real estate = 房地产
Literally, it means “real property.”
Here, real does not mean “real vs. fake.”
It comes from the Latin word res (“thing”), referring to actual, fixed, tangible property.
estate here does not mean “inheritance,” but refers to land, real property, and the attachments to that land.
Therefore:
real estate = immovable property = land + buildings attached to the land
Example:
I want to invest in real estate.
我想投资房地产。
Estate is a polysemous word, and its common meanings include:
Real property / land (original meaning)
He owns a large estate in the countryside.
他在乡下有一块大地产。
Estate / all assets after death
After he died, his estate was valued at $2 million.
他去世后，遗留下来的遗产价值 200 万美元。
In this case, estate ≈ all assets owned at death
The exact meaning of estate planning is:
Planning, during one’s lifetime, the distribution, taxation, and transfer of one’s entire assets—so that, upon death or incapacity, assets can be transferred efficiently, taxes can be reduced, and beneficiaries can be protected.
It is not merely “inheritance” planning, but a broader wealth transfer and distribution strategy.
Writing a will
Establishing a trust
Naming beneficiaries
Avoiding estate taxes / probate
Granting power of attorney
Setting medical directives (Living Will / Health Directive)
Estate planning ≠ only distributing assets after death
It is a comprehensive wealth transfer strategy that begins during one’s lifetime.
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This relatively new team achieved 20th place in Ontario in the 2025 season and 25th place in the Johnson Division at the 2025 World Championships in Houston.
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