酒店

Etymology & Components

The Chinese word 酒店 (jiǔdiàn) for "hotel" is a compound of two characters: 酒 (jiǔ), meaning "wine" or "alcohol", and 店 (diàn), meaning "shop" or "store". The term 酒店 originally referred to a place where wine was sold and consumed, similar to a tavern or an inn. Over time, the meaning of 酒店 expanded to include establishments that provided lodging and other services for travelers, evolving into the modern concept of a hotel.The character 酒 (jiǔ) has a rich history in Chinese culture, dating back to ancient times when wine was an important part of religious ceremonies and social gatherings. The character 店 (diàn) is also an ancient Chinese character, originally referring to a small shop or stall where goods were sold.The combination of 酒 and 店 in the word 酒店 reflects the historical origins of hotels as places where travelers could find both food and drink, as well as a place to rest and stay overnight. Today, 酒店 is the standard Chinese word for "hotel", encompassing a wide range of establishments from small inns to luxurious resorts.