‘旅店’ (lǚ diàn) is a compound noun meaning ‘inn’ or ‘guesthouse’—a small, often family-run accommodation for travelers. The first character, 旅 (lǚ), means ‘travel’ or ‘journey’, and the second, 店 (diàn), means ‘shop’ or ‘establishment’. Together, they literally convey ‘a place for travelers’, emphasizing temporary lodging rather than long-term residence. Historically, 旅店 referred to traditional roadside inns; today it’s used for modest, budget-friendly accommodations—smaller and less formal than hotels (酒店) but more established than hostels (青年旅舍).

This word is common in spoken and written Chinese, especially when describing travel planning, local tourism, or rural settings. It carries a neutral-to-slightly-old-fashioned tone and is still widely understood, though younger speakers may prefer 酒店 or 民宿 (mǐn sù, ‘homestay’) in urban contexts. You’ll see 旅店 on signs, maps, and travel apps, particularly outside major cities.