Have you ever watched movies, YouTube videos, or maybe even TikToks that refer to apartment blocks as flats? It’s remarkably confusing and undoubtedly wrong. Well, it’s right and wrong, depending on where you live. So, why are apartments also called flats?
The reason apartments are called flats is because of local dialects from specific countries and languages. In American English, an “Apartment block” is commonly referred to as a “Block of Flats” in British English. Similarly, to the “Soccer” and “Football” translation.
After reading the above, you should understand that apartments usually are called flats in the British English language. Between both American and British English, there are differences such as “takeout” and “takeaway” or “timetable” and “schedule.”
There are many language translations between both English dialects, “apartment” and “flats” are just another.
Are There Differences Between Apartments And Flats?
Almost one in eight Americans call apartments home for various reasons, and this number is forecasted to increase over the next ten years.
As cities and towns become more congested, it’s the only way to create affordable living. But, when looking for an apartment in the US or outside, sometimes they refer to “apartment blocks” as a “block of flats.” But is there any real difference?
The above states that there are differences in local dialects from American and British English, but does this necessarily mean they’re the same building? To find out the answer to this question, I suggest you become knowledgeable on the below:
Kitchen Differences
Undoubtedly, the best way to tear the differences between apartments and flats is to split them into household sections. Here we can start to understand the discrepancies in both looks and terminology.
| American English Terminology | British English Terminology |
| Stove | Cooker |
| Do the dishes | Do the washing up |
| Put your trash in the garbage can | Put your rubbish in the bin |
In all honestly, between an American Apartment and British Flat, there aren’t any visual distinctions. Because of this, there’s only a massive difference in the terminology used in both English languages. Although it’s straightforward to tell them apart (if you’re an English native), calling a “garbage can” a “bin” will undoubtedly be funny in an American household.
Living Room Differences
The living room in an American apartment and British Flat is almost identical. But, considering that rent is 22.55 percent lower in the UK than in the US, you could suggest that renting a flat in the United Kingdom for the same amount of money will net you more prestigious living space.
Although that statement might not be accurate in all circumstances, you get a general idea. But, what about the terminology used in this area?
| American English Terminology | British English Terminology |
| Living room | Sitting room |
| Television | Telly |
| Floor lamp | Lamp |
Like a kitchen, a living room in either an apartment or a flat is relatively similar apart from the terminology used towards some objects.
Again, each dialect isn’t miles different, and you can quickly tell them apart if you understand the English language well.
Bedroom Differences
Moving further down the list, and we’re now onto the bedroom. Again, there isn’t any significant difference between the style, looks, or visual appearance, because they serve the same purpose whether the property is considered a flat or apartment.
Therefore, the primary thing that tears each of these apart is, again, terminology. There isn’t a vast amount, but here are the common ones:
| American English Terminology | British English Terminology |
| Closet | Cupboard |
| Crib | Cot |
| Bedsheets | Duvet |
Knowing the translations is much more difficult in the bedroom than in a kitchen or living room. Although bedsheets are self-explanatory, a duvet isn’t. Either way, they mean the same thing.
Bathroom Differences
The last room type we’ll discuss is a bathroom. Surprisingly, in a bathroom, many different terminologies are used between the languages.
However, there aren’t any significant differences between a flat or an apartment bathroom like the above.
| American English Terminology | British English Terminology |
| Bathroom | Loo |
| Sink | Hand basin |
| Washcloth | Flannel |
You also have en-suite, but they’re pronounced the same in both languages. But, in American English, it’s usually used as an adjective.
Whereas with British English, it’s commonly used as a noun. Therefore, although they sound identical, there’s still a difference in how the word is structured within a sentence.
Luxury Differences
Moving away from the rooms of an apartment and flat, and now we’re going to discuss the overall luxury of the unit itself. To visualize this the best, we’re going to break them down into two simple-to-read bullet points: like the below:
- British English – In the United Kingdom, they can commonly use both terminologies (flat and apartment). With a British flat, they usually have the basic amenities. However, with an apartment, they’re commonly referred to as the more luxurious flats.
- American English – It’s infrequent that they use the word “flat” in American English, but it isn’t completely vacant. Sometimes, more luxurious apartments can be called flats (depending on the state), whereas apartments are common.
Locale Differences
Additionally, to the luxury of an apartment or flat, let’s look into their locale terms within each English language.
- British English – Depending on the size and layout, a flat could have several rooms within the property. However, its commonly looked at as a smaller alternative to an apartment. Therefore, in the UK, apartments are larger than flats.
- American English – A flat in the United States could be like a one-room studio. Apart from that, an apartment is exactly what it is. It’s a unit within an apartment block surrounded by other residences in the building.
Number Of Floors
The last factor we’ll want to consider is the number of floors within both terminologies. Here’s what you need to know:
- British English – In this English language, a flat or apartment could be the same number of floors, depending on its location. A singular skyscraper-like building is an apartment. Whereas if several skyscraper residential buildings surround each other, it’s a block of flats.
- American English – But, in American English, an apartment is commonly two or more floors. But a flat could be referred to as a two-story unit with a level roof. Again, this type of dialect highly depends on which state you live in.
After reading the above, you should understand why some apartments are called flats in British and American English. Although it can seem confusing at first, it’s much easier than you expect as the translations are remarkably similar.