广场

• Pinyin: guǎng chǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 广 = simplified from 廣, a broad shelter; 场 = 土 (earth) + 昜 (yáng, spread out)

Meaning

Square; plaza; public open area in a city. A large open space typically in the centre of a town.

Common in Chinese cities as gathering places for public events, exercise, and dancing. Also used for shopping centres (购物广场).

Examples

1. 晚上广场上有很多人跳舞。 In the evening there are many people dancing in the square.
2. 我们在广场前面见吧。 Let's meet in front of the square.
3. 这个广场很大，很漂亮。 This square is very big and beautiful.

Usage Guide

Context: places, directions, leisure

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 我们去广场走走吧。(Let's go for a walk at the square.)
• 广场上有一个喷泉。(There is a fountain in the square.)

Don't Say

• 不要把广场和公园混淆 — 广场 is an open paved area, usually in a city centre, while 公园 is a green recreational area with trees and paths.

Origin & History

Compound of 广 (wide, broad) and 场 (field, ground), meaning 'a wide open ground.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal