Definition
中土 is an ancient Chinese term that primarily refers to the Central Plains (中原), the historic heartland of Chinese civilization, and by extension to China itself. It is also used in Buddhist scriptures to distinguish China from other regions (e.g., 'Western Paradise'). In modern usage it appears mainly in historical, literary, or religious contexts — not in everyday conversation.
p.w.
Central PlainsChina (in historical, literary, or Buddhist contexts)
Examples
- 中土。Táng dài de zhōng tǔ wénhuà duì zhōubiān guójiā yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn.The culture of the Central Plains during the Tang Dynasty had a profound influence on neighboring countries.
- 中土赡。Fójīng zhōng cháng bǎ zhōng tǔ chēng wèi Nán Shànbù Zhōu de yí bùfen.In Buddhist scriptures, the Central Plains (China) is often referred to as part of Jambudvīpa.
- 中土。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō de bèijǐng shèdìng zài zhōng tǔ de luànshì zhī zhōng.The novel is set in a time of chaos in the Central Plains.
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