noun

Xian

shee-an

Xian (noun) means an administrative division in China roughly similar to a county, sitting below the level of a city or prefecture. Example: “The rural area was organized as a xian rather than a city district.”

noun

An administrative division in China roughly similar to a county, sitting below the level of a city or prefecture.

"The rural area was organized as a xian rather than a city district."

"Many of China's xian have their own local governments and courts."

How to use Xian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishChinese term for a county-level administrative unit.

Common mistake

Not to be confused with Xi'an, the city in Shaanxi province — different word entirely, just similar spelling.

Word forms

Xians plural, xians plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The rural area was organized as a _____ rather than a city district.

Etymology

c. late 20th c., from the Hanyu Pinyin romanization of Chinese 西安 (Xī'ān, “Western Peace”), without syllable-dividing mark (隔音符號／隔音符号 (géyīn fúhào)).

Origin: Chinese

Synonyms

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Sian Hsian Singan Changan

Related words

sian

Rhymes for Xian

Asian avian Fabian Indian Syrian simian median Italian Russian Persian Serbian Latvian

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Xian” mean?

The word “Xian” means an administrative division in China roughly similar to a county, sitting below the level of a city or prefecture. In plain terms, chinese term for a county-level administrative unit.

How do you pronounce “Xian”?

“Xian” is pronounced shee-an (/ʃiæn/ in IPA).

How do you use “Xian” in a sentence?

Here is “Xian” used in a sentence: “The rural area was organized as a xian rather than a city district.”

What part of speech is “Xian”?

“Xian” is a noun.

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