Translation guide
The English word 'Chinese' can refer to the language, the people, or things from China. Japanese uses different words depending on the meaning.
Referring to the Chinese language, especially Mandarin.
General term for the Chinese language, most commonly referring to Mandarin.
I am studying Chinese.
Please speak in Chinese.
Specifically Mandarin Chinese, the standard dialect based on Beijing speech.
He is fluent in Mandarin.
Cantonese, a major Chinese dialect spoken in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong.
Referring to a person of Chinese nationality or ethnicity, or the Chinese people collectively.
Describing something that originates from or is associated with China.
Do not use 中国人 (Chinese person) to refer to the language. Always use 中国語 or a specific dialect name.
Can you speak Chinese?
中華 is commonly used in words like 中華料理 (Chinese cuisine), 中華街 (Chinatown), and 中華人民共和国 (People's Republic of China). It carries a cultural or national connotation.
Many Chinese people live abroad.
彼は華人系のアメリカ人だ。
He is an American of Chinese descent.
中華料理が好きです。
I like Chinese food.
Let's go to Chinatown.