Chinese word

宫殿

Pronunciation

Pinyingōng diàn

Meaning

  • nounpalace

Example

这座宫殿有几百年的历史。zhè zuò gōng diàn yǒu jí bǎi nián de lì shǐ

This palace is several hundred years old.

Illustration for 宫殿 (palace)

More examples

游客可以参观宫殿的内部。yóu kè ké yǐ cān guān gōng diàn de nèi bù

Tourists can visit the palace's interior.

Core concept

A vast, richly decorated royal setting where a ruler lives and important court life takes place.

Common phrases

  • 古代宫殿gǔ dài gōng diàn

    ancient palace

  • 宏伟的宫殿hóng wěi de gōng diàn

    magnificent palace

  • 参观宫殿cān guān gōng diàn

    visit the palace

  • 修复宫殿xiū fù gōng diàn

    restore the palace

Similar words

皇宫huáng gōng: A large, splendid residence and official ceremonial site for an emperor or imperial family.
王宫wáng gōng: A luxurious residence and surrounding grounds used by a king or royal family.

Definition in Chinese

君主或皇室居住的规模大、装饰豪华的建筑或建筑群。jūn zhǔ huò huáng shì jū zhù de guī mó dà zhuāng shì háo huá de jiàn zhù huò jiàn zhù qún

Word origin

宫殿 (gōngdiàn, "palace") is formed from 宫 (gōng, "palace") + 殿 (diàn, "hall"), so its parts bring together the royal residence and its principal halls.

Usage tips

  • Historical and travel descriptions often use this word for architecture linked to a ruler, while ordinary homes, hotels, and government buildings normally need different nouns.

Other meanings

  • imperial palacenoun
  • royal palacenoun

Opposites

  • 民居mín jūcommoner's homenoun
  • 茅屋máo wūthatched cottagenoun

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