东北

• Pinyin: dōng běi
• Hanzi breakdown: 东 (dōng) — east; 北 (běi) — north

Meaning

Northeast. Refers to the northeast direction, or commonly to the Northeast China region (Dongbei).

In everyday Chinese, 东北 often specifically refers to the three northeastern provinces of China (Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang), famous for their cold winters, hearty cuisine, and distinctive dialect.

Examples

1. 东北的冬天非常冷。 The winters in Northeast China are extremely cold.
2. 他是东北人，说话很有意思。 He's from the Northeast — the way he talks is very interesting.
3. 我们学校在城市的东北方向。 Our school is to the northeast of the city.

Usage Guide

Context: directions, geography, regional culture

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 东北菜的分量很大。(Northeastern dishes come in very large portions.)
• 公园在我家的东北方向。(The park is northeast of my home.)

Don't Say

• 注意'东北'作为地区名时不需要加'地区' — simply saying 东北 is sufficient to mean Northeast China. Adding 地区 is redundant in casual speech.

Origin & History

Compound of 东 (east) and 北 (north). A straightforward directional term that also became a regional name.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal