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A2 noun 10 min read

单人间

dānrénjiān

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 单人间 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 单人间 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should recognize '单人间' as a basic vocabulary word for travel. You need to know that '单' (dān) means one or single, '人' (rén) means person, and '间' (jiān) means room. This word is essential for basic survival Chinese, such as booking a room at a hostel or hotel. You should be able to say '我要一个单人间' (I want a single room) and understand the price when someone tells you. Focus on the literal meaning: one-person-room. It's a concrete noun that you can visualize easily. At this stage, don't worry about the complex history of the word, just focus on using it to get what you need while traveling.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use '单人间' in more complex sentences involving adjectives and prices. You can describe the room, such as '这个单人间很干净' (This single room is very clean). You should also start using the correct measure word '间' (jiān) more consistently. A2 learners can compare room types, for example, '单人间比双人间便宜' (A single room is cheaper than a double room). You should also be familiar with related terms like '单人床' (single bed) and '预订' (to book). This level is about moving from simple requests to basic descriptions and comparisons.

By B1, you should be comfortable using '单人间' in a variety of contexts, including explaining your preferences. You might say, '因为我一个人旅行，所以我只需要一个单人间' (Because I am traveling alone, I only need a single room). You should also be able to handle problems, such as '我的单人间没有热水' (My single room doesn't have hot water). At this level, you start to understand the cultural context—why someone might choose a single room in a university setting versus a hotel. You should also recognize the word in written advertisements and online booking platforms, understanding the difference between a 'standard' single and a 'deluxe' one.

At the B2 level, you can use '单人间' to discuss more abstract concepts like privacy and the 'single economy.' You can understand nuanced descriptions of rooms in literature or news reports. For instance, you might read an article about the rising cost of '单人间' in major cities like Beijing. You should be able to negotiate or discuss specific room features with confidence. '虽然是单人间，但空间利用得非常好' (Although it's a single room, the space is used very well). You are also expected to know synonyms and how to switch between formal and informal terms depending on the situation.

At the C1 level, '单人间' is a word you use fluently without thinking. You can discuss the sociological implications of single-room living in urban China, such as the 'nesting' habits of young urbanites. You understand the word's use in professional contracts, housing laws, and complex architectural descriptions. You can appreciate the word's appearance in poetry or sophisticated prose where it might symbolize solitude or independence. Your vocabulary around this topic is extensive, including architectural terms for room layouts and specific industry jargon used by hotel managers and real estate developers.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of '单人间.' You can engage in deep discussions about the evolution of domestic space in China and how the '单人间' reflects broader shifts in familial structures and individual identity. You can use the term in high-level academic writing or professional presentations within the hospitality or urban planning industries. You are aware of regional dialects and how the term might vary across the Chinese-speaking world (e.g., differences between Mainland China, Taiwan, and Singapore). Your understanding is both linguistic and deeply cultural, allowing you to use the word with precision, irony, or emotional depth as required.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

单人间 in 30 Seconds

A '单人间' is a room for one person, commonly found in hotels and dorms.
The word combines 'single' (单), 'person' (人), and 'room/space' (间).
It is a key term for solo travelers booking accommodation in China.
Grammatically, it uses '间' or '个' as a measure word.

The term 单人间 (dān rén jiān) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language, specifically within the hospitality and housing sectors. At its core, it refers to a room designed for occupancy by exactly one person. For English speakers, this directly maps to the concept of a 'single room.' However, the linguistic construction of the word provides deeper insight into how Chinese categorizes space and number. The word is composed of three distinct characters: 单 (dān), meaning single, odd, or individual; 人 (rén), meaning person or human; and 间 (jiān), which functions as a noun for 'room' or 'space' and also serves as the classifier for rooms themselves.

Hotel Context: In a hotel or hostel, this is the most basic private accommodation. It typically contains one single bed (单人床), a small desk, and a private or shared bathroom depending on the establishment's class.
Dormitory Context: In Chinese universities, where shared rooms are the norm, a 单人间 is a luxury often reserved for high-ranking faculty, international students, or senior PhD candidates.

对不起，我们饭店的单人间已经订满了。 (Sorry, our hotel's single rooms are fully booked.)

Historically, the concept of a 'single room' in China has evolved significantly. In the mid-20th century, collective living was standard, and the idea of a private 单人间 was a marker of high status or specific professional needs. Today, with the rise of the 'single economy' (单身经济), these rooms are ubiquitous. When traveling in China, knowing how to ask for a 单人间 is essential for ensuring your privacy and managing your budget. While a '标准间' (standard room) usually implies two beds, the 单人间 is your go-to for solo privacy.

我想要一间带浴室的单人间。 (I would like a single room with a bathroom.)

Business Travel: Solo business travelers frequently request single rooms to focus on work and rest without the distractions of a roommate.

Furthermore, the word reflects a shift in social values. The '单' in 单人间 emphasizes individuality. In a culture that has traditionally valued the '我们' (we/us) over the '我' (I/me), the increasing availability and demand for single rooms highlight the growing importance of personal space and individual autonomy in contemporary Chinese society. Whether you are booking a room via an app like Ctrip or speaking directly to a receptionist, using this term correctly will help you navigate the logistical nuances of staying in China. It is not just a room; it is a designated space for the individual in a vast, interconnected world.

Using 单人间 correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its relationship with measure words. In Chinese, nouns usually require a classifier (measure word) when being counted. For rooms, the most common measure words are 个 (gè) and 间 (jiān). While '间' is the specific measure word for rooms, '个' is widely used in informal speech.

Basic Structure: [Number] + [Measure Word] + 单人间. Example: 一个单人间 (One single room).

请问，一晚单人间多少钱？ (Excuse me, how much is a single room for one night?)

When booking accommodation, you will often use verbs like 预订 (yùdìng - to book/reserve), 住 (zhù - to stay/live), or 想 (xiǎng - to want). The word can also be modified by adjectives to provide more detail about the room's quality or location. For example, '安静的单人间' (ānjìng de dānrénjiān) means a quiet single room, and '便宜的单人间' (piányi de dānrénjiān) means a cheap single room.

我已经在网上预订了一个单人间。 (I have already booked a single room online.)

In professional or formal contexts, you might encounter the term in contracts or official hotel descriptions. It is rarely abbreviated in formal writing, though in very casual text messages, people might just say '单人' if the context of 'room' is already established. However, for learners, sticking to the full '单人间' is recommended to ensure clarity. You should also be aware of the plural form; while Chinese doesn't change the noun itself, you would use '这些单人间' (these single rooms) or '几间单人间' (several single rooms) to indicate plurality.

Verb-Object Pairing: Common verbs that take '单人间' as an object include '要' (want), '订' (book), '住' (live/stay in), and '找' (look for).

Finally, consider the context of the room's features. If you need a single room with specific amenities, you would use the structure '[Feature] + 的 + 单人间'. For example, '带窗户的单人间' (a single room with a window) or '带大床的单人间' (a single room with a large bed). Mastering these variations allows you to communicate your specific needs effectively in any lodging scenario.

The word 单人间 is most frequently heard in environments related to travel, hospitality, and institutional living. If you are standing at the front desk of a hotel (前台 - qiántái), this word will be a staple of your conversation. Receptionists will use it to describe availability, prices, and room assignments. You will also hear it in travel agencies (旅行社 - lǚxíngshè) when agents are planning itineraries for solo travelers.

先生，这是您的房卡，您的房间是一个单人间，在五楼。 (Sir, here is your room card. Your room is a single room on the fifth floor.)

Another common setting is the academic world. In China, student housing is a major part of campus life. While most students live in shared rooms (宿舍 - sùshè), those looking for more privacy will often inquire about the availability of a '单人间.' This is especially common among graduate students or international exchange students who are used to more private living arrangements. You might hear a student say, '我想申请一个单人间，因为我需要安静的学习环境' (I want to apply for a single room because I need a quiet study environment).

In the digital age, you will see this word everywhere on booking platforms like 携程 (Ctrip), 美团 (Meituan), and 飞猪 (Fliggy). When filtering search results, '单人间' is a standard category. You will also see it in advertisements for 'long-term rental apartments' (长租公寓), which target young professionals in big cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. These apartments often market '精品单人间' (boutique single rooms) as a modern, independent lifestyle choice.

Social Media: On platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), influencers often post about '单人间改造' (single room renovation), showing how to decorate small living spaces.

Lastly, in films and TV dramas, the '单人间' is often a symbol of a character's transitional phase—perhaps a new arrival in a city or someone recovering from a breakup. It represents a space of self-reflection. Hearing the word in these contexts helps learners understand its emotional and social weight beyond just a literal 'room for one.'

Learning 单人间 seems straightforward, but there are several nuances where English speakers often stumble. The first is confusing it with 单人房 (dānrénfáng). While both essentially mean 'single room,' '单人间' is more commonly used in formal hotel listings and academic settings, while '单人房' is slightly more colloquial or used in specific regions like Taiwan or Hong Kong. Using them interchangeably isn't a huge error, but '单人间' is the safer, more standard choice in mainland China.

❌ 我要一间单人。 (I want a single.)
✅ 我要一间单人间。 (I want a single room.)

The second major mistake is the omission of the measure word. In English, we can say 'I want a single,' but in Chinese, you must include the noun 'room' (间/人). Saying just '单人' makes it sound like you are referring to a person who is single, rather than a room. Always remember to add '间' at the end to clarify you are talking about a physical space.

Another common point of confusion is the bed size. In many Western countries, a single room implies a single-sized bed. However, in China, a '单人间' might actually contain a 'double bed' (双人床) but is intended for only one occupant. This is often called a '大床房' (dàchuángfáng). If you specifically need a small bed to save money, or if you are surprised by a large bed in a single room, understanding this industry quirk is vital. Don't assume '单人间' always means a tiny bed.

Measure Word Error: Using the wrong measure word, like '一只' (yī zhī) instead of '一间' (yī jiān). '只' is for animals; '间' is for rooms.

Finally, learners sometimes forget the tone. '单' (dān) is first tone, '人' (rén) is second tone, and '间' (jiān) is first tone. Mispronouncing these can lead to confusion with words like '蛋' (dàn - egg) or '担' (dān - to carry). Practice the flat, rising, flat melody of 'dān-rén-jiān' to be understood clearly by hotel staff.

To truly master 单人间, you must understand its place within the hierarchy of accommodation terms. The most immediate comparison is with 双人间 (shuāngrénjiān), which means 'double room.' While a '单人间' is for one, a '双人间' is for two. However, in China, '双人间' often implies a room with two separate twin beds, whereas a room with one large bed for two people is often called a 大床房 (dàchuángfáng).

单人间 vs. 标准间: A '标准间' (biāozhǔnjiān), or 'Standard Room,' is the most common room type in China. It almost always contains two beds. If you are alone, you can stay in a '标准间,' but it will be more expensive than a '单人间.'
单人间 vs. 套房: A '套房' (tàofáng) is a 'suite.' This is much larger and more expensive than a '单人间,' usually including a separate living area.

比起单人间，我更喜欢住大床房。 (I prefer staying in a king-size room over a single room.)

Another alternative is 三人间 (sānrénjiān - triple room). In budget hostels, you might also find 多人间 (duōrénjiān - dormitory/multi-person room), where you book a single bed (床位 - chuángwèi) rather than the whole room. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when comparing prices and amenities on travel websites.

For those looking for something even smaller and cheaper, the term 单人床位 (dānrén chuángwèi) refers to just a bed in a shared room. This is the ultimate budget option. Conversely, if you want a 'single room' that is high-end, look for '豪华单人间' (háohuá dānrénjiān - deluxe single room). By knowing these alternatives, you can precisely tailor your requests to your needs and budget, ensuring a much smoother travel experience in Chinese-speaking regions.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, the concept of a 'single room' for a traveler was rare; most people stayed in communal inns or '客栈' (kèzhàn).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dæn rɛn dʒiæn/

US /dæn rɛn dʒiæn/

Even stress on all three syllables, following Mandarin tone rules (1-2-1).

Rhymes With

间 (jiān) 天 (tiān) 先 (xiān) 面 (miàn - partial) 边 (biān) 年 (nián - partial) 全 (quán - partial) 点 (diǎn - partial)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'dan' as 'den'.
Failing to rise on the 'ren' (2nd tone).
Confusing 'jian' with 'qian'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are basic and common (A2 level).

Writing 3/5

The character '间' and '单' require some stroke order practice.

Speaking 2/5

Tones are 1-2-1, which is a relatively easy sequence.

Listening 2/5

Clearly distinguishable in hotel/travel contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

人房间一个

Learn Next

双人间预订床浴室价格

Advanced

套房标准间单身经济胶囊旅馆

Grammar to Know

Measure Words

一间单人间 (The word '间' is the specific measure word for rooms.)

Adjective placement

干净的单人间 (Adjectives come before the noun with '的'.)

Existential '有'

单人间里有床。 (Using '有' to show what is in the room.)

Comparison with '比'

单人间比双人间便宜。 (Comparing prices.)

Preposition '在'

他在单人间里。 (Indicating current location.)

Examples by Level

我要一个单人间。

I want a single room.

Uses the basic 'Subject + Verb + Object' structure.

单人间多少钱？

How much is a single room?

A standard question for price.

这是一个单人间。

This is a single room.

Uses '这' as a demonstrative pronoun.

单人间很小。

The single room is small.

Adjective '小' follows the noun.

我有单人间。

I have a single room.

Simple possession with '有'.

那里有单人间吗？

Is there a single room there?

Question using '吗'.

他不想要单人间。

He doesn't want a single room.

Negative sentence with '不'.

单人间在一楼。

The single room is on the first floor.

Indicating location with '在'.

我想订一个便宜的单人间。

I want to book a cheap single room.

Uses '的' to connect the adjective to the noun.

这个单人间比那个大。

This single room is bigger than that one.

Comparative structure with '比'.

饭店里还有单人间吗？

Are there still single rooms in the hotel?

Uses '还有' to mean 'still have'.

我住在一个干净的单人间。

I live in a clean single room.

Action in progress or state of being.

单人间里有一张床。

There is a bed in the single room.

Existential sentence with '里有'.

请给我一间安静的单人间。

Please give me a quiet single room.

Polite request with '请'.

这个单人间的灯坏了。

The light in this single room is broken.

Possessive '的' and status '坏了'.

你喜欢这个单人间吗？

Do you like this single room?

Simple preference question.

如果你一个人住，单人间最合适。

If you live alone, a single room is most suitable.

Conditional sentence with '如果...就'.

由于参加会议的人很多，单人间都订完了。

Since there are many people attending the meeting, all single rooms are booked.

Cause and effect with '由于'.

我希望我的单人间能看到海。

I hope my single room can have a sea view.

Expressing a wish or hope.

虽然单人间很贵，但是环境很好。

Although the single room is expensive, the environment is good.

Concession with '虽然...但是'.

他决定把这间办公室改成单人间。

He decided to turn this office into a single room.

Using '把' for disposal/transformation.

请问单人间是否包含早餐？

Does the single room include breakfast?

Formal question using '是否'.

单人间的面积通常在十五平米左右。

The area of a single room is usually around fifteen square meters.

Describing measurements and '左右' (around).

为了省钱，他没有选择单人间。

To save money, he did not choose a single room.

Expressing purpose with '为了'.

该酒店提供配备高速网络的单人间。

The hotel provides single rooms equipped with high-speed internet.

Formal language '提供' and '配备'.

这种单人间的装修风格非常现代化。

The decoration style of this single room is very modern.

Discussing style and aesthetics.

在旺季，单人间的价格会上涨不少。

In peak season, the price of single rooms will rise significantly.

Discussing trends and '上涨' (to rise).

即使是单人间，隐私保护也做得不够。

Even for a single room, the privacy protection is not enough.

Concession with '即使...也'.

单人间的设计应充分考虑到空间的利用率。

The design of a single room should fully consider space utilization.

Formal suggestion with '应'.

他习惯了住在单人间，不习惯和别人合租。

He is used to living in a single room and not used to sharing a rental.

Habitual action with '习惯了'.

这家公寓专门为单身职员提供单人间。

This apartment specifically provides single rooms for single employees.

Specifying a target audience with '专门为'.

单人间的舒适度直接影响到客人的评价。

The comfort of the single room directly affects the guests' reviews.

Cause and effect relationship.

单人间作为一种居住形式，反映了城市化的进程。

As a form of living, the single room reflects the process of urbanization.

Academic tone with '作为...反映了'.

设计师通过巧妙的布局，提升了单人间的居住体验。

Through clever layout, the designer enhanced the living experience of the single room.

Describing professional methods.

单人间的高需求促使了房地产市场的多元化发展。

The high demand for single rooms has prompted the diversified development of the real estate market.

Discussing economic impact.

在文学作品中，单人间常被用作孤独和疏离的隐喻。

In literary works, single rooms are often used as metaphors for loneliness and alienation.

Literary analysis and '被用作'.

尽管单人间空间有限，但它提供了必要的心理安全感。

Despite the limited space, a single room provides a necessary sense of psychological security.

Psychological discussion with '尽管...但'.

政策的出台旨在规范单人间的租赁市场。

The introduction of the policy aims to regulate the single-room rental market.

Formal policy language '旨在'.

单人间内部的色彩搭配会显著影响居住者的情绪。

The color scheme inside a single room significantly affects the occupant's mood.

Scientific/design observation.

这种胶囊式单人间在一定程度上解决了住房短缺问题。

This capsule-style single room has, to some extent, solved the housing shortage problem.

Qualifying a statement with '在一定程度上'.

单人间在现代语境下，已演变为一种独立人格的物理表征。

In a modern context, the single room has evolved into a physical manifestation of an independent personality.

Highly philosophical and abstract language.

考察单人间的变迁，有助于理解中国社会结构的微观转型。

Examining the changes in single rooms helps in understanding the micro-transformation of China's social structure.

Sociological research tone.

这种极简主义的单人间设计，摒弃了所有冗余的装饰。

This minimalist single room design discards all redundant decorations.

Advanced aesthetic description with '摒弃'.

单人间的私密性与公共空间的开放性构成了某种张力。

The privacy of the single room and the openness of public spaces constitute a certain tension.

Discussing theoretical concepts like '张力' (tension).

通过对单人间的空间叙事，作者揭示了都市人的精神困境。

Through the spatial narrative of the single room, the author reveals the spiritual dilemma of urbanites.

Literary criticism language.

单人间不仅是栖身之所，更是现代人重塑自我的实验室。

A single room is not just a place to stay, but a laboratory for modern people to reshape themselves.

Metaphorical use of '不仅是...更是'.

该研究深入探讨了单人间居住环境对心理健康的长期影响。

The study explores in depth the long-term effects of single-room living environments on mental health.

Academic research terminology.

单人间的普及从侧面印证了家庭观念在当代的解构与重组。

The popularity of single rooms indirectly confirms the deconstruction and reorganization of family concepts in contemporary times.

Advanced sociological analysis with '从侧面印证'.

Common Collocations

预订单人间

住在单人间

舒适的单人间

单人间价格

单人间设施

单人间面积

申请单人间

单人间改造

退掉单人间

寻找单人间

Common Phrases

单人间已满

— Single rooms are full.

很抱歉，今天的单人间已满。

标准单人间

— Standard single room.

我们要一间标准单人间。

豪华单人间

— Deluxe single room.

豪华单人间贵一点。

特价单人间

— Discounted single room.

网上有特价单人间。

带窗单人间

— Single room with a window.

我想要带窗单人间。

内侧单人间

— Interior single room (no window).

内侧单人间比较安静。

学生单人间

— Student single room.

学生单人间通常比较简陋。

单人间含早

— Single room including breakfast.

单人间含早吗？

单人间短租

— Short-term single room rental.

这里提供单人间短租。

单人间长租

— Long-term single room rental.

单人间长租有优惠。

Often Confused With

单人间 vs 单人房

Essentially the same, but '单人间' is more formal/standard in Mainland China.

单人间 vs 单人床

This is the bed itself, not the whole room.

单人间 vs 单身汉

This refers to a bachelor (a person), not a room.

Idioms & Expressions

"形单影只"

— To be extremely lonely (single person, single shadow). Relates to the '单' in single room.

他一个人住在单人间里，显得形单影只。

Literary

"别有洞天"

— A hidden paradise (often used to describe a surprisingly nice small room).

这个单人间虽然小，进去一看却是别有洞天。

Literary

"麻雀虽小，五脏俱全"

— Small but complete (perfect for describing a well-equipped single room).

这间单人间麻雀虽小，五脏俱全。

Common

"独门独户"

— Having one's own entrance (privacy).

他住的单人间是独门独户的。

Neutral

"安居乐业"

— Live in peace and work happily.

有了这个单人间，他终于可以安居乐业了。

Formal

"闭门造车"

— To work in isolation (literally: build a cart behind closed doors).

他整天躲在单人间里闭门造车。

Idiomatic

"一室一厅"

— One bedroom and one living room (a larger version of a single room).

他租了一个一室一厅。

Common

"深居简出"

— Living in seclusion.

他住在单人间里，深居简出。

Literary

"自成一格"

— To have a style of one's own.

他的单人间布置得自成一格。

Neutral

"随遇而安"

— Feel at home wherever one is.

不管是单人间还是多人间，他都能随遇而安。

Common

Easily Confused

单人间 vs 双人间

Both start with a number-related character.

Shuāng (双) means two/double, whereas Dān (单) means one/single.

我们要双人间，因为我们有两个人。

单人间 vs 标准间

Both are common room types.

Standard rooms usually have two beds; single rooms have one.

标准间通常比单人间大。

单人间 vs 单行线

Both start with '单'.

单行线 is a one-way street.

这条路是单行线。

单人间 vs 单数

Both start with '单'.

单数 refers to odd numbers or singular form in grammar.

5是一个单数。

单人间 vs 房间

General vs specific.

房间 is any room; 单人间 is specifically for one person.

我的房间是个单人间。

Sentence Patterns

我要[Number]个单人间。

我要一个单人间。

[Adjective]的单人间很[Adjective]。

大的单人间很贵。

因为...所以我订了单人间。

因为我一个人，所以我订了单人间。

请问单人间有没有[Amenity]？

请问单人间有没有空调？

虽然是单人间，但是[Contrast]。

虽然是单人间，但是空间很大。

我习惯了住单人间。

单人间反映了[Social Trend]。

单人间反映了当代人的独立性。

通过[Action]，单人间变成了[Metaphor]。

通过布置，单人间变成了他的避风港。

Word Family

Nouns

单人床 (single bed)

单身 (single state)

房间 (room)

Verbs

单干 (to work alone)

Adjectives

单方面的 (one-sided)

单纯的 (simple)

双人间

三人间

标准间

套房

宿舍

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in travel and housing contexts.

Common Mistakes

Saying '我要单人' instead of '我要单人间'. → 我要单人间。
Without '间' (room), '单人' just means 'single person'.
Using '只' as a measure word. → 一间单人间。
'只' is usually for animals; '间' is for rooms.
Mispronouncing 'jiān' as 'qián'. → dān rén jiān
'Qián' means money or front; 'jiān' means room.
Thinking '单人间' always means a tiny bed. → Check the bed type.
Some single rooms have large beds in China.
Forgetting the possessive '的' with adjectives. → 安静的单人间。
Adjectives describing the room need '的'.

Tips

Check the Bed Size

Always check if the single room has a single bed or a queen bed if you need extra space.

Use Measure Words

Always use '一间' or '一个' before '单人间' to sound more native.

Online Filters

When using apps like Ctrip, use the filter '单人入住' to find the best single room deals.

Privacy Matters

If you value privacy, always ask for a '独立卫浴' (private bathroom) in your single room.

Ask for Discounts

Sometimes you can get a discount on a double room if only one person is staying.

Check the Lock

Ensure your single room has a secure lock, especially in budget hostels.

Meet People

Even if you stay in a single room, use the common areas to meet other travelers.

Quiet Environment

Ask for a room away from the elevator if you need to study in your single room.

WiFi Strength

Check if the single room has a dedicated WiFi router or good signal strength.

Hospital Rooms

In hospitals, single rooms are much quieter and better for recovery than shared wards.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DAN' as 'One', 'REN' as 'Man', and 'JIAN' as 'Room'. One Man Room.

Visual Association

Imagine a small box with one stick figure and one bed inside.

Word Web

Hotel Bed Key Privacy Solo Travel Price Booking

Challenge

Try to say 'I want a quiet single room' three times fast: 我想要一间安静的单人间。

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '单' (dān) comes from ancient pictographs of a hunting weapon or tool. '人' (rén) is a pictograph of a person. '间' (jiān) shows a door with the sun/moon inside, representing a space between.

Original meaning: Literally 'Single Person Space'.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

No major sensitivities; it's a very standard, neutral term.

In the West, 'single room' is the standard, but 'studio' is often used for apartments. In China, '单人间' covers both hotel rooms and small apartment units.

The movie '2046' features many scenes in single hotel rooms. Modern Chinese 'vloggers' often document their life in tiny single rooms in Tokyo or Shanghai. The book 'A Room of One's Own' is often translated using terms like '自己的房间' but relates to the concept of the 单人间.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hotel Check-in

有单人间吗？
多少钱一晚？
含早餐吗？
在几楼？

Online Booking

搜索单人间
查看评价
预订成功
取消订单

Student Housing

申请单人间
宿舍费
搬进单人间
共享浴室

Hospital

私人单人间
病房环境
家属陪护
单人间费用

Real Estate

出租单人间
月租
押一付三
家具齐全

Conversation Starters

"你住的是单人间还是双人间？ (Are you staying in a single or double room?)"

"你觉得这个单人间怎么样？ (What do you think of this single room?)"

"单人间的床舒服吗？ (Is the bed in the single room comfortable?)"

"为什么你选择订单人间？ (Why did you choose to book a single room?)"

"这家酒店的单人间很大，对吧？ (The single rooms in this hotel are large, right?)"

Journal Prompts

描述一下你住过最棒的一个单人间。 (Describe the best single room you've ever stayed in.)

如果你可以重新设计你的单人间，你会怎么做？ (If you could redesign your single room, what would you do?)

住在单人间的利与弊是什么？ (What are the pros and cons of living in a single room?)

写一段话，描述你在单人间里度过的一个安静的下午。 (Write a paragraph describing a quiet afternoon you spent in a single room.)

你认为单人间会变得越来越流行吗？为什么？ (Do you think single rooms will become more and more popular? Why?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

在大多数情况下，它们的意思是一样的。'单人间' 在酒店正式名称中更常见，而 '单人房' 在口语中或南方地区更常用。两者都可以互换使用，不会引起误解。

通常是的。但在一些酒店中，'单人间' 可能配备一张大床（双人床），供单人入住。这种房间有时也被称为 '大床房'。

通常不可以。酒店的单人间是按一人入住设计的，保险和早餐通常也只针对一人。如果两个人住，建议订双人间或大床房。

是的，在中国的大学里，单人间非常稀缺，通常优先提供给博士生、留学生或外籍教师。大多数本科生住在4-6人间的宿舍里。

这取决于酒店的档次。星级酒店的单人间肯定有私人浴室。但在一些廉价青年旅舍（Hostel）里，单人间可能需要使用走廊里的公共浴室。

你可以说：'我想预订一个单人间，住两晚。' (I want to book a single room for two nights.)

不一定。通常单人间的价格会比双人间便宜，但往往高于双人间价格的一半，因为房间的固定成本（如清洁、水电）是相似的。

在中国的城市酒店中，单人间的面积通常在10到20平方米之间。在一些极端的胶囊旅馆中，可能只有2-3平方米。

你可以询问酒店是否有 '标准间' (Standard Room) 可以按单人价格入住，或者寻找附近的其它酒店。

大多数有，但一些位于建筑内侧的廉价单人间可能没有窗户。预订时最好确认是否是 '带窗' (with window) 的房间。