Definition

1. Noun:
   • Back house, rear building: A building located at the back of a main house or mansion, often used as a private living space, for servants, or for storage.
   • Inner house: Refers to the inner or more private section of a traditional compound or residence.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Khu vực hậu đường thường là nơi sinh hoạt của gia nhân. (The hậu đường area is usually where the servants live.)
  • Ngôi nhà cổ này có một hậu đường rộng rãi. (This old house has a spacious back building.)

Advanced Usage

• This term is primarily used in historical or architectural contexts to describe traditional Vietnamese or East Asian residential layouts. It is less common in modern everyday language.
• It can imply a space of privacy, seclusion, or utilitarian function separate from the formal and public areas of the main house.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhà sau: A more common and general term for "back house" or "house at the back."
• Nhà trong: Literally "inner house," often used interchangeably with to indicate the private, inner quarters.
• Tiền đường: (Front building/hall) The opposite architectural element, referring to the front hall or building of a traditional compound.

Synonyms

• Back building: A direct descriptive synonym.
• Rear house: Another term for a house located at the back.
• Servants' quarters: Specifically when the is used for domestic staff.

Related Phrases

• Khuê phòng: A woman's private chamber or boudoir (historically), which could be located in the area.
• Nội viện: Inner courtyard or inner quarters, relating to the private sections of a residence.

Notes

• is an architectural term. In contemporary descriptions of modern houses, terms like nhà phụ (auxiliary house) or nhà sau are more frequently used.
• The concept reflects traditional family structure and spatial organization, separating public, private, and service areas.

1. Building at the back of a mansion