Nanyang
/ˌnɑːnˈjɑːŋ/noun
A historical Chinese term for the southern seas and the regions of Southeast Asia south of China.
Did you know?From the 19th century onward, Nanyang became a major Chinese diaspora term, especially for Southeast Asia and the overseas Chinese communities established there.
Etymological Timeline
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
南
“South; the direction associated with the warmer southern regions”
Old Chinese
Old Chinese
洋
“Open sea; ocean”
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
南洋
“The southern seas or lands reached by traveling south”
19th Century
Mandarin Chinese
Nányáng
“Southeast Asia, especially the maritime world south of China”
19th–20th Century
Malay/English
Nanyang
“A historical name used for Southeast Asia and its Chinese communities”
Modern English
English
Nanyang
“A historical or cultural term referring to Southeast Asia, particularly in Chinese diaspora contexts”