** (together) find a cozy home and **zhu** (live) there. This helps you remember 'zhu zai yiqi' means 'to live together.'
Visual Association
Picture a happy family or a group of friends sharing a home, cooking together, and enjoying each other's company. Visualize the warmth and companionship of living with others.
Word Web
Challenge
Describe a time when you lived with others, or imagine what it would be like. Use '住在一起' in your description. For example: '我大学的时候和三个室友住在一起，我们经常一起做饭。' (Wǒ dàxué de shíhou hé sān gè shìyǒu zhù zài yīqǐ, wǒmen jīngcháng yīqǐ zuò fàn. - When I was in college, I lived with three roommates, and we often cooked together.)
Word Origin
The characters '住' (zhù) means 'to live' or 'to reside,' and '在' (zài) means 'at' or 'in.' The character '一起' (yīqǐ) means 'together.' When combined, '住在一起' literally translates to 'live at together,' conveying the meaning of cohabitation.
Original meaning: The individual meanings of the characters have remained consistent over time, and their combination to express 'living together' is a straightforward and intuitive construction in Chinese.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic languages, Mandarin Chinese.Cultural Context
Culturally, '住在一起' can carry different implications depending on the context. For unmarried couples, living together before marriage is becoming more common in modern China, especially in urban areas, though traditional views still often favor marriage before cohabitation. For friends or students, living together (合租, hézū - to rent together) is a very common and practical arrangement due to economic reasons. For families, multiple generations living together under one roof (三代同堂, sāndài tóngtáng - three generations living under the same roof) has historically been and continues to be a respected tradition, symbolizing familial unity and support.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Talking about cohabitation with friends or roommates.
- 我们住在一起。
- 你和谁住在一起？
- 他们住在一起很多年了。
Discussing living arrangements with family.
- 我跟父母住在一起。
- 她想和她的兄弟住在一起。
- 你和你的孩子住在一起吗？
Talking about couples living together.
- 他们决定住在一起。
- 一对情侣住在一起很正常。
- 他们住在一起幸福吗？
Asking about living situations when meeting new people.
- 你们是朋友还是住在一起？
- 你现在和谁住在一起？
- 你们以前住在一起过吗？
Making plans or inviting someone to live with you.
- 你想和我们住在一起吗？
- 我们可以住在一起。
- 如果方便，我们可以住在一起。
Conversation Starters
"你喜欢和别人住在一起吗？为什么？"
"你觉得和家人住在一起好还是和朋友住在一起好？"
"你和你的室友住在一起多久了？"
"你认为什么时候是情侣住在一起的最好时机？"
"如果你有机会，你想和谁住在一起？"
Journal Prompts
描述你理想的同住生活是什么样的。
写下你和别人住在一起的经历，好的和不好的。
如果你从未和别人住在一起过，想象一下你会遇到什么挑战和乐趣。
讨论一下，和不同的人住在一起对你有什么影响。
你认为住在一起是建立亲密关系的重要一步吗？为什么？
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) is a more general term for living in the same place. It can be used for roommates, family members, or romantic partners. It simply means 'to live together.'
同居 (tóngjū) specifically refers to an unmarried couple living together in a romantic relationship. It carries the connotation of cohabitation. So, if you're talking about friends sharing an apartment, you'd use 住在一起. If you're talking about a boyfriend and girlfriend living together, you could use either, but 同居 emphasizes the romantic aspect.
Yes, you absolutely can! If you have two pets sharing a space, or animals in a zoo enclosure, you can say they are 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ). For example, 它们住在一起 (Tāmen zhù zài yīqǐ) - They live together.
It's quite straightforward! You can say:
我们住在一起。 (Wǒmen zhù zài yīqǐ.) - We live together.
他们不住在一起。 (Tāmen bú zhù zài yīqǐ.) - They don't live together.
You can also specify who:
我跟我朋友住在一起。 (Wǒ gēn wǒ péngyǒu zhù zài yīqǐ.) - I live with my friend.
In that case, 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) isn't the best fit. You would say something like 我们住在同一栋楼里。 (Wǒmen zhù zài tóng yī dòng lóu lǐ.) - We live in the same building. 住在一起 implies sharing a dwelling unit.
Not necessarily. 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) can refer to both temporary and long-term living arrangements. For example, if you're on a trip and sharing a hotel room, you could say 我们住在一起。 (Wǒmen zhù zài yīqǐ.) - We're staying together.
You can ask:
你们住在一起吗？ (Nǐmen zhù zài yīqǐ ma?) - Do you all live together?
Or if it's two specific people:
他们住在一起吗？ (Tāmen zhù zài yīqǐ ma?) - Do they live together?
No, 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) is specifically for living beings (people or animals). For inanimate objects, you'd use words like 放在一起 (fàng zài yīqǐ) - to put together, or 挨着 (āizhe) - next to each other, depending on the context.
For general living together, 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) is perfectly fine and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. If you are talking about cohabitation in a romantic sense, 同居 (tóngjū) can sometimes be perceived as slightly more formal, but it carries a different nuance.
You can say:
我跟我父母住在一起。 (Wǒ gēn wǒ fùmǔ zhù zài yīqǐ.) - I live with my parents.
This is a common and natural way to express it.
No, 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) simply means 'to share a living space.' It does not inherently imply anything about the quality of the relationship or whether people are getting along. You'd need to add other words to express that. For example: 我们住在一起很开心。 (Wǒmen zhù zài yīqǐ hěn kāixīn.) - We live together happily.
Test Yourself 120 questions
我和我朋友___。
'住在一起' means 'to live together'. The sentence says 'My friend and I live together.'
他们___。
'住在一起' means 'to live together'. The sentence says 'They live together.'
她和她妈妈___。
'住在一起' means 'to live together'. The sentence says 'She lives together with her mother.'
我们___。
'住在一起' means 'to live together'. The sentence says 'We live together.'
你和谁___？
'住在一起' means 'to live together'. The question asks 'Who do you live together with?'
他们喜欢___。
'住在一起' means 'to live together'. The sentence says 'They like to live together.'
Listen to the sentence about living with a friend.
Listen to the question about whether 'they' want to live together.
Listen to the sentence about not living together.
Read this aloud:
我和家人住在一起。
Focus: zhù zài yì qǐ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你和谁住在一起？
Focus: nǐ hé shéi zhù zài yì qǐ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他不想和她住在一起。
Focus: tā bù xiǎng hé tā zhù zài yì qǐ
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about two friends who live together.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的朋友和我住在一起。
Imagine you have a pet. Write a sentence saying you and your pet live together.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我和我的宠物住在一起。
Write a simple question asking if two people live together.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他们住在一起吗？
小明和小红的关系是什么？
Read this passage:
小明和小红是好朋友。他们住在一起。每天他们一起去学校。
小明和小红的关系是什么？
文章中说他们是好朋友。
文章中说他们是好朋友。
谁住在一起？
Read this passage:
我的爸爸妈妈住在一起。他们每天一起吃饭。我的家很幸福。
谁住在一起？
文章中明确提到爸爸妈妈住在一起。
文章中明确提到爸爸妈妈住在一起。
大卫和谁住在一起？
Read this passage:
大卫和他的狗住在一起。他们每天一起玩。大卫很爱他的狗。
大卫和谁住在一起？
文章中说大卫和他的狗住在一起。
文章中说大卫和他的狗住在一起。
她和她的朋友____。
To say 'live together', the most natural and common way is '住在一起'.
我的父母已经____三十年了。
Here, '住在一起' clearly expresses that they have been living with each other for thirty years.
你愿意和你的朋友____吗？
The phrase '住在一起' is used to ask if someone is willing to cohabitate with their friend.
他们因为工作，所以不能____。
This sentence indicates that their work prevents them from living together, making '住在一起' the correct choice.
小狗和小猫____，它们是好朋友。
To convey that the puppy and kitten live in the same place and are good friends, '住在一起' is appropriate.
如果你们是夫妻，就应该____。
As a couple, the expectation is that they would 'live together', which is expressed by '住在一起'.
Which of these means 'They live together'?
住在一起 is the correct phrase for 'to live together'.
If two friends share an apartment, how would you say they 'live together'?
住在一起 specifically means 'to live together' in the sense of sharing a residence.
Which sentence correctly uses '住在一起'?
The phrase '住在一起' should be used to express living together. The other options are grammatically incomplete or convey a different meaning.
If you say '我和他住在一起', it means you and he live in the same house or apartment.
'住在一起' directly translates to 'live together', implying a shared living space.
'住在一起' can be used to describe two people working together in the same office.
'住在一起' refers to living arrangements, not work arrangements. For working together, you'd use '一起工作' (yīqǐ gōngzuò).
The sentence '我们住在一起很久了' means 'We have lived together for a long time'.
'很久了' (hěn jiǔ le) means 'for a long time' or 'for ages'.
Are you living together with your friend?
They have lived together for a long time.
We plan to live together next year.
Read this aloud:
我喜欢和我的家人住在一起。
Focus: 住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你和谁住在一起？
Focus: 谁 (shuí)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他们现在不住在一起了。
Focus: 不住在一起 (bù zhù zài yīqǐ)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You just moved into a new apartment with your friend. Write a short message to another friend telling them you are now living together. Mention something you like about living together.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我跟我朋友现在住在一起了！我们都很喜欢一起做饭。
Your cousin is moving to your city for college. Suggest that they could live with you to save money. Write a sentence proposing this.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你可以和我住在一起，这样可以省很多钱。
Describe a common situation where people in China might choose to live together.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
很多大学生毕业以后会选择和朋友住在一起，因为房租比较贵。
小明和谁住在一起？
Read this passage:
小明和他的女朋友在北京住在一起。他们每天早上一起吃早饭，晚上一起看电视。他们觉得住在一起很开心。
小明和谁住在一起？
文章中提到'小明和他的女朋友在北京住在一起。'
文章中提到'小明和他的女朋友在北京住在一起。'
这位朋友现在和'我'住在一起吗？
Read this passage:
我有一个好朋友，我们从小就认识了。我们现在不住在一起，但是我们经常见面。有时候，我真希望我们可以住在一起。
这位朋友现在和'我'住在一起吗？
文章中明确写着'我们现在不住在一起'。
文章中明确写着'我们现在不住在一起'。
为什么有些人选择和别人住在一起？
Read this passage:
很多人为了省钱会选择和别人住在一起。比如，几个大学生会合租一个公寓。这样，每个人的房租就便宜很多。
为什么有些人选择和别人住在一起？
文章开头就说明了是'为了省钱会选择和别人住在一起'。
文章开头就说明了是'为了省钱会选择和别人住在一起'。
Choose the correct translation: 'They decided to live together.'
住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) is the correct and most natural way to express 'to live together' in this context.
Which sentence means 'Do you want to live together?'
你想住在一起吗？ (Nǐ xiǎng zhù zài yīqǐ ma?) is the most common and direct way to ask 'Do you want to live together?'
Complete the sentence: '我和我的朋友____。' (My friends and I live together.)
住在一起 (zhù zài yīqǐ) is the correct verb phrase for 'live together' in this sentence structure.
The sentence '他想和他的女朋友住在一起。' means 'He wants to live with his girlfriend.'
Correct. '住在一起' (zhù zài yīqǐ) means 'to live together', and '和...一起' means 'with... together'.
The sentence '我们住在一起很久了。' means 'We have lived together for a short time.'
False. '很久了' (hěn jiǔ le) means 'for a long time now', not 'for a short time'.
You can say '他们一起住' instead of '他们住在一起' with the same meaning.
While '住在一起' is very common, '一起住' (yīqǐ zhù) is also a natural and frequently used way to express 'to live together'.
她和她的男朋友决定_____。
The sentence indicates a couple making a decision about living arrangements, and '住在一起' (to live together) fits perfectly.
大学毕业后，我们几个好朋友想找个大房子_____。
The context is friends wanting to find a big house after graduation, implying they want to share it. '住在一起' is the correct choice.
因为房租太贵，他们不得不_____。
High rent often leads to people sharing accommodation to save money, so '住在一起' (to live together) is the logical option.
这对老夫妇已经_____了50年。
The sentence describes an old couple and a duration of 50 years, suggesting they have been living together for that long. '住在一起' is appropriate.
虽然他们是兄弟，但是他们并没有_____。
The sentence indicates that despite being brothers, they do not share a living space. '住在一起' fits the contrast.
为了照顾年迈的父母，她辞掉了工作，决定回家和父母_____。
To care for elderly parents, one would typically move in with them. '住在一起' (to live together) accurately reflects this decision.
Choose the correct sentence: My sister and her boyfriend live together.
The structure "A和B住在一起" (A and B live together) is the most natural and grammatically correct way to express this in Chinese.
Which sentence means: They have been living together for three years.
The correct structure for duration is "verb + 在一起 + duration + 了" (live together for X years).
How do you say: Do you want to live together after graduation?
Adding "和" before "在一起" is unnecessary and grammatically incorrect. "你们" (you plural) is more appropriate if asking two people, but "你" (you singular) can also be used if addressing one person about a shared future.
The sentence "我们不住在一起" means "We don't live together."
Adding "不" before "住" negates the verb, meaning "don't live together."
In the sentence "他们曾经住在一起", "曾经" means they are still living together.
"曾经" (céngjīng) means "once" or "formerly," indicating a past action or state that is no longer true. So, they lived together in the past but don't anymore.
The phrase "住在一起" can be used to describe roommates.
"住在一起" simply means to live in the same place. It can refer to family, couples, or roommates.
They have been living together for two years.
Are you used to living with your roommate?
They decided to live together after graduating from university.
Read this aloud:
你觉得情侣在结婚前应该住在一起吗？为什么？
Focus: 情侣 (qínglǚ) - couple, 结婚 (jiéhūn) - marry
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果你的好朋友想和你住在一起，你会同意吗？
Focus: 同意 (tóngyì) - agree
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
住在一起有什么好处和坏处？
Focus: 好处 (hǎochù) - advantages, 坏处 (huàichù) - disadvantages
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you're sharing an apartment with friends. Describe a typical day, including chores, meals, and social activities. Use '住在一起' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我跟我的室友们住在一起。我们每天早上会轮流做早餐，然后各自去上班。晚上我们会一起做饭，吃完饭后，有时会一起看电影或者玩游戏，聊聊一天发生的事情。周末我们会一起去超市买菜，或者去公园散步。
Discuss the pros and cons of living with roommates versus living alone. Use '住在一起' to refer to living with others.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
住在一起有很多优点，比如可以分担房租和家务，生活会更热闹，遇到问题也可以互相帮助。但是也有缺点，比如需要适应不同的生活习惯，可能会有隐私方面的困扰。如果一个人住，虽然自由独立，但有时会感到孤独。
Write a short paragraph about how the concept of '住在一起' might change across different cultures or family structures.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在某些文化中，几代人住在一起是很常见的，这代表着家庭的团聚和互相照顾。而在另一些文化中，年轻人成年后会选择独立生活，住在一起更多是基于友谊或经济考量。所以，'住在一起'的概念和形式会因为文化和家庭结构的不同而有很大差异。
小明和同学住在一起的主要原因是什么？
Read this passage:
小明和他的大学同学毕业后决定住在一起，因为这样可以省下不少房租。他们每天一起去上班，晚上一起做饭，周末还会一起出去玩。虽然偶尔也会因为生活习惯不同而产生一些小摩擦，但他们总能很快解决问题，关系非常好。
小明和同学住在一起的主要原因是什么？
文章中明确提到“这样可以省下不少房租”。
文章中明确提到“这样可以省下不少房租”。
小李和父母住在一起后，他的生活发生了什么变化？
Read this passage:
自从和父母住在一起后，小李的生活规律了很多。每天早上妈妈会叫他起床，晚上回家也有热腾腾的饭菜等着。虽然有时会觉得没有以前那么自由，但他知道父母是为了他好，所以他也很珍惜这段和家人住在一起的时光。
小李和父母住在一起后，他的生活发生了什么变化？
文章中提到“小李的生活规律了很多”。
文章中提到“小李的生活规律了很多”。
根据文章，王阿姨和姐妹们住在一起时是什么情况？
Read this passage:
王阿姨年轻时和她的姐妹们住在一起，那时候大家都很穷，但是互相帮助，日子过得非常开心。现在虽然姐妹们都各自有了家庭，不方便再住在一起，但她们的感情依然很好，经常聚会。
根据文章，王阿姨和姐妹们住在一起时是什么情况？
文章中提到“互相帮助，日子过得非常开心”。
文章中提到“互相帮助，日子过得非常开心”。
This sentence structure places the subject, then the adverbial phrase indicating time and '住在一起' before the aspect particle '了'.
The typical word order is: subject + time phrase + verb + '和谁' + '住在一起' + question particle.
This follows the '因为...所以...' (because...therefore...) structure, with '决定' (decide) followed by the action '住在一起'.
自从他们结婚后，就决定要永远幸福地___。
“住在一起”是固定搭配，表示共同居住。其他选项不符合语法。
大学毕业后，我们几个好朋友约定要继续___，互相扶持。
此语境下，“住在一起”表达了共同生活的意愿，符合句意。
为了节省开支，他们选择___，分担房租。
“住在一起”是表示共同居住的常用短语。
这对老夫妻相濡以沫几十年，一直___，从未分开过。
“住在一起”强调的是共同居住的状态，与“从未分开过”呼应。
如果你想更深入地了解中国文化，最好的方式就是和当地人___。
“住在一起”在此语境下表示与当地人共同生活，体验当地文化。
虽然他们已经分开了，但为了孩子，他们仍然决定___在同一个城市。
虽然分开了，但为了孩子，仍然共同居住在同一城市，用“住在一起”表达这种特殊关系。
她和男朋友已经___三年了，感情很好。
“住在一起”表示共同居住，符合语境中情侣同居的关系。
因为房租太贵，他们决定找个合租房，和几个朋友___。
这里“住在一起”表示多人共同居住，分担房租。
大学毕业后，即使同学们各奔东西，但他们友谊长存，永远会把那段___的日子当作美好的回忆。
此处“住在一起”指大学期间同学们共同生活的回忆。
如果一对夫妻分居了，他们就不再“住在一起”了。
“住在一起”指共同居住，分居则意味着分开居住。
“住在一起”这个词只能用来形容情侣或家人共同居住。
“住在一起”也可以用来形容朋友、室友等非亲属关系的人共同居住。
当你和别人分享一个房间时，你可以说你们“住在一起”
分享一个房间就是共同居住的一种形式，因此可以使用“住在一起”。
This sentence describes a decision made by '他们' (they) to '住在一起' (live together) after graduation, and to '共同 分担 房租' (jointly share the rent).
This sentence explains that '尽管 性格 差异 很大' (despite significant personality differences), '他们 还是 选择 住在一起' (they still chose to live together), '互相 迁就' (accommodating each other).
This sentence describes how '由于 工作 地点 相近' (due to similar work locations), '几个 同事 提议' (several colleagues suggested) that they '可以 考虑 住在一起' (could consider living together).
自从他们开始___后，家里的气氛变得更加融洽。
“住在一起”表示同居，强调共同居住的状态。根据语境，是指因为同居，家里的气氛才变得融洽。
即使是亲兄弟，如果性格不合，___也会矛盾重重。
“住在一起”在这里指共同居住的环境，与“性格不合”形成对比，强调共同居住可能带来的问题。
为了节省开支，他们决定在大学期间___。
“住在一起”是口语中常用来表示共同居住的说法，尤其是在指代朋友或同学间的合租情况。
我妹妹和她的丈夫___已经五年了。
“住在一起”可以用来表示夫妻或情侣的同居关系，强调共同居住的时间长度。
在疫情期间，许多家庭不得不长时间___，这带来了新的挑战。
“住在一起”在这里强调在特定时期内，家庭成员都在同一个屋檐下共同生活，面临的挑战。
这对老夫妇虽然已经儿女绕膝，但依然坚持___，相互扶持。
“住在一起”在这里突出了老夫妇即使儿女长大，依然选择共同居住，体现相互扶持的感情。
Choose the most appropriate response. A: 他们已经_____很久了，感情一直很好。 B: 是啊，他们真是模范夫妻。
The context implies a couple living together for a long time. '住在一起' means to live together. '住过来' means to move over and live. '住下去' means to continue living. '住不上' implies inability to live somewhere.
A: 你觉得大学毕业后我们应该_____吗？ B: 当然了，这样可以分担房租，也方便互相照顾。
The conversation is about sharing rent and taking care of each other, which strongly suggests living together. '住进去' means to move in. '住下来' means to settle down and live. '住得惯' means to be accustomed to living somewhere.
A: 听说你和你的合伙人_____了？ B: 对，这样工作和生活可以更好地平衡。
The response about balancing work and life implies a change in living arrangements, specifically living with a partner to facilitate this. '住开了' means to live separately. '住回去了' means to move back. '住散了' means to disperse and live separately.
两个人选择住在一起，通常是为了节省开销或增进感情。
This statement is generally true. Living together often has financial benefits and can strengthen relationships.
“住在一起”这个词只能用于描述夫妻关系。
“住在一起” can describe any situation where people share a residence, such as roommates, friends, or family members, not just married couples.
如果一对情侣决定住在一起，意味着他们一定会结婚。
While living together is a common step for couples, it does not guarantee marriage. Many couples live together without getting married.
Imagine you're writing a letter to a friend, explaining why you've decided to "住在一起" (live together) with your significant other despite cultural differences or family expectations. Discuss the advantages and challenges you anticipate, and how you plan to navigate them.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
亲爱的[朋友名字]，我最近做了一个重要的决定，就是和我的伴侣住在一起。我知道这可能会让一些长辈感到惊讶，毕竟我们的文化差异不小，而且家庭对这方面也有一些传统的期望。但我认为，住在一起能让我们有更多的时间相处，更深入地了解彼此的生活习惯和性格，这对于建立更稳定的关系非常重要。当然，我也预见会有一些挑战，比如生活习惯的不同，以及如何平衡个人空间和共同生活。我们已经讨论过这些，并计划通过开放的沟通和互相迁就来解决。我相信，只要我们都愿意为这段关系付出努力，就能克服这些困难，让我们的共同生活更加和谐幸福。
You are a journalist writing an opinion piece about the evolving perception of couples choosing to "住在一起" (live together) before marriage in modern Chinese society. Discuss the societal shifts, traditional views, and the potential impact on young people's relationships.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
在当今的中国社会，越来越多的年轻情侣选择在婚前“住在一起”，这无疑反映了社会观念的深刻变迁。过去，这种行为往往被视为逾越传统道德底线，甚至受到指责。然而，随着全球化和个人主义思潮的冲击，年轻一代对于婚姻和亲密关系的看法正在发生转变。他们更加注重个人感受和体验，认为婚前同居是检验双方是否适合共同生活的重要方式，有助于减少婚后冲突。尽管如此，传统的家庭观念和社会压力依然存在，许多家庭仍然希望子女能遵循先结婚后同居的模式。这种新旧观念的碰撞，无疑给年轻人的关系发展带来了新的机遇和挑战。如何在尊重个人选择的同时，平衡好家庭和社会期望，是摆在当代社会面前的一个重要课题。
You are a character in a novel, reflecting on your past experience of having to "住在一起" (live together) with someone you didn't get along with, perhaps due to a unique circumstance like a work assignment or family crisis. Describe the daily struggles, how you coped, and what you learned from the experience.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
回想起那段不得不和老王“住在一起”的日子，我至今仍然心有余悸。那次是因为公司的一个紧急项目，我和他被安排在同一间宿舍，而我们俩的性格简直是南辕北辙。他是个一丝不苟到有些洁癖的人，而我则习惯了随性。每天的日常摩擦层出不穷，从牙膏怎么挤到垃圾谁来倒，鸡毛蒜皮的小事都能引爆一场“战争”。为了避免正面冲突，我学会了尽量避开他，或者通过写纸条的方式进行沟通。那段日子简直是煎熬，但我也不得不承认，它教会了我很多。我学会了如何在极端不适的环境下保持冷静，也更深刻地理解了人际关系中互相尊重和包容的重要性。虽然我们最终也没能成为朋友，但至少我学会了如何与一个和自己截然不同的人在有限的空间里共存。
根据文章，小李和他的女朋友选择“住在一起”的主要原因是什么？
Read this passage:
小李和他的女朋友决定在大学毕业后“住在一起”。他们认为这不仅可以分摊房租，更重要的是，能够提前适应婚后的共同生活。然而，他们的父母对此却持有不同的意见，认为这不符合传统观念。小李和女友一直在努力说服父母，并向他们保证会认真对待这段关系。
根据文章，小李和他的女朋友选择“住在一起”的主要原因是什么？
文章中明确提到：“他们认为这不仅可以分摊房租，更重要的是，能够提前适应婚后的共同生活。”因此，提前适应婚后生活是主要原因。
文章中明确提到：“他们认为这不仅可以分摊房租，更重要的是，能够提前适应婚后的共同生活。”因此，提前适应婚后生活是主要原因。
张教授认为现代年轻人在选择“住在一起”时，除了经济因素，还更注重什么？
Read this passage:
张教授在他的研究中指出，现代社会中，许多年轻人在选择是否“住在一起”时，不再仅仅考虑经济因素，而是更加注重情感上的契合度和生活方式的协调性。他认为，这种趋势反映了社会价值观的多元化，以及个体对亲密关系质量的更高追求。然而，他也提醒，同居生活并非没有风险，沟通和责任感是维系良好同居关系的关键。
张教授认为现代年轻人在选择“住在一起”时，除了经济因素，还更注重什么？
文章中明确指出：“不再仅仅考虑经济因素，而是更加注重情感上的契合度和生活方式的协调性。”
文章中明确指出：“不再仅仅考虑经济因素，而是更加注重情感上的契合度和生活方式的协调性。”
老王和他的老伴在与亲戚“住在一起”的经历中，最终获得了什么？
Read this passage:
老王和他的老伴在年轻时曾经历过一段艰难的时期，当时因为工作调动，他们不得不和亲戚“住在一起”好几年。那段经历虽然充满了不便和摩擦，但也让他们学会了如何更好地理解和包容他人。如今，他们回首往事，认为那段共同生活的经历，反而加深了他们夫妻之间的感情，也让他们更加珍惜现在平静幸福的生活。
老王和他的老伴在与亲戚“住在一起”的经历中，最终获得了什么？
文章结尾提到：“那段共同生活的经历，反而加深了他们夫妻之间的感情，也让他们更加珍惜现在平静幸福的生活。”
文章结尾提到：“那段共同生活的经历，反而加深了他们夫妻之间的感情，也让他们更加珍惜现在平静幸福的生活。”
This sentence structure follows a typical Chinese pattern of subject-verb-object, followed by a prepositional phrase indicating purpose.
This sentence uses a 'although...but...' structure to express a contrast. The '后' indicates 'after' living together.
This sentence demonstrates a more complex sentence structure with a phrase indicating 'after careful consideration' and then the main clause.
/ 120 correct
Perfect score!
Example
结婚后，他们就住在一起了。
