the five continents
Refers to the traditional five-continent model: Asia, Africa, Europe, America, and Australia; or Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America. Usage may vary by context.
Among the five continents, Asia has the largest population.
六大州 refers to the six-continent model, often adding Antarctica.
Standard kanji spelling for the five continents.
Alternate kanji spelling using 洲 (continent/island).
Compound of 五 (five), 大 (big/great), and 州 (continent/state).