指南針 / 指南针
zhǐnánzhēn
The English word "compass" is translated into Chinese as 指南針 / 指南针 (zhǐnánzhēn). If unsure, use 指南針 / 指南针. Wiktionary also lists 指北針 / 指北针 (zhǐběizhēn) and 羅盤 / 罗盘 (luópán).
Meaning: instrument to determine cardinal directions (noun)
Ways to say it
| Chinese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 指南針 / 指南针 | zhǐnánzhēn | |
| 指北針 / 指北针 | zhǐběizhēn | |
| 羅盤 / 罗盘 | luópán | |
| 南針 / 南针 | nánzhēn | literary |
| 指南 | zhǐnán | obsolete |
The standard and most common term for a magnetic compass in modern Chinese is 指南針 / 指南针.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 指南針 / 指南针 literally means "south-pointing needle". The term 指北針 / 指北针 literally means "north-pointing needle".
Which one should you use?
While both terms refer to a compass, 指南針 / 指南针 is the more common general term. In contrast, 指北針 / 指北针 is often used when specifically emphasizing the direction of North.
How do you pronounce it?
zhǐnánzhēn
Did you know?
- China is credited with inventing the magnetic compass during the Han Dynasty, though it was originally used for divination and fortune telling rather than sailing.
- While 指南針 / 指南针 is for navigation, the term 羅盤 / 罗盘 often refers to a geomantic compass used in 'Feng Shui' to align buildings with spiritual energy.
- In modern Chinese, the word 指南 from 指南針 / 指南针 has evolved into a common noun meaning 'guide' or 'handbook' for any topic.
Examples in context
- 指南针指向北边。The compass points to the north.This sentence shows the compass pointing toward the north.Tatoeba #3470101 by GlossaMatik, translation #681573 by Source_VOA
- 指南针的指针指向北边。Compass needles point to the north.This sentence describes the compass needle pointing north.Tatoeba #3470141 by GlossaMatik, translation #264383 by CK
- 拿上你們的指南針。Bring your compass along.This sentence is useful for telling someone to bring their compass.Tatoeba #10450760 by DaoSeng, translation #11298161 by Aphima
- 你知道指南针在哪里吗？Do you know where the compass is?
- 当然！指南针在我们的行囊里。Of course! The compass is in our backpack.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Sources
- Wiktionary, “compass” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
