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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 实体 (shítǐ) to refer to a physical entity or brick-and-mortar

    Description & Modification
    Existence & Possession

    Structure

    实体 + 店/Noun

    Explanation

    实体 means "physical entity," "substantive body," or "brick-and-mortar" and refers to something that has a tangible, real-world presence. It combines 实 (real/solid) with 体 (body/form). In modern usage, it commonly appears in 实体店 (brick-and-mortar store) as opposed to online businesses.

    Examples

    • 虽然网购很方便，但我还是喜欢去实体店试衣服。

      Suīrán wǎnggòu hěn fāngbiàn, dàn wǒ háishi xǐhuan qù shítǐ diàn shì yīfu.

      Although online shopping is convenient, I still prefer going to physical stores to try on clothes.

    • 这家公司是一个实体企业，不是空壳公司。

      Zhè jiā gōngsī shì yī gè shítǐ qǐyè, bú shì kōngké gōngsī.

      This company is a brick-and-mortar enterprise, not a shell company.

    • 越来越多的实体书店开始转型做文化空间。

      Yuèláiyuè duō de shítǐ shūdiàn kāishǐ zhuǎnxíng zuò wénhuà kōngjiān.

      More and more physical bookstores are starting to transform into cultural spaces.

    Often Confused With

    Using 实体 (shítǐ) to refer to a physical entity or brick-and-mortar | Chinese Grammar