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.
Referring to a person of Chinese nationality or ethnicity, or the Chinese people collectively.
Describing something that originates from or is associated with China.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'Chinese' or 'of China'. Used before nouns.
これは中国の伝統的な料理です。
This is a traditional Chinese dish.
Do not use 中国人 (Chinese person) to refer to the language. Always use 中国語 or a specific dialect name.
中国語を話せますか？
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.
私は中国語を勉強しています。
I am studying Chinese.
中国語で話してください。
Please speak in Chinese.
Specifically Mandarin Chinese, the standard dialect based on Beijing speech.
彼は北京語が堪能だ。
He is fluent in Mandarin.
Cantonese, a major Chinese dialect spoken in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
香港では広東語が話されています。
Cantonese is spoken in Hong Kong.
A Chinese person; can refer to nationality or ethnicity. Plural is often the same, but 中国人たち can be used.
彼は中国人です。
He is Chinese.
多くの中国人が海外に住んでいます。
Many Chinese people live abroad.
Ethnic Chinese, often used for overseas Chinese or in historical contexts.
彼は華人系のアメリカ人だ。
He is an American of Chinese descent.
Chinese history is long.
Prefix meaning 'Chinese', often used in compound words related to culture, cuisine, or nation.
中華料理が好きです。
I like Chinese food.
中華街に行きましょう。
Let's go to Chinatown.