Zhōngwén
standard
In pinyin "Chinese" as a language is Zhōngwén (中文) or Hànyǔ (汉语). The standard spoken form is called Pǔtōnghuà (普通话), or Mandarin.
Meaning: Chinese language (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Note |
|---|---|
| Zhōngwén | standard |
| Hànyǔ | standard |
| Pǔtōnghuà | Mandarin |
For a Chinese person, say Zhōngguórén (中国人). For the language, add shuō ("speak") as in shuō Zhōngwén.
Which one should you use?
Zhōngwén (中文) is the everyday word and leans toward the written language. Hànyǔ (汉语) means the language of the Han people and is used in school textbooks and exams.
Did you know?
- The HSK exam for learners of Chinese has the name Hànyǔ Shuǐpíng Kǎoshì (汉语水平考试), which uses Hànyǔ for "Chinese".
Examples in context
- Nǐ huì shuō Hànyǔ ma?Can you speak Chinese?
- Wǒ shuō Pǔtōnghuà.I speak Mandarin.
Example conversation
Dan meets Ling at a language exchange evening.
- DanWǒ zài xué Zhōngwén.I am learning Chinese.
- LingNǐ shuō de hěn hǎo.You speak it very well.
- DanXièxie, wǒ hái xūyào liànxí.Thanks, I still need practice.
