Chinese Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จ๐ณ
Chinese
[หtสaษชหniหz ]
Definitions
language
The official language of China, spoken by over a billion people as a first or second language. It is a tonal language with a character-based writing system.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Chinese |
This term can also specifically refer to a person from China. It is appropriate in situations where you need to identify someone's nationality.
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| mandarin |
This term specifically refers to the standard official language of China. It is used to specify the language being spoken or learned, which is a dialect of Chinese.
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Examples of usage
- More than one-fifth of the world's population speaks Chinese as their native language.
- I decided to learn Chinese to better communicate with my Chinese-speaking colleagues.
related to China
Relating to China or its language, culture, or people.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| Chinese |
This is a repetition of the word already covered. It should still be used to refer to people, culture, or items specifically from China.
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| Asian |
This term refers to people, culture, or products from the continent of Asia, including countries like China, Japan, Korea, India, and others. It is useful for making a broader reference to a larger geographical and cultural region.
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Examples of usage
- The Chinese New Year is a major holiday in many Asian countries.
- She studied Chinese history in college.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Art and Culture
- Chinese art is known for its silk paintings and calligraphy, reflecting a deep cultural appreciation for beauty and expression.
- The famous Chinese New Year celebration includes dragon dances and fireworks, symbolizing good luck and the coming of spring.
- The Great Wall of China is not just a monumental structure, but an emblem of China's historical significance and effort.
Language
- Chinese is the most spoken language in the world, with over a billion speakers across various countries.
- Mandarin is the official language of China, while dialects like Cantonese and Shanghainese reflect regional differences.
- Chinese uses characters (ๆฑๅญ or hร nzรฌ) instead of an alphabet, making it one of the oldest writing systems still in use.
Travel
- China offers diverse landscapes, from the deserts of Xinjiang to the lush rice terraces of Yunnan.
- The country's cities like Beijing and Shanghai show a mix of modern skyscrapers and ancient temples, attracting millions of tourists.
- Visitors to China often explore historical sites like the Forbidden City and Terracotta Army, which showcase rich history.
Food
- Chinese cuisine is celebrated worldwide, with dishes like dumplings, Peking duck, and hotpot showcasing regional flavors.
- Rice is a staple food in many parts of China, often complemented by vegetables, meats, and sauces.
- Tea culture is integral to Chinese life, with varieties like green tea and oolong being cherished for their health benefits.
Origin of 'Chinese'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'Chinese' comes from 'China', which is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Cina', used in ancient texts.
- In Middle English, 'Chine' referred to the land and its people, showcasing the long-standing connection to the culture.
- The character for 'China' in Chinese is ไธญๅ (Zhลnghuรก), meaning 'central civilization'.
The word 'Chinese' originated from the Middle English word 'Chynese', which came from the Latin word 'Cฤซna', derived from the Sanskrit word 'Cฤซna' referring to China. The Chinese language has a long history dating back thousands of years, with various dialects and writing systems evolving over time.
See also: chinaware.