‘前厅’ (qián tīng) literally means ‘front hall’ — ‘前’ (qián) means ‘front’ or ‘before’, and ‘厅’ (tīng) means ‘hall’ or ‘room’. Together, they refer to the entrance area of a building where guests first arrive, commonly translated as ‘foyer’ or ‘lobby’. It’s a formal yet neutral term used in hotels, office buildings, theaters, and large residences.

This word emphasizes function and location: it’s the transitional space between the outside and interior, often featuring reception desks, seating, and signage. Unlike more casual terms like ‘门口’ (ménkǒu, ‘doorway’) or ‘大厅’ (dàtīng, ‘main hall’), ‘前厅’ specifically connotes an organized, welcoming entry zone designed for greeting and orientation. It’s frequently used in service contexts — hotel staff may be assigned to work ‘in the front lobby’, and architectural plans label this area as ‘前厅’.