It can be used in various contexts, including:
* A private residence: "J'ai acheté une maison à la campagne." (I bought a house in the countryside.)
* A business or organization: "Maison Chanel" (Chanel House) refers to the fashion house founded by Coco Chanel.
* A specific type of house: "Maison de retraite" (retirement home).
"Maison" can also be used figuratively to refer to:
* One's country or nation: "La maison de mes ancêtres" (The home of my ancestors)
* A place of refuge or comfort: "J'ai trouvé un refuge dans la maison de mon ami." (I found refuge in my friend's house.)
It's important to note that the pronunciation of "Maison" in English is different than the French pronunciation. In English, it is pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable: MAY-zon. In French, the emphasis is on the second syllable: ma-ZON.