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小区 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
小区xiǎoqūneighborhoodHSK 3, unknown, 7 strokes, rank #11800, Medium
小区xiǎoqūdistrictHSK 3, unknown, 7 strokes, rank #11800, Medium
xiǎoqū(xiao3qu1)xiao qu T3
  1. 1neighborhood
  2. 2district
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March 24, 2026

小区(小區)xiǎoqū(xiao3qu1)

小区 (xiǎo qū) refers to a residential community or neighborhood, often featuring a collection of apartment buildings and shared amenities. It is commonly used in urban contexts to describe a planned area where people live and interact, emphasizing community living.

Strokes7Frequency#11800DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In China, 小区 often reflects the trend of urbanization, as many people live in these planned communities that offer facilities such as parks, playgrounds, and sometimes even shops, reflecting a modern lifestyle.

Memory Tip

Imagine a tiny 'small' (小) 'district' (区) with cozy homes, where neighbors gather. Picture a quaint neighborhood with children playing outside, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Meanings of 小区

xiǎoqū(xiao3qu1)
1neighborhood
2district
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About 小区

小区Simplified
小區Traditional
7Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L3AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 小区

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Podcast: 小区

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AI Study Notes for 小区

Quick Contrast

社区 (shèqū) refers to a community that may not be residential, focusing more on social interactions and organizations, while 小区 specifically denotes a residential area with housing.

Usage Notes

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing housing or real estate. Be cautious with the tone: ensure the first syllable is pronounced with a third tone (xiǎo) and the second syllable with a first tone (qū), as mispronunciation can change the meaning.

HSK Study Tips

Even though 小区 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects to words related to living spaces and communities, such as 家 (home) and 社区 (community). Focus on understanding the context in which it is used when discussing urban living.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 小区 with other terms like 社区 (community) or 区域 (area). For example, saying '我住在社区' (I live in a community) instead of '我住在小区' (I live in a neighborhood) can be incorrect depending on context.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 小区

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Component Characters

小xiǎosmall
HSK 13 strokes小
View full entry
区Ōuarea
HSK 44 strokes匸
View full entry

How to say neighborhood in Chinese

“neighborhood” in Chinese is小区xiǎoqū

小区 (xiǎo qū) refers to a residential community or neighborhood, often featuring a collection of apartment buildings and shared amenities. It is commonly used in urban contexts to describe a planned area where people live and interact, emphasizing community living.

When to use 小区

This term is often used in both formal and informal contexts, particularly when discussing housing or real estate. Be cautious with the tone: ensure the first syllable is pronounced with a third tone (xiǎo) and the second syllable with a first tone (qū), as mispronunciation can change the meaning.

小区 or something close to it

社区 (shèqū) refers to a community that may not be residential, focusing more on social interactions and organizations, while 小区 specifically denotes a residential area with housing.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 小区 with other terms like 社区 (community) or 区域 (area). For example, saying '我住在社区' (I live in a community) instead of '我住在小区' (I live in a neighborhood) can be incorrect depending on context.

Write 小区

小
区

Practice writing 小区 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

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Cultural Notes for 小区

🌏Cross-cultural Insight

Unlike many Western suburbs that may emphasize individual homes, 小区 often emphasizes shared living spaces and community interaction, highlighting a cultural preference for communal living.

Frequently Asked Questions about 小区

小区 refers specifically to residential complexes, while 社区 generally means community and can include various types of neighborhoods.

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