乡村

• Pinyin: xiāng cūn
• Hanzi breakdown: 乡 = community; 村 = 木 (wood) + 寸 (inch), representing a small settlement

Meaning

Village; countryside; rural area. Refers to areas outside cities with agricultural communities.

A slightly more literary or formal term than 农村. Often used in contexts discussing rural development, tourism, or nostalgia for simpler life. Common in phrases like 乡村音乐 (country music), 乡村旅游 (rural tourism), and 乡村振兴 (rural revitalization).

Examples

1. 近年来，乡村旅游越来越受欢迎。 In recent years, rural tourism has become increasingly popular.
2. 政府正在推动乡村振兴计划。 The government is promoting a rural revitalization plan.
3. 他喜欢乡村的宁静，不愿意搬到城市去。 He likes the tranquility of the countryside and doesn't want to move to the city.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, lifestyle

Tone: nostalgic

Do Say

• 乡村的空气比城市好多了。(The air in the countryside is much better than in the city.)
• 她拍了一组乡村风光照片。(She took a series of countryside landscape photos.)

Don't Say

• 我的乡村 (Don't use possessively like this — say 我的家乡 or 我老家的村子)

Origin & History

Compound of 乡 (hometown, rural area) and 村 (village), reinforcing the rural setting.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal