sei3 hap6 jyun2四合院
Jyutpingsei3 hap6 jyun2
Yalesei hahp yún
Definition
Siheyuan; a traditional Chinese courtyard house with rooms surrounding a central courtyard on four sides.
neutralplaceshome
How it's used
Refers specifically to the traditional architectural layout found in Northern China, particularly Beijing. It is not a term used for modern housing in Hong Kong, so it carries a strong sense of cultural history and regional specificity. When describing these houses, the focus is often on the privacy and the enclosed nature of the central courtyard.
Measure word
gaan1間gānExamples
The courtyard houses in Beijing are really unique.
Have you visited that courtyard house yet?
Related words
Common phrases
Beijing courtyard house
visit a courtyard house
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for any traditional Chinese house, but it specifically describes a layout with four sides enclosing a central courtyard. It is not used for Southern Chinese style houses or other traditional dwellings.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
