县

• Pinyin: xiàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 县 = simplified form of an ancient character depicting governance over a territory; now used purely as an administrative term

Meaning

County. An administrative division in China, below the prefecture level and above the township level.

One of the key administrative units in China's system of government. Counties contain multiple towns and villages. Large cities have districts (区) instead of counties. Many rural areas are organised into counties, each with a county seat as the administrative centre. Common in addresses and official documents.

Examples

1. 我的家乡是一个小县，人口不多。 My hometown is a small county with a modest population.
2. 这个县以生产茶叶和竹子闻名。 This county is well-known for producing tea and bamboo.
3. 县政府正在推进农村道路改造工程。 The county government is promoting road renovation projects in rural areas.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, government, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他在一个偏远的县里工作了五年。(He worked in a remote county for five years.)
• 这个县下面有十个乡镇。(This county has ten townships under it.)

Don't Say

• 把县和区或市混用。(Don't confuse 县 with 区 (district, for urban areas) or 市 (city) — they are different administrative levels in China's hierarchy.)

Origin & History

An ancient character depicting a hanging head (in reference to a ruler who displayed enemies' heads as a warning), historically representing a governed territory. Now simply means 'county.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal