Sino-Japanese
/ˌsaɪnoʊ dʒəˈpæniz/noun
Relating to China and Japan, especially their cultural, linguistic, or historical connections.
Did you know?The Sino- element ultimately echoes Qin, the dynasty that unified China and gave many languages their names for the country.
Etymological Timeline
3rd century BCE
Chinese
秦 (Qín)
“The name of the Qin state and dynasty that unified China.”
Antiquity
Persian
Čīn
“A name for China, probably transmitted westward from forms related to Qin.”
Classical Latin
Latin
Sinae
“China or the Chinese people; the source of the Sino- element.”
16th Century
English
Sino-
“A combining form meaning Chinese or relating to China, from Latin Sinae.”
19th Century
English
Sino-Japanese
“Relating to both China and Japan, especially in political, cultural, or historical contexts.”
Modern English
English
Sino-Japanese
“Connected with China and Japan or with their relationship.”