草原

• Pinyin: cǎo yuán
• Hanzi breakdown: 草 (grass) + 原 (plain, source)

Meaning

Grassland; prairie; steppe.

Often refers to the vast grasslands of Inner Mongolia and other regions in northern China. Associated with nomadic culture, horseback riding, and natural beauty.

Examples

1. 内蒙古的草原一望无际，美得令人窒息。 The grasslands of Inner Mongolia stretch endlessly — so beautiful it takes your breath away.
2. 牧民们在草原上放牧牛羊。 Herders tend their cattle and sheep on the prairie.
3. 夏天去草原旅游是个不错的选择。 Traveling to the grasslands in summer is a great choice.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, travel, nature

Tone: descriptive

Do Say

• 我想去草原骑马。(I want to go to the grasslands to ride horses.)
• 草原上的风景太美了。(The scenery on the prairie is so beautiful.)

Don't Say

• 把城市公园草坪叫'草原'——草原指广阔的自然草地 (Don't call a city park lawn 草原 — 草原 refers to vast natural grasslands)

Origin & History

Compound of 草 (grass) + 原 (plain/source), meaning 'grass plain.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal