南极洲
Nánjízhōu
Antarctica is 南极洲 (Nánjízhōu) in Chinese.
南极洲 is the name for the southernmost continent.
Meaning: southernmost continent (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The name is composed of 南 (south), 极 (pole) and 洲 (continent).
Which one should you use?
The term 南极洲 refers specifically to the continent, whereas 南极 refers to the South Pole itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, Antarctica is expressed as 南極洲.
How do you pronounce it?
Nánjízhōu
Did you know?
- Chinese uses the same character 极 for 'pole' and for 'extreme' in expressions like 极了, which is used to mean 'extremely' or 'to the limit'.
- Because the character 极 implies a limit, the phrase 南极 can be used metaphorically in Chinese to describe the absolute end or the furthest possible reach of something.
- The word 洲 is also used in the name for 'Europe' (欧洲) and 'Asia' (亚洲). In these cases, it identifies a landmass rather than just a political continent.
Examples in context
- 我最喜欢研究南极洲的气候变化。I enjoy studying the climate change in Antarctica.
- 南极洲的冰川景观非常壮观。The glacial landscapes in Antarctica are incredibly magnificent.
- 我妈妈有机会去南极旅行。My mom has the opportunity to travel to Antarctica.
- 这是一本关于南极探险的书。This is a book about Antarctic exploration.
- 台灣的科學家經常在南極洲進行研究。Taiwanese scientists often conduct research in Antarctica.
- 南极洲非常寒冷。Nánjízhōu fēicháng hánlěng.Antarctica is extremely cold.
- 他想去南极洲探险。Tā xiǎng qù Nánjízhōu tànxiǎn.He wants to go to Antarctica to explore.
- 南极洲有很多企鹅。Nánjízhōu yǒu hěnduō qǐ'é.There are many penguins in Antarctica.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a nature documentary.
- 梓涵 Zihan你觉得南极洲漂亮吗？Nǐ juéde Nánjízhōu piàoliang ma?Do you think Antarctica is beautiful?
- 俊杰 Junjie非常漂亮，但是太冷了。Fēicháng piàoliang, dànshì tài lěng le.It's very beautiful, but too cold.
- 梓涵 Zihan那你想去那里吗？Nà nǐ xiǎng qù nàlǐ ma?Then do you want to go there?
- 俊杰 Junjie我只敢在电视上看。Wǒ zhǐ gǎn zài diànshì shàng kàn.I only dare to watch it on TV.
