Definition
支那 originally served as a Buddhist-era transcription for China, found in classical sutras and pre-modern texts. However, since the early 20th century it has acquired a strongly derogatory connotation, especially via Japanese militaristic usage, and is considered an ethnic slur in modern Chinese. You should never use it in conversation or writing except when quoting historical documents or discussing its derogatory history.
p.w.
(historical, now derogatory) China (Buddhist transcription and pre-modern term, now a pejorative)
Examples
- ，支那。Zài Táng dài fójīng zhōng, Zhī nà yìcí cháng yòng lái zhǐdài Zhōngguó.In Tang Dynasty Buddhist scriptures, the word 'Zhina' was often used to refer to China.
- ，支那。Yīnwèi dài yǒu biǎnyì, xiànzài méiyǒu rén yòng Zhī nà lái chēnghu Zhōngguó.Because it carries a derogatory meaning, no one uses 'Zhina' to refer to China nowadays.
- ，支那。Lìshǐ xuézhě zhǐchū, Zhī nà yìcí zài jìndài bèi fùyǔ le wǔrǔxìng hányì.Historians point out that the term 'Zhina' acquired offensive connotations in modern times.
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