中國 / 中国
Zhōngguó
The English phrase "china" is translated into Chinese as 中國 / 中国 (Zhōngguó). If unsure, use 中國 / 中国. Wiktionary also lists 中華 / 中华 (Zhōnghuá) and 華 / 华 (Huá).
Meaning: country in East Asia (name)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 中國 / 中国 | Zhōngguó | |
| 中華 / 中华 | Zhōnghuá | formal, poetic |
| 華 / 华 | Huá | abbreviation |
The term refers to the country in East Asia. While 中國 / 中国 is the standard name for the country, the single character 華 / 华 is used as an abbreviation in various compound words, such as when referring to ethnic Chinese.
What does it mean word for word?
The name 中國 / 中国 literally means "Middle Kingdom."
Which one should you use?
中國 / 中国 is the standard way to name the country. In contrast, 中華 / 中华 is used in more formal, patriotic or poetic contexts, often referring to the Chinese nation or culture itself rather than just the physical territory.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
中華 / 中华 is a formal and poetic form. The character 華 / 华 acts as an abbreviation in many related compound words.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The Dungan forms Җунгуй and Җунгуә are used in the Dungan language.
How do you pronounce it?
Zhōngguó
Did you know?
- The name 中國 / 中国 may be a semantic loan from Sanskrit phrases like madhyadeśe, which refers to being 'in the Middle Country'.
- The Dungan language uses the forms Җунгуй and Җунгуә to refer to the country.
Example sentences for Chinese are not verified yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “china” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 中國, 中華, CC BY-SA 4.0.
