hostel

hostel — noun

1. a large building, often an old house, where beds are offered at a very low price

1.名詞B1
釋義

a large building, often an old house, where beds are offered at a very low price — sometimes free — for people such as students, seasonal workers, or travelers who need an affordable place to rest for a night or longer

例句

The university hostel offers cheap rooms for students visiting from other cities.

collocation: university hostel

Renata stayed at a workers' hostel near the factory during her training period.

collocation: workers' hostel

同義詞
  • lodge

    similar meaning but often smaller and more rural; less tied to an institution

  • boarding house

    a private home where rooms are rented with meals; more old-fashioned

  • dormitory

    a shared sleeping room, not the whole building

反義詞
  • hotel

    more expensive, private rooms, more services

文法句型

a/the + hostel

hostel + noun (e.g. hostel bed, hostel kitchen)

用法筆記

This sense is often used for accommodation tied to an institution — a university, a factory, or a seasonal employer — rather than for general tourist lodging.

常見錯誤

❌The workers stayed at a hotel near the factory.' (if meaning cheap, basic lodging).
✅The workers stayed at a hostel near the factory.
💡a hotel is more expensive and has private rooms; a hostel is cheaper and often has shared facilities.

2. a simple, low-cost place to sleep while traveling, especially for young people e

2.名詞A2
釋義

a simple, low-cost place to sleep while traveling, especially for young people exploring new places, where guests usually share a room with several beds (called a dormitory) and sometimes have the option of a private room

例句

Lien booked a bed in a four-bed dormitory at a youth hostel in Berlin.

collocation: youth hostel

Imran met travelers from six countries in the common room of his hostel.

collocation: common room

同義詞
  • backpacker lodge

    similar but often in outdoor or adventure destinations; may have cabins

  • guesthouse

    usually has private rooms only and a homelier feel; less emphasis on shared dorms

反義詞
  • hotel

    private rooms, full services, much higher cost

文法句型

a/the + hostel

youth + hostel

hostel + noun (e.g. hostel dormitory)

用法筆記

Often called a youth hostel, though many hostels welcome travelers of all ages. Dormitory beds are the cheapest option; private rooms cost more but are still cheaper than most hotels. Hostels typically have shared bathrooms, a common room, and a kitchen.

常見錯誤

❌We booked a hostel room with a private bathroom and room service.
✅We booked a private room at a hostel.
💡hostels generally do not offer hotel-style services such as room service or daily cleaning.

3. a building that a charitable organization or local council operates to provide a

3.名詞B1
釋義

a building that a charitable organization or local council operates to provide a bed, food, and practical support for people who do not have a home to live in

例句

The city opened a new hostel that provides beds for homeless families.

collocation: provides beds for homeless families

Jabari found a bed at a homeless hostel after losing his apartment.

collocation: homeless hostel

同義詞
  • shelter

    the more common term in American English; can be temporary or long-term

  • halfway house

    a supportive residence for people leaving prison or recovering from addiction

  • refuge

    usually for people escaping danger (e.g. domestic violence)

文法句型

a/the + hostel

homeless + hostel

hostel + for [people]

用法筆記

This sense is more common in British English. In American English, the word shelter is used more often for this meaning. Residents are usually referred to as guests rather than tenants.

常見錯誤

❌He moved into a youth hostel after losing his job.
✅He moved into a homeless hostel after losing his job.
💡a youth hostel is for travelers, not for people without a home.

hostel — verb