xiàtiān
pinyin, everyday
In pinyin, summer is xiàtiān. In Chinese characters it is 夏天 (xiàtiān).
Use xiàtiān in everyday speech. The shorter xià appears in compounds such as xiàjì (夏季), a more formal word for the summer season.
Meaning: summer (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word joins xià (夏), which means summer, with tiān (天), which means day or sky.
How do you pronounce it?
Both syllables are in the fourth tone for xià and the first tone for tiān, so the word starts with a falling sound and then stays high.
Did you know?
- The Chinese character 夏 is also the name of the Xia, the first dynasty in traditional Chinese history.
Examples in context
- Wǒ xǐhuan xiàtiān.I like summer.
Example conversation
Mei and her friend Jun talk about their favorite season.
- MeiNǐ xǐhuan xiàtiān ma?Do you like summer?
- JunXǐhuan, wǒ xǐhuan yóuyǒng.Yes, I like swimming.
- MeiXiàtiān hěn rè.Summer is very hot.
