地图
dìtú
The English word 'map' is translated into Chinese as 地图 (dìtú).
地图 is used to refer to a visual representation of an area. You can use it to ask for a physical map, such as in the phrase 请给我一张地图 (Please give me a map) or to talk about more specific types of maps like a road map (一份道路图).
Meaning: visual representation of an area (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 地图 is composed of 地 (dì), meaning 'ground' or 'earth' and 图 (tú), meaning 'picture' or 'diagram'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When counting maps, you should use the classifier 张 (zhāng) before the noun, as seen in the phrase 一张地图 (one map), because 张 is the measure word for flat objects.
How do you pronounce it?
dìtú
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'map out' a plan or a strategy, you might use the word 规划 (guīhuà), which implies a more complex, structured layout than just a simple drawing.
- Ancient Chinese cartography often used a grid system called 方格 (fānggé), which influenced how 地图 were drawn long before Western longitude and latitude became standard in the region.
- The character 图 in 地图 is also used to describe the 'chart' or 'plan' of a city, but in a modern digital context, it is the root word for 'image' or 'picture' (图片), which refers to any digital graphic.
Examples in context
- 地图挂在墙上。The map is on the wall.This sentence shows the location of the 地图.Tatoeba #8869384 by crescat, translation #879581 by CK
- 来看看世界地图。Have a look at the world map.This sentence is useful for looking at a world map using the word 地图.Tatoeba #8798295 by crescat, translation #271174 by CK
- 我在这张地图上的哪里？Where am I on this map?This sentence uses 地图 to ask about one's position on a map.Tatoeba #12422335 by jkyochen, translation #7967792 by CK
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Wei are lost while walking in a city.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen你带地图了吗？Nǐ dài dìtú le ma?Did you bring a map?
- 伟 Wei没带，但我有手机。Méi dài, dàn wǒ yǒu shǒujī.I didn't, but I have my phone.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen快打开电子地图看看。Kuài dǎkāi diànzǐ dìtú kànkan.Quickly open the digital map and look.
- 伟 Wei好的，我们就在这里。Hǎo de, wǒmen jiù zài zhèlǐ.Okay, we are right here.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
