Understanding "出租" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 出租
• Pinyin: chū zū
• Literal Meaning: "Out" (出) + "Rent" (租) = "To rent out"
• Primary Meaning: To lease or rent out something (e.g., property, vehicles, or items) to others for temporary use in exchange for payment.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"出租" is commonly used in contexts where someone offers property, goods, or services for rent. It can refer to:
- Renting out apartments/houses (e.g., 出租房屋 chū zū fáng wū).
- Leasing vehicles (e.g., 出租车 chū zū chē, meaning "taxi," literally "rental car").
- Renting items like equipment or clothing.

Unlike "租赁" (zū lìn), which is more formal and often used in legal/business contexts, "出租" is more colloquial and everyday.

Character Breakdown

• 出 (chū): Means "to go out" or "to exit." Here, it implies "offering out."
• 租 (zū): Means "rent" or "lease." Combined, the word suggests "to rent out."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 这间公寓正在出租。
   Pinyin: Zhè jiān gōngyù zhèngzài chūzū.
   English: This apartment is for rent.

2. Chinese: 他出租了自己的自行车。
   Pinyin: Tā chūzū le zìjǐ de zìxíngchē.
   English: He rented out his bicycle.

3. Chinese: 出租车的司机很友好。
   Pinyin: Chūzūchē de sījī hěn yǒuhǎo.
   English: The taxi driver is very friendly.

Cultural Notes

• In China, "出租车" (chū zū chē) is the standard term for taxis, which are widely used in cities.
• Signs saying "出租" are common on buildings or billboards, indicating rental availability.
• Renting apartments short-term (e.g., for travelers) is less common than in Western countries; long-term leases are the norm.

Conclusion

"出租" (chū zū) is a practical word meaning "to rent out," used for properties, vehicles, and items. Remember it by breaking it down: 出 ("out") + 租 ("rent"). Look for it in rental ads or when hailing a taxi (出租车)!