Meaning
旅馆 refers to a commercial establishment that provides lodging for travelers and guests, typically for short-term stays. It's a general term that can range from budget accommodations to mid-range hotels, though it's less formal than 酒店 (jiǔ diàn), which is used for upscale hotels.
Usage
旅馆 is commonly used in everyday speech to refer to smaller hotels, inns, or guesthouses. In modern urban contexts, 酒店 is often preferred for larger or more luxurious establishments, while 旅馆 suggests more modest, traditional, or local accommodations. You'll frequently see 旅馆 on signs in smaller towns or older neighborhoods.
Examples
- 01我们在古城找了一家便宜的旅馆住下。.We found a cheap hotel to stay in at the old town.
- 02这个旅馆离火车站很近，走路只要五分钟。, .This hotel is very close to the train station, only a five-minute walk.
Characters
Measure words
- 家一家旅馆
- 间一间旅馆
Common collocations
- 住旅馆to stay at a hotel
- 小旅馆small inn/hotel
- 旅馆老板hotel owner
- 订旅馆to book a hotel
Origin
旅 originally meant a military unit or journey, while 馆 referred to a public building or mansion. Together they form 旅馆, literally a 'travel building' or place for travelers to stay.