在中國各種不同的傳統(tǒng)民居中，四合院(quadrangle)是最典型和最具代表性的一種建筑。其不論規(guī)模大小，都由四面房屋及其圍合的庭院組成。坐北朝南的房屋稱為正房(main house)，東西兩邊的稱為廂房(side house)，南房稱為倒座房(reversely-set house)。貴族或富有人家往往還有走廊把正房和廂房連接起來。四合院里的生活從容、寧靜，卻又其樂融融。四合院一定程度上體現(xiàn)著社會的等級(hierachical)秩序和家庭的尊卑觀念。四合院歷史悠久，蘊含著深刻的文內(nèi)涵(connotation)，是中國傳統(tǒng)文化的載體。

　　Quadrangle

　　The quadrangle is the most typical and representative building among various traditional Chinese residences. Quadrangles, large or small, consist of courtyards surrounded by houses along their four sides. The house on the north facing the south is called the main house or principal house, the house lies on the east or west sides is called the side house or wing house and the one stands on the south is called the reversely-set house. The main house and the side houses of the nobles or the rich are often connected together by corridors. Life in a quadrangle is calm and quiet, but not without joy and harmony. The quadrangle reflects to some extent the hierarchical order of the society and the concept of superiority and inferiority in the family. The time-honored quadrangle is a carrier of Chinese traditional culture with profound cultural connotations.