Explanation at your level:
The 大厅 is the big room at the entrance of a building. You go there to wait for your friends. It is like a large, open space. For example, you can say 'I am waiting in the lobby.' It is very easy to find!
In English, we call this a lobby or a hall. When you visit a hotel, you first enter the 大厅. It is a place where you can sit, talk, or check in. Many buildings have a large, beautiful 大厅 to welcome visitors.
The term 大厅 refers to a public area used for gathering or transit. In professional contexts, you might use it to describe where a conference is held. It is a common noun that appears in directions, such as 'The registration desk is located in the main hall.' Understanding this word helps you navigate large buildings easily.
Beyond just a physical space, the 大厅 often sets the tone for a building's design. Architects spend a lot of time designing the lobby to be impressive. Whether it is a grand theater hall or a modern office lobby, the word captures the essence of a 'public threshold.' It is a standard term in both formal and informal descriptions of architecture.
In literature and formal writing, the 大厅 can represent a place of transition or a stage for social interaction. It is where characters meet, where secrets are exchanged, or where the scale of a building is established. It bridges the gap between the private interior and the public exterior, serving as a vital spatial element in storytelling.
Etymologically and culturally, the 大厅 signifies the evolution of public space. Historically, it was a seat of power; today, it is a hub of commerce and hospitality. Its usage reflects a shift from exclusive, ritualistic spaces to inclusive, functional ones. Mastering this word allows you to discuss architectural history, urban design, and social dynamics with precision and cultural depth.
Word in 30 Seconds
- 大厅 means lobby or hall.
- It is a large public room.
- Commonly used in hotels and offices.
- Easy to use in daily sentences.
When you walk into a fancy hotel or a large office building, the first place you stand is the lobby or hall. In Chinese, we call this the 大厅 (dà tīng). Think of it as the building's 'welcome mat'—a wide, open space designed to help people find their way.
The word 大 simply means 'big,' and 厅 refers to a 'hall' or 'chamber.' Together, they describe a grand, expansive room. It is not just a hallway; it is a destination in itself where people meet, wait for friends, or check in for a stay. It is the heart of the building's ground floor.
The character 厅 (tīng) has a fascinating history. Originally, it represented a place where officials would meet or conduct business. Over centuries, the architectural meaning evolved from a formal government chamber to the modern lobby we see today.
In ancient Chinese architecture, the 'hall' was the most important room in a house, used for receiving guests and holding ceremonies. As buildings grew taller and more complex, the function of the 'hall' shifted to the entrance, becoming the 大厅. It reflects the cultural value of hospitality, ensuring guests feel comfortable immediately upon arrival.
You will hear 大厅 used constantly in daily life. Whether you are at a hotel lobby (酒店大厅) or an airport terminal hall (机场大厅), the word is essential. It is a neutral, standard term used in both casual conversation and professional business settings.
Common collocations include 宽敞的大厅 (spacious lobby) or 大厅里 (in the lobby). Because it is a public space, it is often paired with verbs like 等待 (wait) or 集合 (gather). It is a very versatile word that everyone uses, from students to business executives.
While 大厅 is a noun, it appears in many common expressions. 1. 大厅广众 (in public view/in the open). 2. 金碧辉煌的大厅 (a magnificent, golden hall). 3. 大厅登记 (register at the lobby). 4. 大厅休息 (rest in the lobby). 5. 大厅集合 (meet at the lobby). These phrases help you describe the activity and atmosphere of the space.
Pronounced as dà tīng, the word follows a simple two-syllable structure. The first syllable is a falling fourth tone (dà), and the second is a high, level first tone (tīng). It is a standard noun that does not change form regardless of the number of people in it.
Grammatically, it often takes locative particles like 里 (inside) or 处 (place). For example, 在大厅里 means 'inside the lobby.' It is a concrete noun, making it very easy to use in sentences without complex grammar rules.
Fun Fact
The character 厅 originally referred to a government office.
Pronunciation Guide
Standard Mandarin tones.
Standard Mandarin tones.
Common Errors
- Mixing tones
- Slurring the 't' sound
- Misplacing the emphasis
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
easy
easy
easy
easy
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Location particles
在大厅里
Measure words
一个大厅
Existential sentences
大厅里有沙发
Examples by Level
我在大厅等你。
I am waiting for you in the lobby.
Location + verb
大厅很大。
The lobby is very big.
Adjective predicate
去大厅。
Go to the lobby.
Imperative
大厅在哪里？
Where is the lobby?
Question
这是大厅。
This is the lobby.
Subject-copula
大厅很漂亮。
The lobby is beautiful.
Adjective
大厅有人。
There are people in the lobby.
Existential
离开大厅。
Leave the lobby.
Verb-object
他在大厅看书。
大厅里有很多人。
请在大厅集合。
这个大厅非常宽敞。
大厅的灯很亮。
我们去大厅休息吧。
大厅通向电梯。
大厅装修得很好。
会议在大厅举行。
请在大厅前台登记。
大厅里摆满了鲜花。
大厅是酒店的门面。
他匆匆穿过大厅。
大厅的空调很冷。
我们约在大厅见面。
大厅里回荡着音乐。
大厅的设计极具现代感。
大厅内人声鼎沸。
他站在大厅中央环顾四周。
大厅作为社交中心非常重要。
大厅的挑高设计令人震撼。
大厅的装饰风格很复古。
大厅里设有休息区。
大厅的玻璃幕墙很通透。
大厅里弥漫着一股咖啡香。
大厅不仅是入口，更是艺术空间。
大厅的宏伟气势令人肃然起敬。
大厅内人来人往，十分繁忙。
大厅的灯光映照在地面上。
大厅作为建筑的枢纽，连接了各层。
大厅里的雕塑非常引人注目。
大厅的氛围庄重而优雅。
大厅的建筑风格体现了那个时代的审美。
大厅在某种程度上反映了主人的品味。
大厅的声学设计非常出色。
大厅不仅是物理空间，更是社交的舞台。
大厅的穹顶设计极具匠心。
大厅的空间布局经过精心规划。
大厅的每一个细节都彰显着奢华。
大厅作为公共空间，承载了许多回忆。
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"大厅广众"
in public view
他不敢在大厅广众之下唱歌。
formal"金碧辉煌的大厅"
magnificent golden hall
走进那座金碧辉煌的大厅，我惊呆了。
literary"大厅登记处"
lobby reception desk
请去大厅登记处办理手续。
neutral"大厅休息区"
lobby lounge
我们在大厅休息区等他。
neutral"大厅服务台"
lobby concierge
大厅服务台的工作人员很友好。
neutral"空荡的大厅"
empty hall
深夜里，空荡的大厅显得格外安静。
literaryEasily Confused
Both are parts of a building.
大厅 is a room, 走廊 is a passage.
大厅很大，走廊很长。
Both are rooms.
客厅 is for homes.
我在客厅看书。
Synonym.
None, interchangeable.
酒店大堂/大厅。
Both are halls.
礼堂 is for ceremonies.
学校礼堂。
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 在 + 大厅 + 动词
我在大厅等你。
大厅 + 里 + 有 + Noun
大厅里有沙发。
这个 + 大厅 + Adjective
这个大厅很干净。
请 + 在 + 大厅 + 动词
请在大厅集合。
大厅 + 装修 + Adjective
大厅装修很豪华。
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
客厅 is for houses, 大厅/大堂 is for public buildings.
大厅里 is more natural.
They have different shapes and functions.
Need a measure word for nouns.
Avoid confusion with other tones.
Tips
Memory Palace
Visualize your favorite hotel lobby.
Native Usage
Use it for meeting points.
Cultural Insight
Lobbies are social hubs.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use '在' before the location.
Say It Right
Focus on the fourth tone.
Don't Mistake
Don't confuse with 走廊.
Did You Know?
It has ancient roots.
Study Smart
Use flashcards.
Daily Practice
Describe your building.
Context Tip
Use it in travel.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Big (大) + Hall (厅) = Big Hall
Visual Association
A grand hotel entrance
Word Web
Challenge
Describe the lobby of your building.
Word Origin
Chinese
Original meaning: Large hall or chamber.
Cultural Context
None
Lobbies are central to hotel culture.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Hotel
- 酒店大厅
- 办理入住
- 大厅休息
Office
- 办公大厅
- 前台在大厅
- 大厅接待
School
- 学校大厅
- 大厅公告栏
- 大厅集合
Travel
- 机场大厅
- 火车站大厅
- 大厅出口
Conversation Starters
"Where is the lobby?"
"Do you like the lobby design?"
"Let's meet in the lobby."
"Is the lobby busy?"
"The lobby is very big."
Journal Prompts
Describe the lobby of your hotel.
Why are lobbies important?
What do you do in a lobby?
Describe your ideal lobby.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, they are interchangeable in most contexts.
No, that is incorrect.
Use 宽敞的大厅.
On the ground floor.
It is neutral.
一个.
Yes, it is very common.
Usually for public buildings.
Test Yourself
我在___等你。
Lobby is the correct place to meet.
Which means 'lobby'?
大厅 is lobby.
大厅 is a small room.
大厅 is a large room.
Word
Meaning
Direct translation.
Subject-Location-Verb.
Score: /5
Summary
大厅 is the welcoming, spacious entrance hall of a building.
- 大厅 means lobby or hall.
- It is a large public room.
- Commonly used in hotels and offices.
- Easy to use in daily sentences.
Memory Palace
Visualize your favorite hotel lobby.
Native Usage
Use it for meeting points.
Cultural Insight
Lobbies are social hubs.
Grammar Shortcut
Always use '在' before the location.
