name
Very common
China
CHEYE-nuh
China (name) means a large country in East Asia, the People's Republic of China. Example: “They flew to China to visit relatives in Shanghai.”
name
1
A large country in East Asia, the People's Republic of China.
"They flew to China to visit relatives in Shanghai."
noun
1
Fine, hard ceramic tableware, especially porcelain.
"The good china only comes out for special occasions."
"She collects antique china teacups."
How to use China
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the country, or delicate ceramic dishes and cups named after it.
Common pairings
fine china
a china cup
travel to China
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Word forms
- Plural
- Chinas
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They flew to _____ to visit relatives in Shanghai.
Etymology
The tableware sense comes from the country name China, since fine porcelain was long associated with Chinese manufacture.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for China
See all rhymes for China →Frequently asked questions
What does “China” mean?
The word “China” means a large country in East Asia, the People's Republic of China. In plain terms, either the country, or delicate ceramic dishes and cups named after it.
How do you pronounce “China”?
“China” is pronounced CHEYE-nuh (/ˈt͡ʃaɪnə/ in IPA).
How do you use “China” in a sentence?
Here is “China” used in a sentence: “They flew to China to visit relatives in Shanghai.”
What is another word for “China”?
Words with a similar meaning to “China” include Cathay, Manji, Han, Mangi, Greater China and Chinkland.
What part of speech is “China”?
Depending on how it is used, “China” can be a name and a noun.
Where does the word “China” come from?
The word “China” comes from Chinese. The tableware sense comes from the country name China, since fine porcelain was long associated with Chinese manufacture.
Is “China” a common word?
“China” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “China” have?
“China” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large country in East Asia, the People's Republic of China.
What is the difference between China and china?
Capitalised, China is the country in East Asia. Written in lower case, "china" means fine porcelain dishware — cups, plates, and bowls — so called because the delicate ceramic was first imported from China centuries ago. The capital letter and the surrounding context tell you whether the country or the tableware is meant.
What is the capital of China?
The capital of China is Beijing, a major political and cultural centre in the north of the country. Shanghai, further south on the coast, is the largest city and the main financial hub. Beijing is home to the national government and landmarks such as the Forbidden City.
How many people live in China?
China is one of the world's two most populous countries, with well over a billion people. For decades it held the top spot before India drew level and then overtook it. Its enormous population underpins a vast economy and workforce, though growth has slowed as the population ages.
What language is spoken in China?
The official language is Standard Mandarin Chinese, written with Chinese characters and spoken by most of the population. Many regional languages and dialects also flourish, including Cantonese in the south. Mandarin serves as the shared national language across a country of great linguistic diversity.
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