‘别墅’ (bié shù) is a noun meaning ‘villa’ — a detached, often luxurious residence, typically located outside urban centers, such as in the countryside, mountains, or by the sea. The first character 别 (bié) literally means ‘separate’ or ‘other’, and here conveys the idea of a secondary or alternative residence distinct from one’s primary home. The second character 墅 (shù) specifically denotes a country house or villa, historically associated with leisure, retreat, or seasonal living.

In modern usage, 别墅 refers to upscale private homes with gardens, multiple floors, and amenities like pools or home theaters. It carries connotations of affluence and space, and is commonly used in real estate, travel, and lifestyle contexts. Unlike ordinary apartments (公寓) or houses (房子), 别墅 implies exclusivity, privacy, and architectural distinction. It’s rarely used for modest dwellings — even large suburban homes are usually called 洋房 or 复式楼 unless they meet traditional villa criteria.