Etymology, English, Chinese

Etymology

From China +‎ -ese. Doublet of chinois.

Pronunciation

(UK) enPR: chī-nēzʹ, IPA(key): /t͡ʃaɪˈniːz/; (sometimes) enPR: chīʹnēz, IPA(key): /ˈt͡ʃaɪniːz/

(US) enPR: chī’nēzʹ, IPA(key): /ˌt͡ʃaɪˈniz/; (sometimes) enPR: chīʹnēz’, IPA(key): /ˈt͡ʃaɪˌniz/

Proper noun

Chinese

1. (uncountable) Any of several Sinitic languages spoken in China, especially Literary Chinese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu, or Min Nan.

   Peter is from Hong Kong and speaks Chinese.

2. (uncountable) The class of Sino-Tibetan dialects including Mandarin, Wu, Cantonese, Min Nan, and others.

   Wu and Hakka are lesser-known varieties of Chinese.

3. (uncountable) The logographic writing system is shared by this language family.

   Hong Kong uses traditional Chinese.

4. (uncountable) Standard Mandarin or Putonghua, the standard variety of Chinese.

   “Nǐ hǎo” means “hello” in Chinese.

5. (uncountable, collective) The people of China.

   The Chinese have an incredible history.

6. (uncountable, collective) All people of Chinese descent or self-identity

   The Chinese are present in all parts of the world.