If you are learning Chinese or planning to visit China, it’s essential to know how to say “province” in Chinese. The word for “province” in Mandarin Chinese is 省 (shěng). In this guide, we will provide you with the formal and informal ways to say “province” in Chinese, as well as some regional variations.
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Formal Ways to Say “Province” in Chinese
When speaking formally or in professional settings, you can use the following phrases to refer to a province:
1. 省份 (shěngfèn)
省份 (shěngfèn) is the most common and widely used formal term for “province” in Mandarin Chinese. You can use this term in any situation where you need to mention a province, such as discussing administrative divisions or referring to a specific province.
Example:
我来自中国的一个省份。
Wǒ láizì Zhōngguó de yīgè shěngfèn.
I am from a province in China.
2. 行政区划 (xíngzhèng qūhuà)
Another formal way to indicate “province” is 行政区划 (xíngzhèng qūhuà). This term specifically emphasizes the provincial administrative division aspect. It is used more commonly in official documents or administrative contexts.
Example:
请查看行政区划图以获取详细信息。
Qǐng chákàn xíngzhèng qūhuà tú yǐ huòqǔ xiángxì xìnxī.
Please refer to the provincial administrative division map for detailed information.
Informal Ways to Say “Province” in Chinese
In informal situations or daily conversations, Chinese people often use more colloquial terms to refer to provinces. Here are some common informal phrases:
1. 省 (shěng)
省 (shěng) is the shortened form of 省份 (shěngfèn), mentioned earlier. It’s the most commonly used informal term for “province” in China. When using this term in a casual setting, it’s important to note the context to avoid confusion.
Example:
我在四川省生活。
Wǒ zài Sìchuān shěng shēnghuó.
I live in Sichuan Province.
2. 部 (bù)
Another informal way to say “province” in Chinese is 部 (bù). However, this term is more commonly used to refer to “part” or “section” of a country, rather than a specific province. It is often used in informal contexts or regional dialects.
Example:
我是广东部的人。
Wǒ shì Guǎngdōng bù de rén.
I am from the Guangdong region.
Regional Variations
China is a vast country with many regional dialects and variations. Some regions use unique terms for “province” that are specific to their local dialects. Here are a few examples:
1. 省仔 (sěng á)
In Southern Min, a dialect spoken primarily in Fujian Province, people often use the term 省仔 (sěng á) to refer to “province.” This term is commonly used within the local community but may not be understood by Mandarin speakers from other regions.
Example:
我是福建省仔。
Góa sī Hok-kiàn sěng á.
I am from Fujian Province.
2. 省府 (siáng-fú)
In Taiwanese Hokkien, spoken in Taiwan, people often use the term 省府 (siáng-fú) to refer to “province.” This term emphasizes the provincial government aspect and is widely understood within the Taiwanese community.
Example:
我是台湾的一个省府。
Góa sī Tâi-oân ê tsióng-hú.
I am from a province in Taiwan.
Conclusion
You now have a comprehensive guide on how to say “province” in Chinese. Remember to use 省份 (shěngfèn) for formal contexts, 省 (shěng) for casual conversations, and be aware of regional variations if you encounter different dialects. Practice using these phrases to improve your Mandarin skills or when communicating with native Chinese speakers. Enjoy exploring the diverse provinces of China!
