南

• Pinyin: nán
• Hanzi breakdown: 南 = ancient pictographic character representing the south direction

Meaning

South. One of the four cardinal directions.

Used in geography, directions, and place names. Appears in many important Chinese place names such as 南京 (Nanjing), 南方 (the South), and 海南 (Hainan). Southern China has a distinct culture and cuisine.

Examples

1. 我家在城市的南边。 My home is on the south side of the city.
2. 往南走五分钟就到了。 Walk south for five minutes and you'll arrive.
3. 南方的冬天比较暖和。 Winters in the south are relatively warm.

Usage Guide

Context: direction, geography

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 学校在我家南边。(The school is south of my home.)
• 这条路是南北方向的。(This road runs north-south.)

Don't Say

• 去南方向走。(Awkward phrasing — say 往南走 or 向南走; don't combine 南 and 方向 this way)

Origin & History

An ancient character with debated origins. Some scholars connect it to a type of musical instrument or bell that was hung on the south-facing wall of a house.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal