The PCH
Meaning: The Pacific Coast Highway — California's iconic coastal road, officially State Route 1.
The PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) is one of the most famous roads in the world, running along the California coastline from Dana Point in Orange County through Malibu, Big Sur, and beyond. In California conversation, 'the PCH' represents scenic drives, beach culture, and the quintessential California road trip. Taking 'PCH' instead of the freeway is choosing beauty over speed.
Examples
- Let's take the PCH up to Malibu — the views are incredible. 咱们走PCH去马里布吧——沿途风景太美了。Vayamos por la PCH hasta Malibú — las vistas son increíbles.マリブまでPCHで行こうよ — 景色が最高だから。말리부까지 PCH로 가자 — 경치가 끝내줘.
- Traffic on the PCH through Malibu is brutal on weekends. 周末马里布那段PCH的交通堵得要命。El tráfico en la PCH por Malibú es brutal los fines de semana.週末のマリブ付近のPCHの渋滞はひどいよ。주말에 말리부 구간 PCH 교통은 정말 끔찍해.
- We drove the PCH all the way from LA to San Francisco. 我们沿着PCH从洛杉矶一路开到了旧金山。Recorrimos la PCH desde LA hasta San Francisco.LAからサンフランシスコまでPCHをずっとドライブしたんだ。LA에서 샌프란시스코까지 PCH를 쭉 드라이브했어.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: driving, travel, California lifestyle
Tone: scenic, adventurous
✓ Do Say
- Take the PCH — it's worth the extra time.走PCH吧——多花点时间也值得。Coge la PCH — merece la pena el tiempo extra.PCHで行こう — 余分な時間をかける価値があるよ。PCH로 가 — 시간 더 걸려도 그만한 가치가 있어.
- The PCH through Big Sur is bucket-list worthy.大苏尔那段PCH绝对值得列入愿望清单。La PCH por Big Sur es una experiencia imprescindible.ビッグサーを通るPCHは一生に一度は行くべき。빅서 구간 PCH는 버킷리스트 감이야.
✗ Don't Say
- Locals say 'PCH' or 'the PCH' — not 'Pacific Coast Highway' in full, that's too formal当地人说'PCH'或'the PCH'——不会说全称'Pacific Coast Highway',那样太正式了Los locales dicen 'PCH' o 'the PCH' — no 'Pacific Coast Highway' completo, eso es demasiado formal地元の人は「PCH」か「the PCH」と言う — 「Pacific Coast Highway」とフルネームで言うのは堅すぎる현지인들은 'PCH'나 'the PCH'라고 한다 — 'Pacific Coast Highway' 전체를 말하지 않는다, 너무 격식적이다
Origin & History
California State Route 1, known as the Pacific Coast Highway, was built in segments throughout the early-to-mid 20th century. It became a symbol of California freedom and beauty, featured in countless movies, songs, and advertisements.
Cultural Context
Era: Early 20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Regional notes: Coastal California — Los Angeles to San Francisco
More From This Topic
More from Regional: California
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