台湾是一个国家
Táiwān shì yīgè guójiā
The English phrase "taiwan is a country" can be translated into Chinese as 台湾是一个国家 (Táiwān shì yīgè guójiā).
This phrase is used to make a direct assertion that Taiwan is a sovereign state.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase breaks down into 台湾 (Taiwan), 是 (is), 一个 (a/one) and 国家 (country).
Which one should you use?
While 台湾是一个国家 is a standard statement, 台湾拥有国家地位 translates to "Taiwan has national status," and the informal 台湾就是一个国家啊！ adds emphasis to mean "Taiwan is definitely a country!"
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 台湾是一个国家, the word for "a" or "one" is composed of the number 一 (one) and the classifier 个 (ge). The noun 国家 (guójiā) is used specifically to refer to a sovereign state or nation.
How do you pronounce it?
Táiwān shì yīgè guójiā
Did you know?
- Depending on the political context, using 国家 to describe Taiwan can be a highly provocative act that may lead to censorship or diplomatic disputes in mainland China.
- The character 国 (guó) in 国家 is composed of a border radical and the character for 'jade', symbolically suggesting that a country is a precious treasure protected by walls.
- In some contexts, the word 家 (jiā) in 国家 (guójiā) originally referred to a 'family' or 'home', implying that a 'country' is essentially a large family under one rule.
Examples in context
- 台湾是一个国家。Taiwan is a country.This sentence is useful for asserting that 台湾是一个国家.Tatoeba #6620656 by cirosantilli, translation #6620655 by cirosantilli
- 很多人认为台湾是一个国家。Hěnduō rén rènwéi Táiwān shì yīgè guójiā.Many people believe that Taiwan is a country.
- 大家都知道台湾是一个国家。Dàjiā dōu zhīdào Táiwān shì yīgè guójiā.Everyone knows that Taiwan is a country.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing world geography in a cafe.
- 伟 Wei你觉得台湾是一个国家吗？Nǐ juédé Táiwān shì yīgè guójiā ma?Do you think Taiwan is a country?
- 佳怡 Jiayi是的，我觉得台湾是一个国家。Shì de, wǒ juédé Táiwān shì yīgè guójiā.Yes, I think Taiwan is a country.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，你的观点很明确。Jiāyí, nǐ de guāndiǎn hěn míngquè.Jiayi, your viewpoint is very clear.
- 佳怡 Jiayi谢谢你，伟。Xièxiè nǐ, Wěi.Thank you, Wei.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
