Flat
FLAT
Neutral Neutral
What it really means
The normal British word for an apartment — a home on one floor of a larger building. "Apartment" is understood but sounds American or is used for fancy new buildings. A "block of flats" is an apartment building.
Chinese explanation
英式英语中"公寓"的常用说法——大楼中一层的住宅。"Apartment"也能听懂，但显得美式，或多用于高档新楼盘。"Block of flats"指公寓楼。
Example conversation
A: Do you live in a house?
B: No, a two-bed flat on the third floor.
A：你住的是独栋房子吗？
B：不是，是四楼（英式三层）的一套两居室公寓。
What you could say back
No spoken reply needed for this one.
Related phrases
Official sources
Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
Go deeper
All Renting & Housing
Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team
· Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake