chino
/ˈt͡ʃino/
The phrase "chinese language" is translated into Spanish as chino.
chino is used to refer to the Chinese language. To be more precise when referring specifically to the language itself, you can use the phrases el idioma chino or la lengua china.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as an adjective to describe a noun, use chino. Note that the word for the country China is China.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtʃino/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb enchinar means 'to pave' a street or surface, derived from the word china.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, chino is a colloquial term for a small neighborhood shop.
- The word chino can also mean 'porcelain' in Spanish, which is an English cognate of the word 'china' used for fine ceramic.
Examples in context
- El idioma chino tiene una rica historia de más de cinco mil años.The Chinese language has a rich history of over five thousand years.
- La traducción precisa del idioma chino puede ser un desafío.Accurate translation of the Chinese language can be a challenge.
- La lengua china es una de las más habladas en el mundo.The Chinese language is one of the most spoken in the world.
- El estudio de la lengua china requiere paciencia y dedicación.Studying the Chinese language requires patience and dedication.
- Me gustaría aprender chino algún día.I would like to learn Chinese someday.
- ¿Hablas el chino mandarín o el chino cantonés?Do you speak Mandarin Chinese or Cantonese Chinese?
- Quiero aprender el idioma de China porque es fascinante.I want to learn the language of China because it is fascinating.
- ¿Alguien aquí sabe algo sobre el idioma de China?Does anyone here know anything about the language of China?
- Ella estudia chino en la universidad.She studies Chinese at the university.
- ¿Es difícil aprender chino?Is it difficult to learn Chinese?
- Mi hermano habla chino con fluidez.My brother speaks Chinese fluently.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are talking about their language classes.
- JavierSofía, ¿tú hablas chino?Sofía, do you speak Chinese?
- SofíaNo, pero quiero aprender chino pronto.No, but I want to learn Chinese soon.
- JavierEs un idioma muy interesante.It is a very interesting language.
- SofíaSí, el chino parece un gran reto.Yes, Chinese seems like a great challenge.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
