China
/ˈçiːna/neuter
The English phrase 'china' refers to the country in East Asia, which is China in German. Wiktionary also lists Kina.
Meaning: country in East Asia (name)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| China | /ˈçiːna/ | neuter |
| Kina |
China is used to refer to the country in East Asia. Note that if you are referring to porcelain tableware, the German word is Porzellan.
Which one should you use?
The default form China is a neuter noun. The form Kina is also present in the language. Unlike in English, where 'china' can refer to porcelain, in German you must use Porzellan for the tableware to avoid confusion with the country.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing possession, the genitive form of China is Chinas.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈçiːna/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When stating that you are located within the country, do not use the preposition 'nach' (to). Use 'in China' to express being located there.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Kina refers specifically to the medicinal bark of the cinchona tree, used to make quinine, rather than the country.
- The German word for the country, China, shares a common ancestral root with the Sanskrit word cīna, which is thought to have traveled through Persian and Portuguese before reaching Europe.
Examples in context
- Bist du in China?Are you in China?This example shows how to ask if someone is located in China.Tatoeba #10063356 by wolfgangth, translation #9179826 by DJ_Saidez
- Ich bin in China.I’m in China.This example shows how to state that you are located in China.Tatoeba #13399529 by Naina, translation #8865853 by MS
- Sie sind in China.You're in China.This example shows how to state that they are located in China.Tatoeba #12274670 by mhr, translation #8203362 by magnificentgoddess
- Die Wirtschaft der Volksrepublik China ist eine der am schnellsten wachsenden der Welt.The economy of the People's Republic of China is one of the fastest-growing in the world.
- Hast du schon Pläne für deine Reise nach China gemacht?Have you made any plans for your trip to China yet?
- 291 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing their upcoming travel plans.
- MaximilianMöchtest du nach China reisen?Do you want to travel to China?
- LauraJa, China ist ein faszinierendes Land.Yes, China is a fascinating country.
- MaximilianIch habe viele Fotos aus China gesehen.I have seen many photos from China.
- LauraDas klingt nach einem tollen Abenteuer.That sounds like a great adventure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “china” translations and entries China, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries China, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
