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Hello everyone.In your opinion which is the difference between flat and apartment.Thanks

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

ale89flat and apartment

A flat in the U.S. is called "an apartment".
An apartment in England is called "a flat".

At least that's my understanding of it. It's the same thing with two different regional names.

CJ

Oligalma · Answer

http://ask.metafilter.com/15751/whats-the-difference-between-an-apartment-and-a-flat

Anonymous · Answer

CalifJimAn apartment in England is called "a flat".

Not just England. The UK in general.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymous CalifJimAn apartment in England is called "a flat".Not just England. The UK in general.

Well, yes. And not just the U.S. North America in general.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

"Flat" is British usage. It is never heard in this sense in the US. It's "apartment" or "room" or even, loosely, "house" in the US. For example, if you left something back in your apartment in the US, you might say any of the following:

I've got to go back to my apartment, I left my wallet there.

I've got to go back to my room, I left my wallet there.

I've got to go back to my house, I left my wallet there.

But in the US, never:

I've got to go back to my flat, I left my wallet there.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousif you left something back in your apartment in the US, you might say any of the following

Not where I live. If you live in an apartment, you never call it your house.

CJ

Khoff · Answer

I agree with Jim.  An apartment can certainly be a home, but it's never a house.  You could say "I've got to go back home. . . " or "back to my place" (with the stress on "my").  I don't think Americans would use "room," either, unless it was a one-room apartment or a room in a dormitory.

GPY · Answer

The term "apartment" is also sometimes used in the UK, e.g. by estate agents. It can sound grander or more upmarket than "flat".

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