noun Uncommon

qu

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Qu (noun) means In China's administrative system, a district-level division used mainly for urban areas, as distinct from the more rural county-level "xian". Example: “The new business district was designated a qu under the city government.”

noun

In China's administrative system, a district-level division used mainly for urban areas, as distinct from the more rural county-level "xian".

"At the time of the elections (1980) Nanjing was subdivided into three suburban counties (xian) and nine urban districts (qu)." — Barrett L. McCormick, Elections to Local People's Congresses (1990)

"The new business district was designated a qu under the city government."

"Several qu combine to make up a large Chinese city's municipal area."

How to use qu

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn urban district in China, one level of its local government structure.

Common mistake

Not to be confused with the letter combination "qu" in ordinary English spelling — this is a standalone loanword used in discussions of Chinese administrative geography.

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: qus

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The new business district was designated a _____ under the city government.

Etymology

A romanization of the Mandarin word for "district," borrowed directly into English administrative and geographic writing about China.

Frequently asked questions

What does “qu” mean?

The word “qu” means in China's administrative system, a district-level division used mainly for urban areas, as distinct from the more rural county-level "xian". In plain terms, an urban district in China, one level of its local government structure.

How do you use “qu” in a sentence?

Here is “qu” used in a sentence: “The new business district was designated a qu under the city government.”

What part of speech is “qu”?

“Qu” is a noun.

Is “qu” a common word?

“Qu” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Vocabulary lists that include qu:

Words that start with Q Words that end with U