mandarín
/mandaˈɾin/masculine
The Spanish word for Mandarin is mandarín. Wiktionary also lists chino mandarín.
Meaning: Standard Mandarin (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| mandarín | /mandaˈɾin/ | masculine |
| chino mandarín | /ˌt͡ʃino mandaˈɾin/ | masculine |
mandarín refers to Standard Mandarin.
Which one should you use?
While mandarín is used alone to refer to the language, chino mandarín is used to specify the language as a type of Chinese, often to distinguish it from other varieties like Cantonese.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word mandarín is a masculine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/mandaˈɾin/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the word chino in Spanish can refer to a 'servant girl' due to influence from Kichwa or Quechua.
- While mandarín refers to the language, it originates from a term describing the high-ranking officials of the Imperial Chinese court.
Examples in context
- No puedo hablar bien mandarín.I cannot speak Mandarin well.This sentence is useful for expressing an inability to speak mandarín well.Tatoeba #1513000 by marcelostockle, translation #1020184 by CM
- ¿Qué chino hablas? ¿Mandarín o cantonés?What kind of Chinese do you speak? Mandarin or Cantonese?This sentence is useful for asking whether someone speaks mandarín or Cantonese.Tatoeba #13833961 by Seael, translation #13834082 by rul
- Inés habla mandarín con una soltura pasmosa.Agnes speaks Mandarin with astonishing fluency.This sentence is useful for describing someone who speaks mandarín with great fluency.Tatoeba #10314683 by Seael, translation #10565220 by espamatics
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing their language classes.
- JavierMaría, ¿estás estudiando mandarín este semestre?María, are you studying Mandarin this semester?
- MaríaSí, pero el mandarín es muy difícil.Yes, but Mandarin is very difficult.
- JavierYo también quiero aprender mandarín algún día.I also want to learn Mandarin someday.
- María¡Entonces deberías inscribirte en mi curso!Then you should enroll in my course!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mandarin” translations and entries mandarín, chino mandarín, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chino, mandarín, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
