厅 is a bound form (b.f.) that cannot stand alone as an independent word. It appears as the second element in compounds referring to rooms or large spaces, such as 客厅 (living room), 餐厅 (dining room), and 大厅 (hall). It is also used in names of government departments, e.g., 教育厅 (education department). Note the contrast with 房 (fáng), which refers to inner rooms or bedrooms.