Zhongguo
/tʂʊ́ŋ.kwɔ̌/noun
The Mandarin Chinese name for China, written 中国 and literally referring to a central state or states.
Did you know?中国 originally referred to the culturally central states of the Yellow River region, not necessarily the entire territory of modern China; its meaning expanded over time.
Etymological Timeline
Late 1st millennium BCE
Old Chinese
中國 (*trəŋ kuːɡ)
“The central states or central realm, especially in contrast with surrounding peoples and regions.”
1st Century BCE–2nd Century CE
Classical Chinese
中國
“The central political and cultural states of the Chinese world.”
7th–10th Centuries
Middle Chinese
中古 Chinese readings: /ṭɨuŋ kwək/
“A continued literary expression for the central realm or China.”
17th Century
Early Modern European usage
Chungkue
“A European transcription of Chinese 中國 encountered through missionaries and travelers.”
20th Century
Modern Mandarin
Zhōngguó (中国)
“The standard Mandarin name for China; literally, “central state” or “central country.””