Mandarin Monday: Chinese Expressions for Searching for a Home

      Mandarin Monday is a recurring series designed to enhance your Chinese language skills by presenting engaging and practical phrases and characters.

      Searching for an apartment can be quite challenging under any circumstances. Now, consider doing it in a language other than your native one. Fortunately, this reliable list of phrases will equip you to engage effectively with landlords and realtors. With improved fluency after reviewing these phrases, you'll hopefully navigate negotiations, contracts, and moving in smoothly.

      The Essentials

      When was the last renovation of the apartment? 上次装修是什么时候？Shàngcì zhuāngxiū shì shénme shíhou?

      Will it be cleaned before I move in? 我搬进来之前你能清理一下吗？Wǒ bānjìnlái zhīqián nǐ néng qīnglǐ yíxià ma?

      Can this room be repainted? 能粉刷一下这个房间吗？Néng fěnshuā yíxià zhège fángjiān ma?

      Am I allowed to hang things on the walls? 墙上可以挂装饰品吗？Qiángshàng kěyǐ guà zhuāngshìpǐn ma?

      Could you remove this? 你能把这个拿走吗？Nǐ néng bǎ zhège ná zǒu ma?

      Could you purchase a ________? 你能买一个________吗？Nǐ néng mǎi yíge ________ ma?

      How long has this item been used? Can it be replaced prior to my move-in date? 这个用了多久了? 我搬进来之前你能换新的吗? Zhège yòngle duōjiǔle? Wǒ bān jìnlái zhīqián nǐ néng huàn xīn de ma?

      Can you provide additional furniture? 能提供更多家具? Néng tígōng gèng duō jiājù?

      Please write it down and include it in the contract. 写下来吧。在合同上标出。Xiěxiàlái ba. Zài hétóng shàng biāochū.

      Building Maintenance

      If this breaks, who is accountable for repairs? 如果这个坏了，谁负责修理？Rúguǒ zhège huàile, shuí fùzé xiūlǐ?

      Where can I find the property management office? What is their contact number? 物业办公室在哪? 电话号码是多少？Wùyè bàngōngshì zài nǎr? Diànhuà hàomǎ shì duōshǎo?

      Can you suggest a ______? 能推荐一个___? Néng tuījiàn yíge ___?

      • handyman 修理工 xiūlǐgōng

      • plumber 下水道修理 xiàshuǐdào xiūlǐ

      • locksmith 锁匠 suǒjiang

      • electrician 电工 diàngōng

      Infrastructure

      In what year was this building built? 这个房子是哪一年间的建的? Zhège fángzi shì nǎ yī niánjiān de jiàn de?

      What is the square meter measurement? 有多少平米? Yǒu duōshǎo píngmǐ?

      Which direction does it face? 这个房子的朝向是 ______ ? Zhège fángzi de cháoxiàng shì ______?

      How many entry points does this residential complex have? 这个小区有几个入口？Zhège xiǎoqū yǒu jǐ gè rùkǒu?

      Have there been issues with pests or rodents? 这个房子又没有过虫蛀问题? Zhège fángzi yòu méiyǒuguò chóng zhù wèntí?

      Is there 24-hour security in this complex? 这个小区有24小时的保安吗? Zhège xiǎoqū yǒu èrshísì xiǎoshí de bǎo’ān ma?

      Does the apartment use community heating or independent heating? 这里是区域供暖还是按用量计算? Zhèlǐ shì qūyù gōngnuǎn háishì àn yòngliàng jìsuàn?

      Is there hot water in both the kitchen and bathroom? If not, can you have it installed? 厨房和卫生间有热水吗?如果没有，你可以请人安装吗？Chúfáng hé wèishēngjiān yǒu rèshuǐ ma? Rúguǒ méiyǒu, n

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