太阳 — meaning in English: sun

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

Guess the translation for sun

学校

xuéxiào

太阳

tàiyáng

经验

jīngyàn

在妈妈

zài māmā

范围

fànwéi

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 太阳 (tàiyáng) in everyday conversations, especially when discussing the weather or planning outdoor activities. For example, someone might say, '今天的太阳很大' (jīntiān de tàiyáng hěn dà), meaning 'The sun is very bright today,' when suggesting a picnic.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 光 (guāng), meaning 'light,' but 太阳 specifically refers to the sun itself, while 光 can describe any source of light. You would choose 太阳 when specifically discussing the celestial body or its warmth and brightness.

Culture

The character 太阳 (tàiyáng) is composed of two parts: '太' means 'too much' or 'extremely,' and '阳' refers to 'sunshine' or 'positive energy.' In Chinese culture, the sun symbolizes life and energy, often associated with happiness and prosperity. The concept of '阳光' (yángguāng), meaning 'sunlight,' is essential in various idioms and proverbs, illustrating its significance in daily life.

FAQ

Q.How do you pronounce 太阳 in Mandarin?

太阳 is pronounced as tàiyáng, with the first syllable having a falling tone and the second syllable having a rising tone.

Q.What are some common phrases that include the word 太阳?

Common phrases include '晒太阳' (shài tàiyáng), meaning 'to sunbathe,' and '日出日落' (rìchū rìluò), discussing the sunrise and sunset, both of which reference the sun.

Q.Is 太阳 used in formal writing?

Yes, 太阳 can be used in both formal and informal writing, particularly when discussing topics related to nature, science, or cultural practices.

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