Are you a student of Mandarin looking to expand your vocabulary? Or a professional traveling to China to source furniture for your business? Then this guide on Chinese furniture vocabulary (家具词汇 / jiājù cíhuì) is for you!
Whether you’re setting up a home, visiting a showroom, or negotiating with a vendor in China, knowing the right words can make all the difference. This blog by The Oriental Dialogue helps you learn 30+ essential furniture-related terms in Mandarin, complete with pronunciation and English meanings.
Why Learn Furniture Vocabulary in Chinese?
- For Business Travelers:
If you’re heading to China to source furniture, communicate better with suppliers by learning names of key items like sofa (沙发 / shāfā), dining table (餐桌 / cān zhuō), and wardrobe (衣柜 / yī guì). It enhances clarity during negotiations and builds trust with your Chinese partners. - For Mandarin Learners:
Vocabulary is the foundation of any language. Knowing daily-use items like bed (床 / chuáng) or window (窗户 / chuāng hu) helps you describe your living space, understand product listings, and hold more natural conversations. - For Expats & Interior Enthusiasts:
If you’re furnishing your home in China or working with local decorators, these words will help you browse online platforms like Taobao or Tmall, or speak directly with store owners.
Key Chinese Furniture Vocabulary You Should Know 🪑🛏️
Here are some must-know furniture words categorized for easy learning. (Visual learners, don’t forget to check the helpful image posters from The Oriental Dialogue below!)
Living Room:
- 沙发 (shā fā) – Sofa [शाफा]
- 茶几 (chá jī) – Coffee Table [छा च्यी]
- 扶手椅 (fú shǒu yǐ) – Armchair [फू शोऊ यी]
- 椅子 (yǐ zi) – Chair [यी त्च]
- 电视柜 (diàn shì guì) – TV Cabinet [तीएन श्यिर्]
Study & Office:
- 书桌 (shū zhuō) – Study Table [शू चूओ]
- 电脑椅 (diàn nǎo yǐ) – Computer Chair [तिएन नाओ यी]
- 电脑桌 (diàn nǎo zhuō) – Computer Table [तिएन नाओ चूओ]
- 书架 (shū jià) – Bookshelf [शू च्यीआ]
Dining Area:
- 餐桌 (cān zhuō) – Dining Table [त्सान चूओ]
- 餐椅 (cān yǐ) – Dining Chair [त्सान यी]
Bedroom:
- 床 (chuáng) – Bed [छुआंग]
- 床头柜 (chuáng tóu guì) – Bedside Table [छुआंग थोऊ कुई]
- 衣柜 (yī guì) – Wardrobe [यी कुई]
- 婴儿床 (yīng ér chuáng) – Crib [यिंग अर छुआंग]
Storage & Utilities:
- 抽屉 (chōu ti) – Drawer [छोऊ थी]
- 抽屉柜 (chōu ti guì) – Dresser [छोऊ थी कुई]
- 鞋柜 (xié guì) – Shoe Cabinet [श्यिए कुई]
- 厨柜 (chú guì) – Kitchen Cabinet [छू कुई]
- 衣帽架 (yī mào jià) – Coat Stand [यी माओ च्यीआ]
Miscellaneous:
- 凳子 (dèng zi) – Stool [तंग त्च]
- 梳妆台 (shū zhuāng tái) – Dressing Table [शू चुआँग थाय]
- 窗户 (chuāng hù) – Window [चांग हू]
- 桌子 (zhuō zi) – Table [चूओ त्च]
🖼 Click here to download the full vocabulary posters with illustrations
(Or scroll to the end of the blog to view them.)
Bonus: Phrases for Furniture Shopping & Sourcing in China 🇨🇳
Once you’ve learned these words, take it a step further by learning how to ask for prices, sizes, customizations, and more.
👉 Check out our blog on 40 Useful Phrases for Your Trip to China — perfect for business trips, shopping, and travel.
