在第六期播客中，我们提到了我的家乡叫做“贵阳”。这在国外、甚至中国内部，都不是一个有名的城市。那怎么记住这个名字呢？
贵阳的名字有两种解释。第一种说法是贵阳在贵州的南部，阳代表南方，所以叫贵阳。第二种说法是贵阳在古代被称为“黔中”，而“阳”在古代也有光明、繁荣的意思，代表希望这个地方兴旺发达。
你记住了“贵阳”这个名字吗？
通过了解这个城市的历史文化背景和地理位置，你可以学习新的汉字、记住中国城市的名字、还可以学习更多的中国的文化。
一石三鸟！
再举个例子。
我们熟悉的“上海”名字来源于地理特征，上海位于长江入海口，“上”指的是上游，“海”指的是大海，所以叫“上海”。
而“北京”名字来源于地理位置，“北”表示北方，“京”表示首都。因为北京位于中国的北方，并且是多个朝代的首都，所以叫“北京”。
类似的，“南京”位于中国的南方，“南”表示南方，“京”表示首都，南京曾是多个朝代的首都。”西安“位于中国的西部，“西”表示西边，“安”表示安定，曾经的名字为”西京“。
日本的首都”东京”位于日本的东边，“东”表示东边，“京”表示首都，东京原名江户，后来成为日本的首都。
总的来说的名字有很多来源，主要有以下几种：
- 地理特征：很多城市名字来自当地的自然环境，比如山川河流和方位。比如北京在北方，南京在南方。
- 历史人物和事件：一些城市名字纪念历史人物或事件，比如岳阳得名于岳州，纪念岳阳楼。
- 行政区划和功能：根据城市的行政角色或功能命名，比如广州原名番禺，因为是广州府所在地，所以改名广州。
- 文化宗教：有些城市名字带有文化或宗教色彩，比如佛山因为当地佛教盛行而得名。
- 动植物名称：一些城市以当地的动植物命名，比如枣庄因盛产枣而得名。
In the #6 episode of our podcast, we mentioned my hometown, “Guiyang.” This city is not well-known abroad or even within China. So, how can we remember this name?
There are two explanations for the name “Guiyang.” The first explanation is that Guiyang is in the southern part of Guizhou, and “yang” represents the south, hence the name Guiyang. The second explanation is that Guiyang was historically called “Qianzhong,” and “yang” in ancient times also symbolized brightness and prosperity, representing the hope for this place to thrive.
Have you remembered the name “Guiyang”?
By understanding the historical and cultural background and geographical location of this city, you can learn new Chinese characters, remember the names of Chinese cities, and learn more about Chinese culture.
A win-win-win situation!
Here’s another example:
The familiar name “Shanghai” comes from its geographical features. Shanghai is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, where “shang” means upstream and “hai” means sea, hence the name Shanghai.
The name “Beijing” comes from its geographical location, where “bei” means north and “jing” means capital. Because Beijing is in the north of China and has been the capital of several dynasties, it is called Beijing.
Similarly, “Nanjing” is in the southern part of China, where “nan” means south and “jing” means capital. Nanjing was also the capital of several dynasties. “Xi’an” is in the western part of China, where “xi” means west and “an” means peace. It was once called “Xijing.”
Japan’s capital “Tokyo” is in the eastern part of Japan, where “dong” means east and “jing” means capital. Tokyo was originally named Edo and later became Japan’s capital.
In summary, the names of cities have various origins, mainly including:
- Geographical features: Many city names come from the local natural environment, such as mountains, rivers, and directions. For example, Beijing is in the north, and Nanjing is in the south.
- Historical figures and events: Some city names commemorate historical figures or events. For example, Yueyang got its name from Yuezhou, commemorating the Yueyang Tower.
- Administrative roles and functions: Names based on the city’s administrative roles or functions. For example, Guangzhou was originally named Panyu. It was the seat of Guangzhou Prefecture, hence the name Guangzhou.
- Cultural and religious significance: Some city names carry cultural or religious significance. For example, Foshan got its name because of the prevalence of Buddhism in the area.
- Names of plants and animals: Some cities are named after local flora and fauna. For example, Zaozhuang is named for its abundance of jujube trees.
This is the content from our newsletter on June 2, 2024. Want to stay tuned for more tips? Subscribe to the newsletter!
