Understanding "家具" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 家具
• Pinyin: jiā jù
• Literal Meaning: "Home" (家) + "Tools/Utensils" (具)
• Primary Meaning: Furniture (household items like tables, chairs, beds, etc.)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
• "家具" refers to movable objects used to make a home or space functional and comfortable, such as sofas, desks, or cabinets.
• It is a general term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

• Nuance: Unlike English, where "furniture" is uncountable, "家具" can sometimes be used with measure words like "件" (jiàn) or "套" (tào) when specifying quantity (e.g., 一件家具 - one piece of furniture).

• Character Breakdown:

• 家 (jiā): Means "home" or "family."
• 具 (jù): Means "tools," "utensils," or "equipment." Together, they form "household tools" → "furniture."

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 我的新公寓需要买一些家具。
   Pinyin: Wǒ de xīn gōngyù xūyào mǎi yīxiē jiājù.
   English: My new apartment needs some furniture.

2. Chinese: 这套家具很现代，也很贵。
   Pinyin: Zhè tào jiājù hěn xiàndài, yě hěn guì.
   English: This set of furniture is very modern and expensive.

3. Chinese: 她喜欢去宜家挑选家具。
   Pinyin: Tā xǐhuān qù Yíjiā tiāoxuǎn jiājù.
   English: She likes to go to IKEA to pick out furniture.

Cultural Notes

• In China, furniture shopping is often a family activity, and stores like IKEA are popular for their affordability and modern designs.
• Traditional Chinese furniture, like rosewood (红木 hóngmù) pieces, is highly valued for craftsmanship and cultural significance.
• Feng Shui (风水) principles sometimes influence furniture arrangement for harmony and luck.

Conclusion

"家具" (jiājù) means "furniture" and combines the ideas of "home" and "tools." It’s a practical word for everyday life, whether shopping for a new sofa or describing your living space. Remember it as "household utensils" to grasp its meaning easily!