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美国 — meaning in English: United States

měiguó · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for american
huǒ
十几
shí jǐ
美国
měiguó
品牌
pǐnpái
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use 美国 (měiguó) when discussing topics related to the United States, such as culture, travel, politics, or economics. It often comes up in conversations about current events or when chatting with friends about their experiences in or opinions on the U.S.
Synonyms & nuances
Another term that can refer to the United States is 美国合众国 (měiguó hézhòngguó), which translates to 'United States of America.' However, in everyday conversation, 美国 is far more common and succinct, making it the preferred choice for casual discussions.
Culture
The term 美国 is derived from '美' (měi), meaning 'beautiful,' and '国' (guó), meaning 'country.' This reflects a historical admiration for the United States, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Western culture influenced China. The use of 美 highlights a positive perception that many Chinese people have of America, especially in terms of its landscapes and opportunities.
FAQ
Q.What is the correct pronunciation of 美国?
The correct pronunciation of 美国 is 'měiguó.' The first syllable '美' is pronounced with a rising tone, while '国' is pronounced with a falling tone.
Q.How is 美国 used in a sentence?
You can use 美国 in sentences such as '我想去美国旅行' (Wǒ xiǎng qù měiguó lǚxíng), which means 'I want to travel to the United States.'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 美国?
One common mistake is to confuse 美国 with other countries. Be sure to remember that 美国 specifically refers to the United States, while other countries have different names.
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