地名

• Pinyin: dì míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 地 = 土 (earth) + 也 (also); 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth)

Meaning

Place name; geographical name. The name of a location or geographical feature.

Refers to names given to places such as cities, mountains, rivers, and streets. Place names often have historical, cultural, or descriptive origins. Studying place names (地名学) reveals much about local history and language.

Examples

1. 中国很多地名都有着悠久的历史和有趣的故事。 Many place names in China have long histories and interesting stories.
2. 这个地名来源于一个古老的传说。 This place name originated from an ancient legend.
3. 外国人学中文时，记忆中国地名是一个挑战。 Memorizing Chinese place names is a challenge for foreigners learning Chinese.

Usage Guide

Context: geography, culture

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个地名是什么意思？(What does this place name mean?)
• 地名反映了当地的文化特色。(Place names reflect local cultural characteristics.)

Don't Say

• 地名专指地理名称，人名、物名不能用地名 (地名 specifically refers to geographical names — don't use it for people's names or object names)

Origin & History

Combines 地 (place/land) with 名 (name), meaning the name of a place.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal