NetChai Chinese
中国
zhōng guó
China india money · trad. 中國

中国 (Zhōngguó) is the official and most common name for China in Mandarin Chinese. It's used in all contexts, from everyday conversation to formal news reports.

When to use it

Neutral and universally appropriate. For the full official name, use 中华人民共和国 (Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó), 'People's Republic of China.'

How to pronounce it

Sounds like "JONG-gwoh." The first syllable has a high-level tone, and the second is a rising tone.

Other ways to say it

  • 中华人民共和国zhōng huá rén mín gòng hé guóPeople's Republic of China (formal)
  • 大陆dà lùMainland China (often used in contrast to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao)

Examples

我来自中国。
wǒ lái zì zhōng guó 。
I come from China.
中国文化很有趣。
zhōng guó wén huà hěn yǒu qù 。
Chinese culture is very interesting.
你去过中国吗？
nǐ qù guò zhōng guó ma ？
Have you been to China?
Pro tip: The character 国 (guó) means 'country' or 'nation,' appearing in many country names.

Related phrases

和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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