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Mahjong Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mahjong

[หˆmษ‘ห.dส’ษ’ล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

game

Mahjong is a traditional Chinese game played with a set of 144 tiles. Players aim to build a winning hand by matching tiles and completing various sets. The game involves strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck.

Synonyms

mah-jongg, mahjongg.

Examples of usage

  • We spent the evening playing Mahjong with friends.
  • She learned how to play Mahjong during her trip to China.
  • The Mahjong tournament attracted players from all over the city.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'mahjong'

The term 'mahjong' is believed to originate from the Chinese word 'mรกjiร ng' (้บปๅฐ‡), which means 'sparrow' in Mandarin. Historically, the game dates back to the Qing dynasty in the 19th century, evolving from a card game. It gained widespread popularity in China before being introduced to other parts of the world, particularly in the United States and Japan. The game's unique combination of skill and chance, along with its intricate tile designs, contributed to its appeal. Today, Mahjong is not only a leisure activity but also a competitive sport, with various regional variations and international tournaments holding significant cultural importance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,887, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.