Kenny同志 Posted November 27, 2022 at 06:55 AM Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 at 06:55 AM Hello folks, I am translating something into English and came across this term, i.e. 家居建材. According to 新浪財經, Is there any commonly used English term that is equivalent to the Chinese? I've seen 'home building materials' used as a translation but this doesn't sound quite right. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
realmayo Posted November 27, 2022 at 09:31 AM Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 at 09:31 AM I realise I could never be a translator, because despite 傷-ing my 腦筋 I've got no idea how to answer your question. In the UK, "building supplies" is slightly the more 'professional' or 专业 word, other people might use "building materials". These are both used for 'bigger', external or more structural things, like bricks, roof tiles, cement etc. People wouldn't usually distinguish between "home" and e.g. "office", because there is usually no need: a brick is a brick. For interiors, builders talk about "fixtures and fittings". And then when it comes to choosing nice wallpaper or furniture, it's "home furnishings". "Home building materials" isn't perfect but might stretch to cover a broader Chinese meaning, if the Chinese meaning is indeed broader? "Home building materials, fixtures and fittings" seems a mouthful. "Home building materials and accessories" might work better? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny同志 Posted November 27, 2022 at 10:30 AM Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 at 10:30 AM Thanks very much for your useful input, real mayo. I think I might go for something like 'building supplies, fixtures and fittings'. But let's see what others have to add. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomsima Posted November 27, 2022 at 12:28 PM Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 at 12:28 PM I know I've used hardware store before for 建材 in the context of 建材城 if that gives you another option. Home renovation might be a more 'US' option too 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny同志 Posted November 27, 2022 at 12:49 PM Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2022 at 12:49 PM Thank you Tomsima. I think renovation is the process of repairing an old house? In the Chinese context, 家居建材 is for both new and old houses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomsima Posted November 28, 2022 at 12:25 AM Report Share Posted November 28, 2022 at 12:25 AM A valid point, for sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny同志 Posted November 28, 2022 at 06:52 AM Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2022 at 06:52 AM Thanks Mr 司馬湯姆. ? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
imron Posted November 29, 2022 at 10:29 AM Report Share Posted November 29, 2022 at 10:29 AM Interior design materials? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kenny同志 Posted November 30, 2022 at 09:01 AM Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2022 at 09:01 AM Thanks Imron. That's a really good one, though fixtures and fittings may need to be included. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and select your username and password later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.