Fángzi

Fángzi is a Mandarin Chinese term that generally translates to "house" or "building." It is a broad category encompassing various types of residential structures, from single-family homes to apartment units. The specific meaning can often be inferred from context. For example, yītīng fángzi refers to a studio apartment, while xiǎo fángzi might describe a small house.

Historically, traditional Chinese dwellings like siheyuan, courtyard houses, are also considered fángzi. Modern urban developments often feature high-rise apartment buildings, where individual units are referred to as fángzi. The term can also be used more colloquially to refer to a property or real estate in general. When discussing property ownership or rental, fángzi is the common word used. The architectural style and size of a fángzi can vary greatly depending on its location, age, and purpose, ranging from simple rural dwellings to elaborate urban residences. The word itself is composed of two characters: 房 (fáng), meaning room or house, and 子 (zi), a common noun suffix.