英文

• Pinyin: yīng wén
• Hanzi breakdown: 英 = 艹 (grass) + 央 (center), originally 'flower,' now used for 'England'; 文 = pictograph of a person with markings, meaning 'writing/culture'

Meaning

English; the English language. Refers to English, with a slight emphasis on the written form.

Often used interchangeably with 英语 in casual speech, though strictly 英文 emphasises the written language while 英语 emphasises the spoken language. Common in phrases like 英文名 (English name), 英文书 (English book). The 英 comes from 英国 (England).

Examples

1. 这本书是英文写的。 This book is written in English.
2. 他的英文很好。 His English is very good.
3. 你能帮我翻译成英文吗？ Can you help me translate this into English?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, language learning

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个词的英文怎么说？(How do you say this word in English?)
• 她在大学学英文。(She studies English at university.)

Don't Say

• 我说英文很流利但不会写。(If you speak but cannot write, use 英语 for spoken English — strictly, 英文 refers to the written form.)

Origin & History

Compound of 英 (from 英国, England) and 文 (writing/language), literally 'English writing.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal