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B1 verb, noun #3,000 most common 10 min read

装修

zhuangxiu Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 装修 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 装修 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 装修 (zhuāngxiū) means 'to decorate' or 'to fix up' a house. You should treat it as a simple verb. For example, if you want to say 'I like this decoration,' you can say '我喜欢这个装修.' At this stage, don't worry about the complex difference between 'hard renovation' and 'soft decoration.' Just remember that when you see a house being painted or worked on, the word to use is 装修. It's helpful to associate it with '房子' (fángzi - house). Phrases like '装修房子' (decorate/renovate a house) are perfect for your level. You might also see this word on signs in shops that are closed for a few days; it tells you they are making the place look better. Keep it simple: 装修 = house + making it look nice.

At the A2 level, you can start using 装修 (zhuāngxiū) in more complete sentences. You should be able to describe basic plans, like 'We are going to renovate next month' (我们下个月要装修). You should also recognize it as a noun, such as in 'The renovation is very beautiful' (装修很漂亮). This is a good time to learn the adjective '新' (xīn - new) with 装修, as in '新装修的房子' (a newly renovated house). You can also start using the '把' (bǎ) structure in a very basic way: '把房间装修一下' (renovate the room a bit). At A2, you are beginning to understand that 装修 is a process that takes time and effort, and you can use it to talk about your living environment in a more descriptive way.

At the B1 level, you should understand the full scope of 装修 (zhuāngxiū), including the fact that it involves both construction and decoration. You should be able to discuss '装修风格' (renovation style) and express preferences, such as '我喜欢简单的装修风格' (I like a simple renovation style). You will likely encounter this word in the context of buying or renting an apartment in China, where '精装修' (fully finished) and '毛坯' (raw shell) are important terms. You should be comfortable using 装修 in complex sentences with resultative complements or duration, like '装修花了半年时间' (The renovation took half a year). This is also the stage where you should distinguish 装修 from '修理' (to repair) and '装饰' (to decorate ornaments).

At the B2 level, 装修 (zhuāngxiū) becomes a topic for deeper discussion. You can talk about the '装修市场' (renovation market), the cost of materials, and the challenges of managing a renovation project. You should be able to use technical terms related to 装修, such as '硬装' (hard decoration) and '软装' (soft decoration). In a conversation, you might discuss the pros and cons of '全屋定制' (whole-house customization) or how 装修 reflects a person's social status. You should be able to read articles or watch videos about home design and understand the nuances of different styles (e.g., '欧式' vs. '日式'). Your grammar should allow you to discuss the causal relationships between 装修 choices and the final result (e.g., '因为装修质量不好，所以墙面裂了' - Because the renovation quality was poor, the wall cracked).

At the C1 level, you use 装修 (zhuāngxiū) with professional precision. You can discuss the word in the context of interior architecture, urban development, and the economic impact of the renovation industry. You should understand related formal terms like '修缮' (restoration) and '改造' (transformation) and know exactly when to substitute them for 装修. You can express complex opinions on '环保装修' (eco-friendly renovation) and the health impacts of materials like formaldehyde (甲醛). Your vocabulary should include idiomatic ways to describe renovation, and you can navigate legal or contractual discussions regarding '装修合同' (renovation contracts). At this level, you are not just talking about a house; you are discussing design philosophy and the industry as a whole.

At the C2 level, 装修 (zhuāngxiū) is a concept you can analyze from sociological or historical perspectives. You might discuss how the evolution of 装修 styles in China reflects the country's rapid modernization and changing middle-class values. You can appreciate and use high-level literary descriptions of architecture and interior spaces where 装修 might be replaced by more poetic terms like '装潢' (zhuānghuáng) or '雕梁画栋' (diāoliáng-huàdòng). You are capable of debating the ethics of '过度装修' (excessive renovation) and its environmental footprint. Your mastery is such that you can understand the subtle implications of 装修 choices in literature or film as a means of character development, and you can speak about the industry's regulatory framework with native-like fluency.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

装修 in 30 Seconds

装修 means to renovate or decorate a building or room.
It covers both 'hard' construction (floors, walls) and 'soft' decor (furniture, paint).
It is a major cultural and economic topic in China due to 'shell' apartments.
Commonly used as '装修房子' (renovate a house) or '装修风格' (renovation style).

The word 装修 (zhuāngxiū) is a fundamental term in the Chinese language, particularly when discussing housing, interior design, and home improvement. At its core, it translates to 'to renovate,' 'to decorate,' or 'to fit out.' However, the cultural weight of 装修 in China is significantly heavier than the English word 'renovation' might suggest. In many Western countries, houses are often sold 'move-in ready.' In contrast, a vast majority of new apartments in China are sold as máopīfáng (毛坯房), which are essentially concrete shells without flooring, painted walls, or even internal doors. Consequently, 装修 is not just a luxury or a hobby; it is a mandatory, often months-long project that every homeowner must undertake to make a space habitable.

Functional Scope: It covers everything from structural changes like moving non-load-bearing walls and installing electrical wiring to aesthetic choices like wallpaper, lighting fixtures, and cabinetry.
Social Context: In social circles, discussing 装修 is a common icebreaker among adults. It signals a major life milestone—buying a home—and allows people to share advice on contractors, material costs, and design trends.

我家正在装修，到处都是灰尘。 (My house is currently being renovated; there is dust everywhere.)

The term is composed of two characters: 装 (zhuāng), meaning to dress up, pack, or install, and 修 (xiū), meaning to repair, build, or study. Together, they imply a process of both 'installing' new elements and 'refining' the structure. You will hear this word used as both a verb ('We are renovating') and a noun ('The renovation is expensive'). It is applicable to residential homes, commercial offices, and retail shops. When a shop closes for a few weeks to change its look, the sign on the door will inevitably say '内部装修' (Internal Renovation).

Beyond the physical labor, 装修 carries connotations of personal expression and social status. The style of 装修—whether it is 'Middle Eastern,' 'Scandinavian,' 'Minimalist,' or 'Traditional Chinese'—is a reflection of the owner's taste and wealth. It is also a significant economic driver in China, supporting a massive industry of materials suppliers, interior designers, and specialized labor crews. Understanding this word is essential for anyone living in a Chinese-speaking environment, as it touches on the universal human desire to create a home while navigating the specific logistical and cultural realities of the Chinese real estate market.

Using 装修 (zhuāngxiū) correctly requires understanding its flexibility as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it often takes an object—the place being renovated. For example, '装修房子' (renovating a house). However, it is frequently used with the '把' (bǎ) construction to emphasize the result or the process being applied to a specific space.

我想把厨房重新装修一下。 (I want to renovate the kitchen a bit.)

The '一下' (yíxià) Softener: Adding '一下' after the verb 装修 makes the tone more casual or indicates a smaller-scale project, much like saying 'do a bit of decorating' in English.

As a noun, 装修 often appears at the beginning of a sentence as the subject or after a possessive. You might talk about the '装修风格' (renovation style) or the '装修质量' (renovation quality). In this noun form, it is often modified by adjectives that describe the level of luxury or the specific aesthetic. For instance, '豪华装修' (háohuá zhuāngxiū) refers to a luxury renovation, while '中式装修' (zhōngshì zhuāngxiū) refers to a Chinese-style renovation.

这间办公室的装修非常现代化。 (The renovation/decoration of this office is very modern.)

One grammatical nuance to note is that 装修 implies a certain level of permanency. You wouldn't use 装修 for simply moving a chair or hanging a single picture; that would be '布置' (bùzhì - to arrange/decorate). 装修 involves 'fixing' things to the structure. Another common pattern is '正在装修' (currently under renovation), which is a standard phrase used to explain why a building is closed or why there is loud noise in the neighborhood.

Finally, when discussing the duration of the work, you use the '...了' (le) duration pattern. '装修了三个月' (renovated for three months). Because 装修 is a long process, you will often see it paired with time-related words like '工期' (gōngqī - construction period) or '完工' (wángōng - to finish work). Mastering these patterns allows you to navigate everything from casual small talk to signing a formal contract with a renovation company (装修公司).

In the daily life of a Chinese city, 装修 (zhuāngxiū) is an unavoidable topic. You will hear it in elevators when neighbors apologize for the drilling noise coming from the 12th floor. You will see it on large colorful banners covering the storefronts of new restaurants in a shopping mall. It is a word that permeates both the physical environment and the digital landscape. On social media platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), '装修' is a massive category where users share 'before and after' photos, material recommendations, and 'avoiding pitfalls' (避坑 - bì kēng) guides.

In the Community: Property management notices (物业通知) often list the '装修时间' (renovation hours) to ensure that the noise doesn't disturb residents during early mornings or late nights.
In Real Estate: Agents will emphasize a home's '精装修' status as a selling point, or conversely, describe a place as '原房装修' (original renovation) to suggest it might need an update.

对不起，楼上在装修，可能有点吵。 (Sorry, the upstairs is being renovated; it might be a bit noisy.)

Another common scenario is the '装修市场' (renovation market) or '建材市场' (building materials market). These are massive complexes where people spend their weekends picking out tiles, toilets, and light switches. You'll hear phrases like '全屋定制' (whole-house customization) and '硬装' (yìngzhuāng - hard renovation, like walls and floors) vs. '软装' (ruǎnzhuāng - soft decoration, like curtains and furniture). These sub-terms all revolve around the central concept of 装修.

In a professional setting, architects and interior designers use 装修 when discussing blueprints with clients. They might ask, '您对装修风格有什么要求？' (What are your requirements for the renovation style?). Even in pop culture, there are reality TV shows centered around 'dream renovations,' where designers transform tiny, dilapidated hutong houses into modern living spaces. In all these contexts, 装修 represents a bridge between a raw, uninhabitable space and a personalized, functional home.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with 装修 (zhuāngxiū) is using it too narrowly or confusing it with similar terms like '装饰' (zhuāngshì - decorate) or '修理' (xiūlǐ - repair). While 'decorate' is a valid translation for 装修, it doesn't capture the full scope. If you tell a Chinese friend you are '装饰' your house, they will imagine you are putting up Christmas lights or hanging a few paintings. If you are actually painting the walls and replacing the floors, you must use 装修.

装修 vs. 修理: Use '修理' when something is broken and needs fixing (like a leaky pipe or a broken chair). Use '装修' when you are improving or changing the look and structure of a space, even if nothing is technically 'broken.'
装修 vs. 布置: '布置' (bùzhì) refers to the arrangement of furniture and decor. 装修 is the 'hard' work that happens before the furniture is arranged.

Wrong: 我要把灯装修一下。 (I want to renovate the lamp.)
Right: 我要把灯修理一下。 (I want to fix the lamp.)

Another common error is grammatical. Learners often forget that 装修 is a noun-verb (separable-like) compound in some contexts, though not technically a separable verb. You don't usually say '装了三个小时修.' Instead, you say '装修了三个小时.' Additionally, when using it as a noun, beginners sometimes forget to include the '的' (de) when describing the style. It should be '装修的风格' or '装修风格,' but never just '装修风格' as a single verb phrase when you mean 'the style of the renovation.'

Finally, be careful with the word '装修工人' (renovation worker). While correct, in casual conversation, people often refer to them by their specific trade, such as '电工' (diàngōng - electrician) or '木工' (mùgōng - carpenter). Using the general term 装修 is fine, but as you advance, being specific about which part of the 装修 is happening will make your Chinese sound much more natural. For example, '正在刷漆' (currently painting) is more descriptive than just '正在装修.'

To truly master the vocabulary of home improvement, you need to know the alternatives to 装修 (zhuāngxiū) and when to use them. Depending on the scale and the intent of the work, different words may be more appropriate.

翻新 (fānxīn): This means 'to refurbish' or 'to make something old look new again.' While 装修 is for any renovation, 翻新 specifically implies that the space was old or worn out. You '翻新' an old apartment to make it look brand new.
改造 (gǎizào): This means 'to transform' or 'to restructure.' If you are changing a bedroom into a home office, or a factory into an art gallery, you are doing a '改造.' It implies a change in function, not just appearance.
修缮 (xiūshàn): This is a more formal and academic term, often used for 'restoration' of historical buildings or temples. You wouldn't use this for your modern apartment, but you would see it in a news report about the Great Wall.

我们打算把旧房子翻新一下再卖掉。 (We plan to refurbish the old house before selling it.)

If you are talking about the purely decorative side—like picking out cushions and vases—the word 装饰 (zhuāngshì) or 布置 (bùzhì) is better. 装饰 is 'to decorate' in the sense of adding ornaments. 布置 is 'to arrange' or 'to set up.' For example, '布置会场' (to set up a meeting venue) or '装饰圣诞树' (to decorate a Christmas tree). 装修 is too 'heavy' for these contexts.

In commercial contexts, you might also hear 整修 (zhěngxiū), which means 'to overhaul' or 'to renovate extensively.' This is common for public infrastructure or large buildings. For example, '道路整修' (road renovation/maintenance). By choosing the right word from this family, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of the nuances of Chinese and can describe your environment with much greater precision.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, 装修 was restricted by strict sumptuary laws. Only the Emperor could use certain colors (like yellow) and certain roof decorations. Renovating your house 'above your station' could result in severe punishment!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dʒwæŋ ʃjuː/

US /dʒwɑːŋ ʃjuː/

The primary stress is usually equal on both syllables, though 'zhuāng' might feel slightly more emphasized as the action verb.

Rhymes With

窗 (chuāng) 双 (shuāng) 秋 (qiū) 优 (yōu) 休 (xiū) 光 (guāng) 方 (fāng) 牛 (niú)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'xiū' like 'zee-oo'. It must be a 'sh' sound.
Failing to use the nasal 'ng' in 'zhuāng'.
Pronouncing 'zhuāng' with a flat 'z' instead of the curled 'zh'.
Confusing the tones: It is zhuāng (1st tone, high flat) and xiū (1st tone, high flat).
Saying 'shio' instead of 'xiu' (the 'u' is actually an 'iou' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are moderately complex but very common in daily life.

Writing 4/5

Writing '装修' requires many strokes; '修' can be tricky to remember.

Speaking 2/5

The pronunciation is straightforward once you master the 'zh' and 'x' sounds.

Listening 2/5

Very easy to recognize because it is used so frequently in urban environments.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

房子房间漂亮做新

Learn Next

家具设计材料风格合同

Advanced

装潢修缮甲醛承重墙软装

Grammar to Know

The 'Ba' (把) Construction with 装修

我把客厅装修了。

Duration of action with '了'

他装修了半年。

Using '的' to create noun phrases

新装修的办公室很亮。

Resultative complements with 装修

房子装修好了。

Negative '没' for past actions

我还没装修呢。

Examples by Level

我的房间要装修。

My room needs to be decorated.

Subject + 要 (yào - want/need) + 装修.

这个装修很漂亮。

This decoration is very beautiful.

装修 used as a noun here.

他在装修房子。

He is renovating the house.

在 (zài) indicates an ongoing action.

我不喜欢这个装修。

I don't like this decoration/renovation.

Negative form using 不 (bù).

你的家装修了吗？

Has your home been renovated?

了 (le) indicates completion.

我们要装修厨房。

We are going to renovate the kitchen.

装修 + Object (kitchen).

装修很贵吗？

Is renovation expensive?

Simple question with 吗 (ma).

新装修的家很好。

The newly renovated home is very good.

新装修的 (newly renovated) acts as an adjective.

我想把卧室装修成蓝色。

I want to renovate the bedroom into blue.

把 (bǎ) structure + 装修成 (zhuāngxiū chéng - renovate into).

这家饭店正在装修。

This restaurant is currently under renovation.

正在 (zhèngzài) + 装修.

装修花了两个月。

The renovation took two months.

花了 (huāle - spent/took) + time duration.

你喜欢什么样的装修风格？

What kind of renovation style do you like?

装修风格 (renovation style) is a common compound.

装修以后，房子变大了。

After renovation, the house became bigger.

装修以后 (after renovation).

他是一个装修工人。

He is a renovation worker.

装修工人 (renovation worker).

我们自己装修，不请公司。

We are renovating ourselves, not hiring a company.

自己 (zìjǐ - self) + 装修.

这里的装修很有特色。

The decoration here is very unique.

很有特色 (hěn yǒu tèsè - very unique/characteristic).

为了省钱，他选择了简单装修。

To save money, he chose a simple renovation.

简单装修 (jiǎndān zhuāngxiū - simple renovation).

这套房子是精装修，可以直接入住。

This apartment is fully renovated; you can move in directly.

精装修 (jīngzhuāngxiū - high-end/full renovation).

装修的时候，噪音非常大。

When renovating, the noise is very loud.

...的时候 (...de shíhòu - when).

你应该先找一家靠谱的装修公司。

You should first find a reliable renovation company.

靠谱的 (kàopǔ de - reliable) + 装修公司.

装修费比预想的要高很多。

The renovation cost is much higher than expected.

装修费 (zhuāngxiū fèi - renovation fee).

这个商场正在进行内部装修。

This mall is undergoing internal renovation.

进行 (jìnxíng - to carry out) + 内部装修.

我们要重新装修一下客厅。

We need to re-renovate the living room.

重新 (chóngxīn - again/anew) + 装修.

他把所有的积蓄都花在装修上了。

He spent all his savings on the renovation.

花在...上 (huā zài... shàng - spend on...).

现在的装修材料越来越环保了。

Renovation materials nowadays are becoming more and more eco-friendly.

装修材料 (renovation materials).

由于装修质量不过关，地板开始变形了。

Due to poor renovation quality, the floor started to warp.

质量不过关 (zhìliàng bù guòguān - quality not meeting standards).

这种北欧风格的装修在年轻人中很流行。

This Nordic-style renovation is very popular among young people.

在...中很流行 (popular among...).

装修合同中必须明确工期和材料标准。

The renovation contract must clearly state the construction period and material standards.

装修合同 (renovation contract).

他打算把老房子改造一下，重新装修。

He plans to transform the old house and renovate it again.

改造 (gǎizào) + 重新装修.

业主对这次的装修效果非常满意。

The owner is very satisfied with the result of this renovation.

装修效果 (renovation effect/result).

软装比硬装更能体现主人的品味。

Soft decoration reflects the owner's taste more than hard renovation.

软装 (soft decor) vs 硬装 (hard renovation).

装修期间，我们只能住在酒店里。

During the renovation, we can only stay in a hotel.

装修期间 (during the renovation period).

室内装修不仅是美学，更涉及空间利用学。

Interior renovation is not just aesthetics; it involves space utilization.

不仅是...更涉及... (not only... but also involves...).

为了避免装修污染，完工后应通风几个月。

To avoid renovation pollution, the place should be ventilated for several months after completion.

装修污染 (renovation pollution, referring to chemicals).

这家酒店的装修融合了东西方的设计理念。

The renovation of this hotel blends Eastern and Western design concepts.

融合 (rónghé - blend/fuse).

他从事装修行业多年，经验非常丰富。

He has been in the renovation industry for many years and is very experienced.

从事...行业 (engaged in the ... industry).

由于预算有限，他们不得不削减装修开支。

Due to a limited budget, they had to cut renovation expenses.

削减 (xuējiǎn - cut/reduce) + 装修开支 (expenditure).

这种复古的装修风格勾起了人们的怀旧情结。

This retro renovation style evokes people's sense of nostalgia.

勾起 (gōuqǐ - evoke/stir up).

在旧城改造中，如何保留原有装修的韵味是一大难题。

In urban renewal, how to preserve the charm of original decorations is a major challenge.

韵味 (yùnwèi - charm/lasting appeal).

装修工程的延期给业主带来了极大的不便。

The delay of the renovation project caused great inconvenience to the owner.

给...带来不便 (cause inconvenience to...).

该建筑的内部装修极尽奢华，彰显了其显赫的地位。

The interior renovation of the building is extremely luxurious, highlighting its prominent status.

极尽奢华 (jíjìn shēhuá - extremely luxurious).

装修风格的变迁折射出当代社会审美观的演变。

The change in renovation styles reflects the evolution of contemporary social aesthetics.

折射出 (zhéshè chū - reflect).

过度装修不仅造成资源浪费，也可能危害人体健康。

Excessive renovation not only causes resource waste but may also harm human health.

过度 (guòdù - excessive).

设计师巧妙地运用光影，提升了装修的整体质感。

The designer skillfully used light and shadow to enhance the overall texture of the renovation.

质感 (zhìgǎn - texture/quality).

即便是在极简主义盛行的今天，中式传统装修依然占有一席之地。

Even today, when minimalism prevails, traditional Chinese decoration still holds a place.

占有一席之地 (zhànyǒu yīxízhīdì - to have a place/niche).

装修中的每一个细节都体现了工匠精神的传承。

Every detail in the renovation reflects the inheritance of the craftsman spirit.

体现 (tǐxiàn - embody/reflect).

这种装修方案在功能性与美学之间达到了完美的平衡。

This renovation plan achieves a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics.

达到平衡 (dádào pínghéng - achieve balance).

面对纷繁复杂的装修市场，消费者往往感到无所适从。

Faced with the complicated renovation market, consumers often feel at a loss.

无所适从 (wúsuǒshìcóng - at a loss/don't know what to do).

Synonyms

装饰修整翻新

Antonyms

拆除损毁

Common Collocations

装修风格

装修材料

精装修

装修费

装修公司

室内装修

装修工程

简单装修

装修垃圾

豪华装修

Common Phrases

正在装修

— Currently under renovation. Used to explain closures or noise.

商场正在装修，请走侧门。

毛坯房装修

— Renovating a shell apartment. A very common task in China.

毛坯房装修需要很多精力。

二次装修

— Second-time renovation. Usually when buying a pre-owned home.

这套二手房需要二次装修。

装修合同

— Renovation contract. Essential for legal protection.

签字前请仔细阅读装修合同。

装修污染

— Pollution caused by renovation materials (like gas).

我们要警惕装修污染。

拎包入住

— Move-in ready (literally 'bring your bag and enter').

这套精装修房可以拎包入住。

装修工期

— The duration of the renovation project.

由于天气原因，装修工期延长了。

装修图纸

— Renovation blueprints or design drawings.

设计师正在修改装修图纸。

包工包料

— Contracting both labor and materials.

我选择了包工包料的装修方式。

装修效果图

— 3D rendering of what the renovation will look like.

这张装修效果图看起来很美。

Often Confused With

装修 vs 装饰

Decoration (ornaments) vs. Renovation (construction).

装修 vs 修理

Fixing something broken vs. Renovating a space.

装修 vs 修路

Repairing a road vs. Renovating a room (uses the same 'xiu').

Idioms & Expressions

"焕然一新"

— To take on a completely new look. Often the result of a good 装修.

装修之后，整个家焕然一新。

Idiomatic

"雕梁画栋"

— Richly carved and painted beams. Refers to traditional high-end decoration.

这座古宅到处都是雕梁画栋。

Literary

"金碧辉煌"

— Resplendent and magnificent. Describes very luxury/gold-colored 装修.

酒店的大堂装修得金碧辉煌。

Idiomatic

"家徒四壁"

— To have nothing but four bare walls. The opposite of a renovated house.

他虽然家徒四壁，但非常有志气。

Idiomatic

"锦上添花"

— To add flowers to brocade. To make something already good even better (like adding decor to a good room).

这些画给装修起到了锦上添花的作用。

Idiomatic

"别具一格"

— To have a unique style. Often used to praise a unique 装修风格.

他的装修风格别具一格。

Idiomatic

"大兴土木"

— To go in for large-scale building projects. Sometimes negative for excessive 装修.

邻居家最近大兴土木，吵得要命。

Idiomatic

"美轮美奂"

— Magnificent and beautiful. Usually used for buildings and their interiors.

剧院的装修美轮美奂。

Idiomatic

"修旧如旧"

— To restore something old so it looks like it did originally.

这座古庙的修缮坚持了修旧如旧的原则。

Technical/Formal

"雅俗共赏"

— To suit both refined and popular tastes. A goal for many 装修 designs.

这种装修风格雅俗共赏。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

装修 vs 布置

Both involve making a room look better.

布置 is about moving furniture and small items; 装修 is about permanent structural changes.

他在布置生日聚会的现场。

装修 vs 翻新

Both mean making a place look new.

翻新 specifically implies taking something old and making it look like it did when new.

这辆旧车翻新后像新的一样。

装修 vs 维护

Both involve taking care of a building.

维护 is maintenance to keep things working; 装修 is to change or improve the look/feel.

电梯需要定期维护。

装修 vs 装潢

Very similar meaning.

装潢 is more formal and often used for commercial or artistic mounting (like a picture frame).

书店的内部装潢非常典雅。

装修 vs 改造

Both involve changes to a building.

改造 implies a significant change in structure or purpose (e.g., attic to bedroom).

旧仓库改造计划已经获批。

Sentence Patterns

我喜欢 [Adjective] 装修。

我喜欢简单的装修。

我想把 [Room] 装修一下。

我想把卧室装修一下。

由于 [Reason]，装修停工了。

由于没钱，装修停工了。

与其 [Option A]，不如重新装修。

与其买新房，不如重新装修。

装修不仅关乎美观，更关乎 [Topic]。

装修不仅关乎美观，更关乎环保。

纵观装修史，[Observation]。

纵观装修史，极简主义从未过时。

这家店的装修很有 [Noun]。

这家店的装修很有艺术感。

装修要花多少钱？

装修卧室要花多少钱？

Word Family

Nouns

装修工 (zhuāngxiūgōng - worker)

装修费 (zhuāngxiūfèi - fee)

装修队 (zhuāngxiūduì - team)

Verbs

装 (zhuāng - to install/pack)

修 (xiū - to repair/build)

Adjectives

装修好的 (zhuāngxiū hǎo de - renovated)

精装修的 (jīngzhuāngxiū de - fully finished)

家具 (jiājù - furniture)

建材 (jiàncái - building materials)

设计师 (shèjìshī - designer)

油漆 (yóuqī - paint)

地板 (dìbǎn - floor)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in urban China.

Common Mistakes

Using 装修 for fixing a broken phone. → 使用'修理'或'修'。
装修 is only for buildings and interior spaces.
Saying '我喜欢这个装修' when you mean you like a small ornament. → 使用'装饰'。
装修 refers to the whole room's renovation, not just one small item.
Forgetting the '的' in '装修风格' when it acts as an adjective. → 装修的风格 or 装修风格.
While '装修风格' is a common compound, beginners often mess up the possessive link.
Using 装修 to describe putting up posters. → 使用'布置'或'贴'。
Posters are too temporary to be called 装修.
Confusing 装修 with 建筑 (jiànzhù). → 建筑 is the building itself; 装修 is the interior work.
You build (建筑) a skyscraper, but you renovate (装修) the offices inside.

Tips

Think Big

Always use 装修 for big projects involving walls, floors, or whole rooms. Don't use it for small fixes.

The 'Shell' Context

Remember that in China, 装修 is a massive undertaking because many homes are sold as empty concrete shells.

The 'Ba' Construction

Master the '把房子装修一下' pattern. It's the most natural way to express the desire to renovate.

Style Matters

Learn '装修风格' (renovation style) early. It's a great conversation starter with Chinese homeowners.

Noise Clues

If you hear loud drilling in a Chinese apartment building, someone is definitely '在装修'.

Health Tip

In China, people often talk about '装修污染' (renovation pollution). It refers to chemical smells in new homes.

Contract Knowledge

If you ever renovate in China, the '装修合同' is your most important document.

Softening the Tone

Adding '一下' after 装修 makes you sound less like a boss and more like a casual homeowner.

Character Detail

Be careful with the left side of '装'. It is '壮', which means strong. Think: you need to be strong to renovate!

Beyond 装修

Once you master 装修, learn '硬装' and '软装' to sound like a professional designer.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Zhuang' as 'Joining' things together and 'Xiu' as 'X-raying' the walls to fix them. You Join and Fix to Renovate.

Visual Association

Imagine a man in overalls (Zhuang) holding a paintbrush and a woman (Xiu) holding a blueprint, standing in an empty room.

Word Web

房子油漆木头工人漂亮钱设计风格

Challenge

Try to describe your dream house's 装修风格 using three adjectives in Chinese. For example: '我的装修风格是现代、简单和明亮的。'

Word Origin

The word is a combination of two classical characters. '装' (zhuāng) originally referred to dressing or packing for a journey, later extending to 'installing' or 'adorning.' '修' (xiū) originally meant to wash or refine, later meaning to repair or build. Their combination into a single term for house renovation became standard in the modern era.

Original meaning: To adorn and repair a structure.

Sino-Tibetan (Sinitic)

Cultural Context

Be careful when complaining about renovation noise to neighbors; it is considered a necessary evil of city life, and being too aggressive can damage 'guānxì' (relationships).

In the US or UK, 'renovation' often implies fixing an old house. In China, 装修 is most commonly associated with brand new apartments.

Reality show: 'Dream Home' (梦想改造家) - A popular show about extreme renovations. The phrase '装修陷阱' (Renovation Traps) is a common media topic warning consumers about scams. Social media tag #装修案例 (Renovation Case Studies) on platforms like WeChat.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Buying a new home

这房子是精装还是毛坯？
装修预算是多少？
什么时候可以开始装修？
装修质量有保证吗？

Dealing with neighbors

不好意思，我家在装修。
装修噪音太大了。
周末可以不装修吗？
装修什么时候结束？

At a design firm

我想要现代简约风格。
请帮我设计一下装修方案。
这个材料环保吗？
装修效果图什么时候出？

In a shopping mall

内部装修，暂停营业。
装修期间，请绕行。
新装修开业，全场八折。
这里的装修很高档。

Reading news/blogs

装修避坑指南
十万块如何装修？
最受欢迎的装修风格
装修污染的危害

Conversation Starters

"你家装修了吗？是什么风格的？"

"你觉得装修的时候最麻烦的事情是什么？"

"如果给你一百万，你会怎么装修你的房子？"

"你喜欢自己动手装修，还是请专业的公司？"

"最近你有没有看到什么特别漂亮的装修案例？"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你理想中的家是什么样子的，包括装修风格和颜色。

如果你正在装修，写下你今天遇到的一个问题和解决方法。

谈谈你对‘过度装修’的看法，你觉得简单装修更好吗？

记录一次你参观朋友新家装修的经历，你最喜欢哪一部分？

写一封信给装修公司，要求他们修改目前的装修方案。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Generally, 装修 refers to the 'hard' parts like floors and walls. However, in common speech, '装修' might include built-in furniture like cabinets. Buying loose furniture is usually called '买家具' or part of '软装'.

No. For clothes, we use '装饰' (decorate) or '打扮' (dress up). 装修 is specifically for buildings and rooms.

It means 'fine renovation' or 'fully finished.' It's a real estate term for apartments that come with flooring, painted walls, and kitchen/bathroom fixtures already installed.

Yes. For example: '这个装修很贵' (This renovation/decoration is expensive).

You can say '装修工人' (zhuāngxiū gōngrén).

There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but '拆除' (chāichú - demolish) is the reverse action.

It is neutral. It is used in both casual conversations and formal contracts.

No. You should use '修理电脑' or '修电脑'. 装修 is only for buildings.

It stands for '软装修' (soft decoration), referring to non-permanent items like curtains, rugs, and art.

Technically no, but it consists of two characters that can sometimes be used separately in other contexts. In the sense of 'renovate,' it's treated as a single unit.