家居建材 in English

[Kenny同志]

Hello folks,

 

I am translating something into English and came across this term, i.e. 家居建材. According to 新浪財經, 

 

 

Is there any commonly used English term that is equivalent to the Chinese? I've seen 'home building materials' used as a translation but this doesn't sound quite right. 

 

Thanks.

[Guest realmayo]

I realise I could never be a translator, because despite 傷-ing my 腦筋 I've got no idea how to answer your question.

 

In the UK, "building supplies" is slightly the more 'professional' or 专业 word, other people might use "building materials". These are both used for 'bigger', external or more structural things, like bricks, roof tiles, cement etc. People wouldn't usually distinguish between "home" and e.g. "office", because there is usually no need: a brick is a brick.

 

For interiors, builders talk about "fixtures and fittings". And then when it comes to choosing nice wallpaper or furniture, it's "home furnishings".

 

"Home building materials" isn't perfect but might stretch to cover a broader Chinese meaning, if the Chinese meaning is indeed broader? "Home building materials, fixtures and fittings" seems a mouthful. "Home building materials and accessories" might work better?

[Kenny同志]

Thanks very much for your useful input, real mayo. I think I might go for something like 'building supplies, fixtures and fittings'. But let's see what others have to add. ?

 

 

[Tomsima]

I know I've used hardware store before for 建材 in the context of 建材城 if that gives you another option. Home renovation might be a more 'US' option too

[Kenny同志]

Thank you Tomsima. I think renovation is the process of repairing an old house? In the Chinese context, 家居建材 is for both new and old houses. 

[Tomsima]

A valid point, for sure

[Kenny同志]

Thanks Mr 司馬湯姆. ?

[imron]

Interior design materials?

[Kenny同志]

Thanks Imron. That's a really good one, though fixtures and fittings may need to be included. ?