The Chinese character “馆” (guǎn) generally refers to a building or place designated for a specific purpose, often associated with hospitality, learning, or services. It can be translated into English as "hall," "establishment," or "facility," depending on the context. Here are a few common meanings:
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A place for public or private use:
Examples:- 美术馆 (měi shù guǎn) – art gallery
- 图书馆 (tú shū guǎn) – library
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An establishment that provides services:
Examples:- 宾馆 (bīn guǎn) – hotel
- 饭馆 (fàn guǎn) – restaurant
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A place for cultural or historical preservation:
Examples:- 展览馆 (zhǎn lǎn guǎn) – exhibition hall
- 博物馆 (bó wù guǎn) – museum
In broader usage, it can denote an institution or place related to a specific activity or purpose