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A1 noun #4,000 mais comum 9 min de leitura

院子

yuanzi Top 4,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas 院子 em 30 segundos

Explicação 院子 in your Level:

At the A1 level, 院子 is introduced as a basic vocabulary word related to the home. Learners are expected to understand it as 'yard' or 'courtyard'. At this stage, you should be able to use it in very simple 'Subject + Verb + Object' or 'Subject + 在 + Place' sentences. For example, '我有一个院子' (I have a yard) or '猫在院子里' (The cat is in the yard). The focus is on identifying the physical space and associating it with common home activities. You should learn the measure word '个' and the prepositional structure '在...里'. It is helpful to visualize a small area outside a house with a few simple items like a tree or a chair. Don't worry about complex architectural terms yet; just think of it as the 'outside part' of a house. You might also encounter it when learning about family members, such as '爷爷在院子里坐着' (Grandpa is sitting in the yard). The goal is to recognize the word in spoken and written form and use it to describe your immediate surroundings.

At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 院子 by adding descriptive adjectives and more specific verbs. You might describe the yard's size or beauty: '我们的院子很大' (Our yard is big) or '这是一个漂亮的院子' (This is a beautiful yard). You will also learn to describe routine actions that take place there, such as '打扫院子' (cleaning the yard) or '在院子里种树' (planting trees in the yard). At this stage, you should also be able to distinguish between the front yard (前院) and the back yard (后院). You might use the word in the context of directions, like '院子在房子的后面' (The yard is behind the house). Your ability to use 院子 in short stories or descriptions of your home life should become more fluid. You might also start to see 院子 used in the context of schools or other buildings, referring to the general outdoor area of the compound. The focus at A2 is on increasing the complexity of your sentences and using the word in more varied daily contexts.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 院子 in more complex grammatical structures and discussing its social and functional aspects. You might talk about the memories associated with a childhood yard or describe the specific layout of a traditional courtyard. You can use '院子' in sentences involving '把' structures, such as '把桌子搬到院子里去' (Move the table into the yard). You will also start to encounter the word in more formal contexts, perhaps comparing different types of housing in China, such as traditional 'Siheyuan' versus modern apartments. You might discuss the pros and cons of having a private yard: '虽然院子需要经常打扫，但是它给了我们很多户外活动的空间' (Although a yard requires frequent cleaning, it gives us a lot of space for outdoor activities). At this level, you should also understand the difference between 院子 and more specific terms like 庭院 or 花园 and choose the appropriate word based on the context. Your vocabulary surrounding the yard will also grow to include items like '围墙' (fence/wall), '大门' (gate), and '台阶' (steps).

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At the B2 level, your understanding of 院子 reaches a point where you can discuss it in the context of culture, architecture, and urban planning. You might analyze how the design of a 院子 reflects traditional Chinese family values, such as the emphasis on privacy and the inward-looking nature of the home. You should be able to use 院子 in more sophisticated literary or academic discussions. For example, you might read an article about '院落文化' (courtyard culture) and how it is disappearing in modern cities. You can use the word to describe complex scenes: '那座深宅大院里隐藏着许多不为人知的故事' (Many unknown stories are hidden within that deep and grand courtyard). You will also be more aware of regional variations in how 院子 are built and used across China. At this stage, you should be able to participate in a debate about urban development, discussing whether modern high-rises should incorporate shared courtyard spaces to foster community spirit. Your use of the word will be nuanced, reflecting an understanding of both its physical and symbolic meanings.

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At the C1 level, 院子 is used with high proficiency in both spoken and written forms, including literary and metaphorical contexts. You will encounter the word in classical and modern literature where it might symbolize a character's internal state or a sense of historical continuity. You should be able to discuss the aesthetics of courtyard design in detail, using terms like '空间感' (sense of space), '采光' (natural lighting), and '通风' (ventilation). You might write an essay exploring the evolution of the 院子 from a necessity of rural life to a luxury in the modern urban landscape. Your ability to use idioms and set phrases related to 院子 (though few are direct) or the character '院' will be evident. You can appreciate the subtle differences between '大院' (a large compound, often associated with government or military units) and a simple '院子'. At this level, you are not just using the word to describe a place, but as a gateway to discussing Chinese history, sociology, and aesthetics. You can handle complex texts that use 院子 as a setting for intricate human dramas.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 院子 is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker with a high level of education. You can use the word in highly specialized fields such as architectural history, urban sociology, or literary criticism. You might analyze the '院子' as a philosophical concept representing the boundary between the self and the world. In professional settings, you could lead a discussion on the restoration of historic courtyard districts in cities like Beijing or Suzhou. You understand the most obscure references to courtyards in classical poetry and can use the word to create evocative, stylistically rich descriptions in your own writing. Whether you are discussing the 'Siheyuan' as a micro-cosmos of the Confucian social order or analyzing the impact of courtyard-less living on modern psychology, your use of 院子 is precise, culturally grounded, and sophisticated. You can navigate any linguistic situation involving this word, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic discourse, with ease and total accuracy.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

院子 em 30 segundos

院子 (yuàn zi) means yard or courtyard, referring to an enclosed outdoor space attached to a building.
It is a common noun used in daily life for gardening, playing, and social activities.
The measure word used is usually '个', and it's often paired with '里' (inside).
Culturally, it is central to traditional Chinese housing like the Siheyuan.

The word 院子 (yuàn zi) is a fundamental Chinese noun that primarily translates to yard, courtyard, or compound in English. At its most basic level, it refers to an open space surrounded by walls or buildings that is part of a residence or a specific institution. In the context of traditional Chinese architecture, the 院子 is the heart of the home, exemplified by the famous Beijing Siheyuan where four buildings surround a central open space. For a beginner, think of it as the area outside your house but still within your property boundaries where you might have a garden, a place for children to play, or a spot to park a bicycle. The word is composed of two characters: 院 (yuàn), which signifies a courtyard, hall, or public agency, and 子 (zi), a common noun suffix in Mandarin that often neutralizes the tone of the preceding syllable and indicates that the word is a physical object or a simple concept. You will use this word whenever you are describing your living environment, talking about outdoor household chores, or discussing the layout of a school or a hospital. It is a very common word in daily life because even in modern urban China, while many people live in high-rise apartments, the communal area at the base of the buildings is often referred to as the 院子 of the community.

Physical Space: The literal area enclosed by walls or fences attached to a house.

Social Function: A place where family members gather, neighbors chat, and children interact safely.

Institutional Context: Can refer to the grounds of a hospital, school, or government office building.

孩子们正在院子里踢足球。 (The children are playing soccer in the yard.)

这个院子里种了很多漂亮的花。 (Many beautiful flowers are planted in this yard.)

老爷爷喜欢在院子里晒太阳。 (The old grandfather likes to bask in the sun in the courtyard.)

我们家的院子虽然小，但是很干净。 (Our yard is small, but it is very clean.)

请把车停在院子外面。 (Please park the car outside the yard.)

In daily conversation, 院子 is incredibly versatile. Whether you are inviting someone over for a barbecue, complaining about the leaves falling in autumn, or describing where your dog is hiding, this word is your primary tool. It evokes a sense of home, security, and private outdoor life. Unlike 'garden' (花园), which implies a focus on plants and aesthetics, '院子' is more general and focuses on the space itself, regardless of whether it contains flowers, concrete, or just dirt. Understanding the social nuance of the 院子 helps in understanding the collective nature of traditional Chinese living, where the yard was the primary site for domestic labor and social interaction.

Using 院子 correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its common associations with location particles and verbs. Most frequently, you will see 院子 paired with the locational suffix 里 (lǐ), meaning 'inside the yard'. For example, '他在院子里' (He is in the yard). Because it is a physical space, verbs of motion like 进 (jìn - to enter) and 出 (chū - to exit) are commonly used: '走进院子' (walk into the yard). When describing the characteristics of a yard, use adjectives like 大 (dà - big), 小 (xiǎo - small), 漂亮 (piàoliang - beautiful), or 整洁 (zhěngjié - tidy).

Verb Pairing: Common verbs include 打扫 (dǎsǎo - to clean), 种 (zhòng - to plant), and 玩 (wán - to play).

Measure Words: Use '个' for everyday yards and '座' for grand, architectural courtyards.

Possessive Structures: Typically follows the pattern [Owner] + 的 + 院子, such as '老师的院子' (the teacher's yard).

我帮妈妈打扫院子。 (I help my mother clean the yard.)

那座古老的院子很有名。 (That ancient courtyard is very famous.)

我家院子里有一棵苹果树。 (There is an apple tree in my yard.)

小猫跑进了邻居的院子。 (The kitten ran into the neighbor's yard.)

这个院子的围墙很高。 (The wall of this yard is very high.)

Beyond simple physical descriptions, 院子 can be used in metaphorical or abstract ways in literature to represent a sense of isolation or domesticity. However, for most learners, focusing on its use as a location is the most practical approach. Remember that in modern Chinese cities, the 'yard' might not be a private grass lawn but a paved area within an apartment complex. Using phrases like '在院子里散步' (taking a walk in the courtyard/complex grounds) is very common among city dwellers. The flexibility of the word allows it to adapt to various living situations, from rural farmhouses to luxury villas and public institutions.

You will encounter the word 院子 in various real-life scenarios, ranging from casual family conversations to formal architectural discussions. In a residential setting, parents might tell their children, '去院子里玩吧' (Go play in the yard). If you are visiting a friend who lives in a traditional house or a suburban villa, they might invite you to '去院子里坐坐' (Go sit in the yard for a while). In rural areas of China, the 院子 is where most daily activities occur, including drying grain, washing clothes, and socializing with neighbors. You will also hear it in the context of schools and hospitals. While a school playground is specifically called 操场 (cāochǎng), the general campus grounds can sometimes be referred to as the 院子 of the school. Similarly, a hospital compound is often called the 医院的院子. In literature and film, especially those set in old Beijing, the 院子 is a central setting that symbolizes family hierarchy and tradition. Movies like 'Raise the Red Lantern' or 'Shower' heavily feature the courtyard as a space of both beauty and social constraint.

Daily Life: Used when discussing house maintenance, gardening, or outdoor relaxation.

Real Estate: Agents use it to highlight the outdoor space of a property, often as a selling point.

Literature/Media: Used to set the scene in stories about traditional families or community life.

邻居家的院子里种了葡萄。 (Grapes are planted in the neighbor's yard.)

这个院子很大，可以停两辆车。 (This yard is very big; it can park two cars.)

他在院子里等了你一个小时。 (He waited for you in the yard for an hour.)

秋天的时候，院子里落满了树叶。 (In autumn, the yard is covered with fallen leaves.)

我们打算在院子里建一个游泳池。 (We plan to build a swimming pool in the yard.)

Understanding the context is key. If someone mentions a 院子 in a city, they likely mean the communal grounds of their apartment block. If they mention it in a village, they mean the private walled area of their home. This distinction is important for social navigation in China.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when using 院子 is confusing it with other words for outdoor spaces, such as 花园 (huāyuán - garden) or 操场 (cāochǎng - playground/sports field). While a 院子 might contain a garden, a 花园 specifically implies a place designed for growing flowers and plants for aesthetic purposes. If you say you are playing football in the 花园, it might sound like you are trampling on precious flowers! Conversely, 操场 is specifically for sports and exercise, usually found in schools or military bases. Another common error involves the measure word. While 个 is universally accepted, beginners often forget that larger or more formal courtyards require 座. Additionally, students sometimes confuse 院子 with 房子 (fángzi - house). Remember that the 院子 is the outdoor area, while the 房子 is the indoor structure.

Mistake: 院子 vs. 花园: Using '花园' when you just mean a general yard without many flowers.

Mistake: 院子 vs. 操场: Using '院子' to describe a school's running track or sports field.

Mistake: Measure Word Confusion: Using '只' or '条' instead of '个' or '座'.

错误：他在花园里停自行车。 (Incorrect if the area is just a regular yard.)

正确：他在院子里停自行车。 (Correct: He parks his bike in the yard.)

错误：这个院子很大，有很多房间。 (Incorrect: A yard doesn't have 'rooms' inside it; a house does.)

正确：这房子很大，院子也很大。 (Correct: This house is big, and the yard is also big.)

错误：学生们在院子里跑步。 (Usually '操场' is better for running laps.)

Another subtle mistake is the pronunciation of '子'. In many textbooks, it is listed as 'zǐ' (third tone), but in natural speech, it is almost always a neutral tone. Pronouncing it with a full third tone will make you sound like a robot or someone reading from an old dictionary. Pay attention to how native speakers shorten that second syllable.

To truly master 院子, you should understand how it compares to related terms. The most common synonyms and related words include 庭院 (tíngyuàn), 花园 (huāyuán), 天井 (tiānjǐng), and 操场 (cāochǎng). Each has a specific nuance that differentiates it from the general term 院子.

庭院 (tíngyuàn): A more formal or literary term for a courtyard. You will see this in real estate brochures or classical literature. It sounds more elegant than 院子.

花园 (huāyuán): Specifically a garden. If the yard is filled with flowers, paths, and benches, it is a 花园. A 院子 can be just a dirt patch, but a 花园 must be landscaped.

天井 (tiānjǐng): Literally 'sky well'. This refers to the very small, narrow courtyards found in traditional Southern Chinese architecture (like in Anhui or Fujian) designed for light and ventilation.

他的新家有一个漂亮的庭院。 (His new home has a beautiful courtyard - sounds more sophisticated.)

奶奶在花园里种玫瑰。 (Grandma is planting roses in the garden.)

老房子的天井很凉快。 (The 'sky well' of the old house is very cool.)

我们在学校的操场上集合。 (We gather at the school playground/sports field.)

这个院子被改造成了露天餐厅。 (This courtyard was transformed into an open-air restaurant.)

Choosing the right word depends on the formality of the situation and the physical characteristics of the space. If you are describing a simple outdoor area where you keep your trash cans or park your bike, stick with 院子. If you are describing a Zen-like space with koi ponds and meticulously trimmed trees, 庭院 or 花园 would be more appropriate. For learners, mastering 院子 first is essential as it is the most frequently used term in daily life.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In ancient China, the size and number of 院子 you had were strictly regulated by law according to your social rank. Only the Emperor could have the most complex series of courtyards.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /jwɛn.dzɪ/

US /jwæn.dzɪ/

The stress is on the first syllable 'yuàn'.

Rima com

扇子 (shànzi) 肚子 (dùzi) 袜子 (wàzi) 句子 (jùzi) 镜子 (jìngzi) 面子 (miànzi) 胖子 (pàngzi) 盘子 (pánzi)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'zi' with a full third tone (zǐ).
Pronouncing 'yuan' like 'you-an' instead of a smooth single syllable.
Forgetting to make the 'zi' a neutral tone.
Confusing the 'yu' sound with a simple 'u' sound.
Adding an 'r' sound at the end in non-Beijing dialects where it's not needed.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

The characters are relatively simple and commonly encountered early in study.

Escrita 2/5

Writing '院' requires attention to the radical and the inner components.

Expressão oral 1/5

Easy to pronounce, though the neutral tone on 'zi' needs practice.

Audição 1/5

Very common word that is easy to distinguish in conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

家 (Home) 里 (Inside) 大 (Big) 小 (Small) 有 (Have)

Aprenda a seguir

花园 (Garden) 房子 (House) 围墙 (Wall) 邻居 (Neighbor) 植物 (Plant)

Avançado

建筑 (Architecture) 空间 (Space) 隐私 (Privacy) 传统 (Tradition) 城市化 (Urbanization)

Gramática essencial

The locational particle '里' (lǐ)

他在院子里。 (He is in the yard.)

The measure word '个' (gè) for general items

一个大院子。 (A big yard.)

Directional complements '进' and '出'

走进院子。 (Walk into the yard.)

The '把' construction for moving objects

把椅子搬到院子里。 (Move the chair to the yard.)

The '有' existential sentence

院子里有一口井。 (There is a well in the yard.)

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Exemplos por nível

我家有一个小院子。

My house has a small yard.

Uses the standard 'Subject + 有 + Object' structure.

他在院子里玩。

He is playing in the yard.

Uses '在...里' to indicate location.

院子里有一棵树。

There is a tree in the yard.

Existential sentence: 'Place + 有 + Noun'.

请进院子来。

Please come into the yard.

Uses '进...来' as a directional verb phrase.

院子的门是红色的。

The gate of the yard is red.

Uses the possessive '的' to link 'yard' and 'gate'.

我们在院子里吃饭。

We are eating in the yard.

Describes an action happening in a specific location.

这个院子很干净。

This yard is very clean.

Uses '很' + Adjective to describe the noun.

小狗跑出了院子。

The puppy ran out of the yard.

Uses '出' to indicate movement out of a space.

我每天早上都打扫院子。

I clean the yard every morning.

Includes a time adverb '每天早上' and a frequency marker '都'.

邻居家的院子里有很多花。

There are many flowers in the neighbor's yard.

Uses '邻居家的' as a complex possessive modifier.

我们可以在院子里种点儿菜。

We can plant some vegetables in the yard.

Uses the modal verb '可以' and the quantifier '点儿'.

这个院子比那个院子大。

This yard is bigger than that yard.

Uses the 'A 比 B + Adjective' comparison structure.

他在院子里洗他的自行车。

He is washing his bicycle in the yard.

Specific action '洗自行车' in a location.

院子里停着两辆车。

There are two cars parked in the yard.

Uses the 'Verb + 着' structure to indicate a state.

夏天的时候，院子里很凉快。

In the summer, the yard is very cool.

Uses '...的时候' to specify a time context.

爸爸正在院子里修椅子。

Dad is repairing a chair in the yard.

Uses '正在' to indicate an ongoing action.

把这些旧家具搬到院子里去吧。

Move these old pieces of furniture into the yard.

Uses the '把' construction for disposal/movement.

我记得小时候常在院子里捉迷藏。

I remember often playing hide-and-seek in the yard when I was a child.

Uses '记得' and '小时候' to express memories.

虽然院子不大，但被他布置得很温馨。

Although the yard is not big, it has been arranged very cozily by him.

Uses '虽然...但...' and the '被' passive structure.

院子的围墙需要重新刷一遍漆。

The wall of the yard needs to be repainted.

Uses '需要' and the verbal classifier '一遍'.

为了安全，他在院子里安装了摄像头。

For safety, he installed a camera in the yard.

Uses '为了' to indicate purpose.

这个院子是典型的北方风格。

This yard is a typical northern style.

Uses '典型的' as a descriptive adjective.

阳光洒满院子，感觉非常舒服。

The sun fills the yard, feeling very comfortable.

Uses evocative verbs like '洒满' (sprinkle/fill).

除了种花，他还想在院子里挖个小鱼池。

Besides planting flowers, he also wants to dig a small fish pond in the yard.

Uses '除了...还...' to express addition.

这座老院子见证了家族几代人的兴衰。

This old courtyard has witnessed the rise and fall of several generations of the family.

Uses abstract verbs like '见证' (witness) and nouns like '兴衰' (rise and fall).

设计师巧妙地利用了院子的空间，增加了采光。

The designer skillfully used the yard's space to increase natural light.

Uses adverbs like '巧妙地' and technical terms like '采光'.

在繁华的都市中，拥有这样一个静谧的院子实属难得。

In a bustling city, owning such a quiet yard is truly rare.

Uses formal expressions like '实属难得' (is truly rare).

院子里的那棵老槐树已经有上百年的历史了。

The old locust tree in the yard has a history of over a hundred years.

Describes history and duration.

他喜欢在院子里招待朋友，享受露天烧烤的乐趣。

He likes to entertain friends in the yard and enjoy the fun of outdoor barbecues.

Uses '招待' (entertain) and '享受...乐趣' (enjoy the fun of).

由于缺乏维护，院子里长满了杂草。

Due to a lack of maintenance, the yard is overgrown with weeds.

Uses '由于' to indicate cause and '长满' for completion.

这套房子的卖点之一就是那个宽敞的后院子。

One of the selling points of this house is that spacious backyard.

Uses business-related terms like '卖点' (selling point).

他把院子布置成了一个充满禅意的空间。

He arranged the yard into a space full of Zen meaning.

Uses '布置成' (arrange into) and '禅意' (Zen spirit).

深宅大院往往给人一种庄严而神秘的感觉。

Grand courtyards in deep mansions often give people a solemn and mysterious feeling.

Uses the four-character idiom '深宅大院'.

在这座院子中，建筑与自然达到了和谐的统一。

In this courtyard, architecture and nature have achieved a harmonious unity.

Uses formal philosophical language like '和谐的统一'.

院子里的光影随着季节的更迭而不断变化。

The light and shadows in the yard change constantly with the succession of seasons.

Uses poetic phrasing like '光影' and '更迭'.

他笔下的院子不仅是居住空间，更是精神的寄托。

The yard in his writing is not only a living space but also a spiritual sustenance.

Uses '不仅是...更是...' for emphasis.

即便是在冬日，萧瑟的院子也有一种别样的美感。

Even in winter, the desolate yard has a unique kind of beauty.

Uses '即便...也...' and sophisticated adjectives like '萧瑟' (desolate).

院落的布局充分体现了传统礼法对等级制度的强调。

The layout of the courtyard fully reflects the emphasis of traditional rituals on the hierarchy system.

Academic tone discussing sociology and history.

他漫步在院子里，陷入了对往事的深沉思索。

He wandered in the yard, falling into deep reflection on the past.

Uses '漫步' (wander) and '思索' (reflect).

随着城市化的推进，这种传统的院子正逐渐淡出人们的视线。

With the advancement of urbanization, these traditional yards are gradually fading from people's sight.

Discusses social trends using '逐渐淡出'.

院子作为私密与公共空间的过渡，承载了丰富的文化内涵。

As a transition between private and public space, the courtyard carries rich cultural connotations.

Uses '作为' (as) and abstract concepts like '承载' (carry/bear).

这种封闭式的院子结构，在某种程度上塑造了国人的内敛性格。

This enclosed courtyard structure, to some extent, shaped the introverted character of the Chinese people.

Psychological and sociological analysis.

文学作品中对院子的描写，往往折射出作者对社会变迁的敏锐观察。

Descriptions of yards in literary works often reflect the author's keen observation of social changes.

Literary criticism terminology like '折射' (reflect).

在现代建筑设计中，如何重构院子的功能是一个极具挑战性的命题。

In modern architectural design, how to reconstruct the functions of the courtyard is a highly challenging proposition.

Professional architectural discourse.

那座荒废已久的院子，在月光下显得格外凄清，仿佛在诉说着一段尘封的往事。

That long-abandoned yard looked exceptionally desolate under the moonlight, as if telling a buried story.

Highly descriptive and emotive prose.

院子的设计不仅要考虑美学价值，更要兼顾生态平衡与可持续性。

The design of a yard must not only consider aesthetic value but also take into account ecological balance and sustainability.

Uses '兼顾' (take into account both).

从这些残存的院子断垣残壁中，我们仍能窥见昔日的辉煌。

From the broken walls of these remaining yards, we can still catch a glimpse of former glory.

Uses the idiom '断垣残壁' (broken walls).

院子不仅是物理意义上的存在，更是一种生活方式的象征。

The yard is not only a physical existence but also a symbol of a way of life.

Philosophical definition of a noun.

Colocações comuns

打扫院子

漂亮的院子

大院子

院子大门

坐在院子里

进院子

邻居的院子

前院子

后院子

收拾院子

Frases Comuns

院子里的生活

— Refers to the lifestyle associated with courtyard living.

他很怀念以前院子里的生活。

深宅大院

— A grand mansion with many courtyards; implies wealth and secrecy.

她出生在一个深宅大院里。

农家小院

— A small farmhouse courtyard; implies simplicity and rural charm.

这家农家小院的饭菜很有特色。

大院子弟

— Children who grew up in government or military compounds.

他是一个典型的大院子弟。

院子文化

— The culture and social norms associated with courtyard living.

院子文化是中国传统文化的一部分。

满院子

— All over the yard; the entire yard.

春天到了，满院子都是花香。

出院子

— To leave the yard/compound.

他刚出院子就遇到了一场大雨。

院子围墙

— The surrounding wall of a yard.

院子围墙上爬满了牵牛花。

独门独院

— A private house with its own separate yard.

他买了一套独门独院的别墅。

小院子

— A small, often cozy, courtyard.

虽然是个小院子，但收拾得很利索。

Frequentemente confundido com

院子 vs 花园 (huāyuán)

A garden specifically for flowers. A yard (院子) might just be a paved area.

院子 vs 操场 (cāochǎng)

A sports field or playground in a school. Don't use '院子' for a running track.

院子 vs 房子 (fángzi)

The house itself (the building). The yard is the outdoor area around it.

Expressões idiomáticas

"深宅大院"

— A large, grand residence with many courtyards, often suggesting a wealthy or high-status family.

这些深宅大院现在大多成了旅游景点。

Literary

"闭门造车"

— Literally 'building a cart behind closed doors'. While not using '院子', it implies working in isolation (like in a yard) without consulting the outside world.

做研究不能闭门造车，要多交流。

Formal

"庭院深深"

— The courtyards are deep and many; used to describe a grand, complex, or lonely residence.

庭院深深深几许，这句诗描写了深宫的冷清。

Poetic

"门庭若市"

— The courtyard is as crowded as a marketplace; meaning having many visitors.

自从他升官后，家里真是门庭若市。

Formal

"改换门庭"

— To change one's family status or switch allegiances.

他通过努力学习，终于改换了门庭。

Formal

"扫径以待"

— To sweep the path in the yard to wait for a guest; meaning to prepare a warm welcome.

得知您要来，我早已扫径以待。

Literary

"另起炉灶"

— To start a new 'stove' in the yard; meaning to start over or set up a new organization.

他决定离开公司，另起炉灶。

Neutral

"登堂入室"

— To pass through the courtyard and enter the main hall; meaning to reach a high level of proficiency.

他的钢琴技术已经达到了登堂入室的境界。

Formal

"引狼入室"

— To lead a wolf into the house (through the yard); meaning to invite trouble or a dangerous person.

你把这种人招进公司，简直是引狼入室。

Neutral

"墙头草"

— Grass on the yard wall; meaning someone who wavers or changes sides easily.

他这种墙头草，哪边强就往哪边倒。

Informal

Fácil de confundir

院子 vs 庭院

Both mean courtyard.

庭院 is more formal, elegant, and often used in literature or high-end design. 院子 is the everyday word.

他在院子里洗衣服。 (Everyday) vs. 这座庭院充满了诗意。 (Formal/Literary)

院子 vs 天井

Both refer to enclosed outdoor spaces.

天井 is specifically a small, vertical shaft-like courtyard used for light/air in Southern Chinese architecture. 院子 is general.

这种南方的老房子通常都有一个天井。

院子 vs 公园

Both are outdoor green spaces.

公园 is a public park for everyone. 院子 is private or part of a specific building/complex.

我们去公园散步吧。 (Public) vs. 狗在院子里跑。 (Private)

院子 vs 阳台

Both are outdoor spaces of a home.

阳台 is a balcony (elevated). 院子 is on the ground level.

他在阳台上晒衣服，因为他没有院子。

院子 vs 走廊

Both are parts of a building's layout.

走廊 is a corridor or hallway (usually covered). 院子 is an open outdoor space.

请不要在走廊里大声喧哗。

Padrões de frases

我有一个[Adjective]院子。

我有一个大院子。

[Noun]在院子里。

小猫在院子里。

院子里有[Noun]。

院子里有很多花。

去院子里[Verb]吧。

去院子里玩吧。

把[Noun]搬到院子里去。

把自行车搬到院子里去。

虽然院子[Adjective]，但是[Clause]。

虽然院子很小，但是很漂亮。

[Noun]见证了院子的[Noun]。

老树见证了院子的历史。

院子里的[Noun]随着[Noun]而变化。

院子里的景色随着季节而变化。

Família de palavras

Substantivos

院落 (yuànluò) - courtyard complex

庭院 (tíngyuàn) - formal courtyard

前院 (qiányuàn) - front yard

后院 (hòuyuàn) - back yard

医院 (yīyuàn) - hospital

学院 (xuéyuàn) - college

法院 (fǎyuàn) - court of law

Relacionado

围墙 (wéiqiáng) - surrounding wall

大门 (dàmén) - main gate

花坛 (huātán) - flower bed

石阶 (shíjiē) - stone steps

走廊 (zǒuláng) - corridor

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and literature.

Erros comuns

Using '在院子' instead of '在院子里'. → 他在院子里玩。
In Chinese, nouns referring to spaces usually require a locational particle like '里' or '外' to function as a prepositional phrase.
Confusing '院子' with '花园' for a school playground. → 学生们在操场上锻炼。
A school's sports field is specifically '操场'. '院子' is more for residential or general compound grounds.
Pronouncing 'zi' with a heavy third tone. → yuàn zi (neutral tone)
The suffix '子' is almost always neutral in Mandarin nouns. A heavy tone sounds unnatural.
Using '院子' to mean the whole house building. → 这房子带一个院子。
The '房子' is the structure; the '院子' is the outdoor land attached to it. They are distinct parts of a home.
Using the wrong measure word like '条' or '只'. → 一个院子。
The standard measure word for a yard is '个'. For grand ones, use '座'.

Dicas

Using '里' correctly

Always pair '院子' with '里' when describing something located there. '他在院子' is wrong; '他在院子里' is right.

Yard vs Garden

If you are talking about a space with lots of flowers and paths, use '花园' (huāyuán). If it's just a general space, '院子' is safer.

Siheyuan

Learn about '四合院' (Siheyuan) to understand the historical importance of the courtyard in Chinese life.

Neutral Tone

Make sure the 'zi' in 'yuànzi' is very light and short. Don't stress it.

The Radical '阝'

The radical on the left of '院' represents a wall. Thinking of it this way helps remember that a yard is an enclosed space.

Inviting Guests

A common way to invite someone to relax is '去院子里坐坐' (Go sit in the yard for a bit).

Context Clues

If you hear '院子' in a city, look for the communal garden or the area between apartment buildings.

Selling Point

In China, a '带院子的房子' (house with a yard) is a luxury and a major selling point in property listings.

Grand Mansions

Use the idiom '深宅大院' to describe a very large and impressive traditional home.

Chores

The most common action associated with a yard is '打扫' (sweeping/cleaning).

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a wall (the radical 阝) protecting a perfect (完) building. That enclosed space is your 院子.

Associação visual

Picture a traditional Beijing 'Siheyuan' with its four buildings facing a central open 院子.

Word Web

House Garden Wall Gate Outdoor Play Clean Private

Desafio

Try to describe five things you can do in a 院子 using the structure '我在院子里...'.

Origem da palavra

The character 院 (yuàn) originally referred to a wall surrounding a building or the building itself within a wall. The radical 阝 (left side) represents a mound or a wall, indicating enclosure. Over time, it came to represent courtyards and then institutional buildings.

Significado original: A walled enclosure or a building surrounded by walls.

Sino-Tibetan

Contexto cultural

Be aware that '大院' can sometimes have political connotations, referring to elite government or military housing.

English speakers might think of a 'yard' as a grass lawn, but in China, a 院子 is often paved with stones or bricks.

The film 'Raise the Red Lantern' (大红灯笼高高挂) set in a grand courtyard. Lao She's literature describing life in Beijing's courtyards. Traditional 'Siheyuan' architecture in the Forbidden City.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Home and Living

我的院子
打扫院子
在院子里休息
院子里的花

Gardening

种菜
浇水
除草
修剪树木

Socializing

请来院子里坐
露天烧烤
和邻居聊天
聚会

Childhood/Play

捉迷藏
踢球
跑来跑去
玩泥巴

Real Estate

带院子的房子
宽敞的院子
私人院子
朝南的院子

Iniciadores de conversa

"你家的院子里种了什么花？ (What flowers are planted in your yard?)"

"你喜欢在大院子里住还是在小公寓里住？ (Do you like living in a big yard or a small apartment?)"

"你小时候常在院子里玩吗？ (Did you often play in the yard when you were a child?)"

"我们需要帮邻居打扫院子吗？ (Do we need to help the neighbor clean their yard?)"

"如果你有一个院子，你最想在里面做什么？ (If you had a yard, what would you most want to do in it?)"

Temas para diário

描写一个你理想中的院子，里面应该有什么？ (Describe your ideal yard; what should be in it?)

记述一次你在院子里度过的愉快时光。 (Write about a pleasant time you spent in a yard.)

讨论一下为什么现代城市里带院子的房子越来越贵。 (Discuss why houses with yards are becoming more expensive in modern cities.)

如果你要在院子里种一种植物，你会选什么，为什么？ (If you were to plant one kind of plant in the yard, what would you choose and why?)

比较一下中国的传统院子和西方的草坪。 (Compare traditional Chinese courtyards with Western lawns.)

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, in China, many 院子 are paved with stone, brick, or concrete. It refers to the enclosed space, not the ground covering.

While '操场' is the specific word for a playground or sports field, '院子' can be used informally to refer to the general school grounds.

'前院' is the front yard (between the street and the house), and '后院' is the back yard. They are both types of 院子.

Yes, even in cities with apartments, the shared outdoor area at the bottom of the buildings is often called the '院子' of the community.

You must say '在院子里' (zài yuànzi lǐ). The '里' is essential for indicating location inside the space.

Yes, '院' is a very productive character used in words like '医院' (hospital), '学院' (college), and '法院' (court).

For most everyday situations, use '个' (gè). For grand or ancient courtyards, '座' (zuò) is more appropriate.

It is a neutral word used in both casual conversation and standard writing. '庭院' is the formal alternative.

Historically, yes, but today many urban dwellers live in apartments without a private 院子, though they share a communal one.

You can say '院子很乱' (yuànzi hěn luàn) or '院子里堆满了杂物' (the yard is piled with clutter).

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