Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| Trung Quốc | [t͡ɕʊwŋ͡m˧˧ kuək̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʈʊwŋ͡m˧˧ kuək̚˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| Trung Hoa | [t͡ɕʊwŋ͡m˧˧ hwaː˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʈʊwŋ͡m˧˧ hwaː˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| Tàu | [taw˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [taw˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
The term is used to refer to the country in East Asia.
What does it mean word for word?
The name Trung Quốc literally means 'Middle Kingdom'.
Which one should you use?
While Trung Quốc is the standard way to refer to the country, Trung Hoa is often used when referring to the broader Chinese cultural sphere or Chinese ethnic identity. The term Tàu is a colloquial way to refer to China or Chinese people.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Trung Quốc is the most common and standard way to say China in a neutral or formal context. In contrast, Tàu is a colloquial term that can be derogatory or highly informal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Vietnam, the word Hoa is used interchangeably with Trung Quốc to describe China.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be cautious with the term Tàu Khựa, as it is an informal term that carries a negative connotation.
Did you know?
- The colloquial word Tàu is derived from the word for 'boat'. It refers to the ships that Chinese immigrants used to arrive in Vietnam.
- The word Hoa in the context of Chinese identity is derived from the Sino-Vietnamese characters meaning 'flourish' or 'magnificent'.
- The word Tàu can be used for everyday items, such as tàu hũ for tofu, because the food was originally introduced by the Chinese.
Examples in context
- Tôi đến từ Trung Quốc.I came from China.This sentence is useful for stating your origin using Trung Quốc.Tatoeba #13173478 by leucammieuvu, translation #398936 by FeuDRenais
- Chile không phải là Trung Quốc.Chile is not China.This sentence is useful for making a negative comparison using Trung Quốc.Tatoeba #13901228 by leucammieuvu, translation #5067997 by ee3beans
- Người ta ăn bằng đũa ở Trung Quốc.In China, people eat with chopsticks.This sentence is useful for describing a custom in China using Trung Quốc.Tatoeba #10309097 by dotheduyet1999, translation #10308483 by Adelpa
- Hội nghị giữa hai nước Trung Quốc và Việt Nam đã thành công.The conference between China and Vietnam was successful.
- Đừng nên dùng từ Tàu Khựa, nó không lịch sự.Don't use the term "Tàu Khựa," it's impolite.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing travel plans in a cafe.
- ChiBạn muốn đi du lịch Trung Quốc không?Do you want to travel to China?
- TuấnTôi rất muốn đi Trung Quốc.I really want to go to China.
- ChiTrung Quốc có nhiều cảnh đẹp lắm.China has many beautiful scenes.
- TuấnVậy chúng ta hãy lên kế hoạch đi.Then let's make a plan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “china” translations and entries Trung Quốc, Trung Hoa, Tàu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Hoa, Quốc, Trung, Trung Hoa, Trung Quốc, hoa, trung, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
