Definition
北斗 originally refers to the Big Dipper constellation (Ursa Major), a prominent asterism in the northern sky with deep cultural significance in Chinese astronomy and folklore. In modern usage, it is also the name of China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). Depending on context, you may hear it in astronomy discussions or in news about China's satellite navigation network.
n.
the Big Dipper / the Plough / Ursa MajorBeiDou (China's satellite navigation system)
Examples
- 北斗。Wǎnshang táitóu jiù néng kàndào běi dǒu qī xīng.You can see the seven stars of the Big Dipper by looking up at night.
- 北斗。Zhōngguó de běi dǒu dǎoháng xìtǒng zài quánqiú hěnduō guójiā dōu kěyǐ shǐyòng.China's BeiDou navigation system can be used in many countries around the world.
- 北斗。Gǔdài rén yòng běi dǒu de fāngxiàng lái biànbié jìjié.Ancient people used the direction of the Big Dipper to distinguish seasons.
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