چینی
چینی 30秒で
- Chini refers to anything from China, including its people and language.
- It is also the Persian word for porcelain or fine china-ware.
- Grammatically, it follows the noun it describes using the Ezafe sound.
- It is a key word for discussing international culture, food, and household items.
The Persian word چینی (pronounced 'Chini') is a multifaceted term that every learner of Persian should master early in their journey. Primarily, it functions as an adjective and a noun, derived from the word Chin (China) with the addition of the suffix -i, which denotes origin or relation. In its most common usage, it refers to anything related to China, including the Chinese language, a Chinese person, or Chinese culture. However, a fascinating linguistic evolution in Persian has led this word to also mean 'porcelain' or 'china-ware.' This is because historical trade routes, specifically the Silk Road, brought high-quality ceramics from China to Persia, leading Persians to simply call the material 'Chini.' Understanding this word requires recognizing the context: are you discussing a person's nationality, the difficulty of a language, or the delicate plates on a dinner table? In modern Persian, the word is ubiquitous. Whether you are ordering ghazā-ye chini (Chinese food) in Tehran or admiring zoruf-e chini (porcelain dishes) in a traditional bazaar, the word remains the same. It is a CEFR A2 level word because while its basic meaning is simple, its dual application to both culture and ceramics adds a layer of complexity that learners encounter frequently in daily life.
- Nationality and Identity
- When referring to a person, چینی acts as a noun. For example, 'An mard Chini ast' (That man is Chinese). It is used for both men and women, though gender can be specified by adding 'zan' (woman) or 'mard' (man) before it if necessary.
- Linguistic Context
- When discussing languages, زبان چینی (Zabān-e Chini) is the standard term. It covers all dialects of Chinese in general conversation, though specific terms like 'Mandarin' are used in academic settings.
- Material and Craftsmanship
- In the context of homeware, چینی refers to porcelain. A 'bosghān-e chini' is a porcelain plate. This is a very common usage in Iranian households where fine 'chini' sets are prized possessions.
آیا شما میتوانید به زبان چینی صحبت کنید؟ (Can you speak the Chinese language?)
این بشقاب از جنس چینی اصل است. (This plate is made of genuine porcelain.)
او یک دوست چینی دارد که در تهران زندگی میکند. (He has a Chinese friend who lives in Tehran.)
غذای چینی در سراسر جهان محبوب است. (Chinese food is popular all over the world.)
دیوار چینی (The Great Wall of China - though usually 'Divār-e Chin').
Using چینی correctly involves understanding its role as an adjective (following the noun with an Ezafe) or as a standalone noun. In Persian grammar, adjectives usually follow the noun they modify. For example, if you want to say 'Chinese tea,' you say chāy-e chini. Here, the 'e' sound (Ezafe) connects the noun 'chāy' to the adjective 'chini.' This structure is consistent across various contexts, whether you are describing people, objects, or cultural concepts. When used as a noun to refer to the language, it often follows the word zabān (language), as in zabān-e chini. However, in casual speech, one might simply say 'Chini baladi?' (Do you know Chinese?). Another important grammatical aspect is pluralization. When referring to Chinese people as a group, you add the plural suffix -hā to get Chini-hā. This is the standard way to talk about the population or a specific group of Chinese individuals. In terms of syntax, 'Chini' usually appears after the linking verb 'ast' (is) when acting as a predicate adjective: 'In zarf chini ast' (This dish is porcelain). It is also worth noting that in the context of materials, 'Chini' can be further specified, such as chini-ye bā-kayfiyat (high-quality porcelain). The word is versatile and integrates seamlessly into both formal and informal Persian sentences, making it an essential building block for students reaching the A2 level and beyond.
- As an Adjective
- Placed after the noun: 'Lebās-e Chini' (Chinese clothing). The Ezafe is mandatory here.
- As a Language Noun
- 'Chini zabān-e sakhti ast' (Chinese is a difficult language). It functions as the subject of the sentence.
- As a Material Noun
- 'In goldān az chini sākhte shode ast' (This vase is made of porcelain). Here it follows a preposition.
من به موسیقی چینی علاقه دارم. (I am interested in Chinese music.)
آنها چینی هستند. (They are Chinese.)
دیروز یک ست ظروف چینی خریدم. (Yesterday I bought a set of porcelain dishes.)
You will encounter the word چینی in a variety of real-world Iranian contexts. One of the most common places is in the kitchen or at a formal dinner party. Iranians take great pride in their hospitality, and serving tea or food in chini (fine porcelain) is a sign of respect for guests. You might hear a host say, 'Befrāmāyid, dar in estekān-hā-ye chini chāy bokhorid' (Please, have tea in these porcelain cups). Another frequent context is in the marketplace or shopping malls. When looking for household goods, you will see signs for forooshgāh-e chini va boloor (porcelain and crystal shop). In the realm of education and international news, 'Chini' is used to discuss the global influence of China. News anchors frequently mention eghtesād-e chini (the Chinese economy) or sharkat-hā-ye chini (Chinese companies) like Huawei or Xiaomi, which are very popular in Iran. Additionally, with the growing number of Chinese tourists and expatriates in Iran, you might hear the word used in social settings to describe people or cultural events, such as eyd-e chini (Chinese New Year). In popular culture, references to the 'Great Wall' (Divār-e Chin) or Chinese martial arts movies (film-hā-ye razmi-ye chini) are common. The word is not just a vocabulary item but a bridge to discussing international relations, art history, and daily domestic life in Iran. Whether you are reading a menu at a pan-Asian restaurant in North Tehran or watching a documentary on the Silk Road, 'Chini' will be a constant companion in your Persian listening and reading experiences.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word چینی is confusing it with the name of the country itself, Chin (چین). Remember: Chin is the noun for the country (China), while Chini is the adjective (Chinese) or the material (porcelain). You should not say 'Man be Chini miravam' to mean 'I am going to China'; the correct sentence is 'Man be Chin miravam.' Conversely, do not say 'Man zabān-e Chin baladam'; it must be 'Man zabān-e Chini baladam.' Another common error involves the Ezafe construction. Some learners forget to add the 'e' sound when using 'Chini' as an adjective. For example, 'ghazā chini' is incorrect; it must be 'ghazā-ye chini.' Furthermore, because 'Chini' also means porcelain, learners sometimes get confused in shops. If you ask for a 'Chini' in a general store, they might lead you to the dishes section rather than the language books section. Context is key. Also, be careful with pluralization. While 'Chini-hā' refers to people, you wouldn't typically pluralize 'Chini' when referring to the language. Lastly, avoid using 'Chini' to refer to anything East Asian indiscriminately. Just as in English, it is important to distinguish between 'Chini' (Chinese), 'Zhāponi' (Japanese), and 'Kore-i' (Korean). Misusing these can be seen as a lack of cultural awareness. By paying attention to these nuances, you will sound much more like a native speaker and avoid common pitfalls that plague beginners.
While چینی is the most common word for 'Chinese,' there are other terms you might encounter depending on the context. For the language, you might hear Mandarin (ماندارین) or Kāntoni (کانتونی) in more technical or linguistic discussions. When referring to people from China, a more formal or literary way to say 'Chinese' is Ahl-e Chin (اهل چین), which literally means 'person of China.' In the context of ceramics, 'Chini' is the specific word for porcelain, but you might also hear Sofāl (سفال) for earthenware or pottery, and Serāmik (سرامیک) for modern ceramics. It is important to distinguish 'Chini' from these, as 'Chini' implies a higher quality, translucent ceramic. In historical texts, you might encounter the word Khātā-i (ختایی), which refers to Cathay (an old name for Northern China) and is often used in the context of 'Khata-i' patterns in Persian miniature painting and carpet design. However, in everyday modern Persian, 'Chini' remains the undisputed standard. Understanding these alternatives helps you navigate different registers of the language, from a casual conversation about dinner to a scholarly discussion about art history or linguistics.
- Chini vs. Ahl-e Chin
- Chini is the common adjective/noun. Ahl-e Chin is slightly more formal and specifically denotes origin.
- Chini vs. Sofāl
- Chini is fine porcelain (often white and translucent). Sofāl is rougher, traditional clay pottery.
How Formal Is It?
豆知識
The reason 'Chini' means porcelain in Persian is identical to why we call it 'China' in English! Both languages named the material after its place of origin during the height of the Silk Road trade.
発音ガイド
- Pronouncing the first 'i' as a short 'i' like in 'bit'. It should be long.
- Confusing the 'ch' sound with 'sh'.
- Putting the stress on the first syllable.
- Pronouncing the final 'i' too quickly.
- Mixing it up with 'Chini' (wrinkled) which is spelled similarly in some contexts but pronounced with different stress.
難易度
Easy to read, only 4 letters, follows standard patterns.
Simple characters, no complex connectors.
Very easy for English speakers as the sounds are familiar.
Clear pronunciation, but must be distinguished from 'Chin'.
次に学ぶべきこと
前提知識
次に学ぶ
上級
レベル別の例文
او چینی است.
He/She is Chinese.
Simple subject + adjective + verb 'to be'.
غذای چینی خوشمزه است.
Chinese food is delicious.
Adjective 'Chini' follows 'ghazā' with an Ezafe.
من چینی بلد نیستم.
I don't know Chinese (language).
'Balad budan' is used for knowing a language.
این یک کتاب چینی است.
This is a Chinese book.
Demonstrative 'in' + noun + adjective.
دوست من چینی است.
My friend is Chinese.
Possessive 'man' + noun + adjective.
آیا شما چینی هستید؟
Are you Chinese?
Interrogative sentence with second person plural.
چای چینی داغ است.
Chinese tea is hot.
Adjective modifying the noun 'chāy'.
نام او چینی است.
His/Her name is Chinese.
Simple identification of an attribute.
من میخواهم زبان چینی یاد بگیرم.
I want to learn the Chinese language.
Compound verb 'yād gereftan' with 'zabān-e chini'.
این بشقابها از جنس چینی هستند.
These plates are made of porcelain.
Using 'Chini' as a material noun.
در تهران رستورانهای چینی زیادی وجود دارد.
There are many Chinese restaurants in Tehran.
Plural noun + adjective + quantifier 'ziyād'.
او یک پیراهن چینی زیبا دارد.
She has a beautiful Chinese shirt.
Multiple adjectives modifying a noun.
چینیها به چای علاقه زیادی دارند.
Chinese people are very interested in tea.
Plural noun 'Chini-hā' as the subject.
این مجسمه چینی خیلی قدیمی است.
This porcelain statue is very old.
Adjective 'Chini' describing the material.
او میتواند به چینی بنویسد.
He can write in Chinese.
Modal verb 'tavānestan' + 'be chini'.
آیا این چای چینی است یا ایرانی؟
Is this tea Chinese or Iranian?
Comparative question using 'yā' (or).
فرهنگ چینی بسیار غنی و باستانی است.
Chinese culture is very rich and ancient.
Abstract noun 'farhang' modified by 'chini'.
او در دانشگاه رشته زبان چینی میخواند.
He is studying Chinese language at the university.
Academic context for the word.
بسیاری از کالاهای چینی در بازار ایران یافت میشوند.
Many Chinese goods are found in the Iranian market.
Passive construction 'yāft mishavand'.
ظروف چینی شکسته را نباید در خانه نگه داشت.
One should not keep broken porcelain dishes in the house.
Complex noun phrase with multiple modifiers.
او به طب سنتی چینی اعتقاد دارد.
He believes in traditional Chinese medicine.
Compound term 'tebb-e sonnati-ye chini'.
سال نو چینی در ماه فوریه جشن گرفته میشود.
Chinese New Year is celebrated in February.
Passive voice 'jashn gerefte mishavad'.
این نقاشی به سبک چینی کشیده شده است.
This painting is drawn in the Chinese style.
Prepositional phrase 'be sabk-e chini'.
تاجران چینی برای قرارداد جدید به ایران آمدند.
Chinese merchants came to Iran for a new contract.
Specific noun 'tājerān' modified by 'chini'.
رشد اقتصادی چینیها جهان را شگفتزده کرده است.
The economic growth of the Chinese has surprised the world.
Possessive construction with plural noun.
ادبیات چینی دارای آثار کلاسیک بسیار ارزشمندی است.
Chinese literature possesses very valuable classic works.
Formal verb 'dārā budan'.
تولید انبوه محصولات چینی قیمتها را کاهش داده است.
Mass production of Chinese products has reduced prices.
Compound subject and object.
در موزه ملی، مجموعهای از چینیهای آبی و سفید وجود دارد.
In the national museum, there is a collection of blue and white porcelain.
Using 'chini' as a plural noun for objects.
یادگیری نویسههای چینی برای فارسیزبانان دشوار است.
Learning Chinese characters is difficult for Persian speakers.
Gerund subject 'yādgiri'.
سیاست خارجی چین بر پایه همکاریهای چینی-ایرانی است.
China's foreign policy is based on Chinese-Iranian cooperation.
Compound adjective 'chini-irāni'.
او در حال ترجمه یک رمان چینی به فارسی است.
He is translating a Chinese novel into Persian.
Continuous present tense.
معماری چینی با سقفهای خاص خود شناخته میشود.
Chinese architecture is known for its specific roofs.
Passive voice 'shenākhte mishavad'.
ظرافتهای هنری در ظروف چینی میناکاری شده خیرهکننده است.
The artistic delicacies in enamelled porcelain dishes are stunning.
Advanced vocabulary and complex noun phrases.
تفاوتهای گویشی در زبان چینی بسیار گسترده و پیچیده است.
Dialectal differences in the Chinese language are very broad and complex.
Abstract linguistic discussion.
نفوذ فلسفه چینی در تفکرات معاصر غیرقابل انکار است.
The influence of Chinese philosophy on contemporary thoughts is undeniable.
Academic tone and advanced adjectives.
صادرات چینیآلات یکی از ارکان مهم تجارت در جاده ابریشم بود.
The export of porcelain-ware was one of the important pillars of trade on the Silk Road.
Historical terminology 'chini-ālāt'.
او در تحلیل خود به ریشههای فرهنگی چینی اشاره کرد.
In his analysis, he referred to Chinese cultural roots.
Formal verb 'eshāre kardan'.
موسیقی سنتی چینی با سازهایی چون 'گوژنگ' نواخته میشود.
Traditional Chinese music is played with instruments such as the 'Guzheng'.
Specific cultural reference.
برخی معتقدند که تکنولوژی چینی در حال پیشی گرفتن از غرب است.
Some believe that Chinese technology is overtaking the West.
Complex clause with 'mo'taghedand'.
سینمای چینی در دهههای اخیر جوایز بینالمللی بسیاری کسب کرده است.
Chinese cinema has won many international awards in recent decades.
Present perfect tense.
تبادل فرهنگی میان تمدنهای ایرانی و چینی قدمتی چندهزارساله دارد.
The cultural exchange between Iranian and Chinese civilizations is thousands of years old.
Sophisticated historical/sociological discourse.
پیچیدگیهای واژهشناختی در متون کهن چینی نیازمند بررسی دقیق است.
Lexicographical complexities in ancient Chinese texts require meticulous examination.
Highly technical academic Persian.
هژمونی اقتصادی چین چالشهای جدیدی برای بازارهای جهانی ایجاد کرده است.
China's economic hegemony has created new challenges for global markets.
Use of advanced loanwords like 'hegemoni'.
تکنیکهای پخت چینی در دوران صفویه با روشهای بومی ادغام شد.
Chinese firing techniques were integrated with local methods during the Safavid era.
Technical art-history terminology.
او به بررسی تطبیقی میان اسطورههای چینی و شاهنامه پرداخته است.
He has engaged in a comparative study between Chinese myths and the Shahnameh.
Advanced research context.
تاثیرات متقابل هنری در سفالینههای چینی و کاشیکاریهای ایرانی مشهود است.
Mutual artistic influences are evident in Chinese ceramics and Iranian tilework.
Formal adjective 'mashhud'.
ساختار سیاسی چینی ماندارین تفاوتهای بنیادین با زبانهای هندواروپایی دارد.
The political/linguistic structure of Mandarin Chinese has fundamental differences from Indo-European languages.
Linguistic analysis.
دیپلماسی چینی در قرن بیست و یکم رویکردی چندجانبهگرایانه را دنبال میکند.
Chinese diplomacy in the 21st century pursues a multilateral approach.
Political science terminology.
よく使う組み合わせ
よく使うフレーズ
— Refers to something that was broken and fixed, but is still fragile. Literally 'like mended porcelain'.
رابطه آنها مثل چینی بندزده است.
— Genuine porcelain. Often used to distinguish high quality from fakes.
این گلدان چینی اصل است.
— A market where Chinese goods or people are concentrated.
در دبی بازار چینیها معروف است.
— A porcelain doll. Can also describe a very delicate person.
او مثل یک عروسک چینی زیباست.
慣用句と表現
— To break porcelain; metaphorically used to describe a sudden break in a delicate situation.
با حرفش چینی سکوت را شکست.
Literary— To mend broken porcelain using staples; used to describe trying to fix a damaged relationship or situation.
سعی کرد دل شکسته او را بند بزند.
Metaphorical— Extremely delicate or sensitive, like thin porcelain.
او روحیهای مثل چینی نازکتن دارد.
Poetic— Refers to something very intricate or detailed, like Chinese craftsmanship.
این گلدوزی واقعاً کار چینی است.
Colloquial— A person who mends broken dishes; an old profession in Iran.
قدیما چینی بندزن به کوچهها میآمد.
Historical— To overcome a massive obstacle. (Rarely used idiomatically but understood).
انگار از دیوار چین گذشته است.
Informal— Endless patience (referring to the meticulous nature of Chinese art).
برای این کار باید صبر چینی داشته باشی.
Colloquial— Often used colloquially to mean something cheap or of poor quality (due to mass imports).
نخر، این جنس چینی است و زود خراب میشود.
Informal語族
名詞
動詞
形容詞
関連
暗記しよう
記憶術
Think of a 'CHIN' (like the part of your face) resting on a 'CHINI' (porcelain) plate. Or imagine a person from China with a very shiny (Chini) plate.
視覚的連想
Visualize a delicate white porcelain teacup with a small Chinese flag painted on it. This links the country, the people, and the material.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Try to find three items in your house that could be described as 'Chini' (either made in China or made of porcelain) and say their names in Persian.
語源
The word is derived from the Persian word 'Chin' (China) which itself likely comes from the Sanskrit 'Cīna', originating from the 'Qin' dynasty (221–206 BC). The suffix '-i' was added to create the adjective of origin.
元の意味: Originally it simply meant 'pertaining to China'.
Indo-European -> Indo-Iranian -> Persian.文化的な背景
When using 'Chini' to refer to people, ensure it is used respectfully as a nationality and not as a broad generalization for all East Asians.
Similar to English where 'China' refers to both the country and the dishes.
実生活で練習する
実際の使用場面
At a Restaurant
- منوی چینی دارید؟
- غذای چینی تند است؟
- چاپستیک چینی میخواهم.
- این برنج چینی است؟
At Home
- این سرویس چینی هدیه است.
- مواظب باش، ظرف چینی است.
- بشقاب چینی را بشور.
- چینیها را در قفسه بگذار.
At School
Summary
The word 'Chini' is essential for describing Chinese people, language, and culture, but remember its common second meaning: porcelain dishes. Example: 'Zabān-e Chini' (Chinese language) vs 'Zarf-e Chini' (Porcelain dish).
- Chini refers to anything from China, including its people and language.
- It is also the Persian word for porcelain or fine china-ware.
- Grammatically, it follows the noun it describes using the Ezafe sound.
- It is a key word for discussing international culture, food, and household items.
関連コンテンツ
この単語を他の言語で
academicの関連語
اعمال کردن
B2To apply, to implement; to put into operation or effect.
عامل شدن
B2何かの要因や原因になること。
اعتبار علمی
B2大学や研究者の学術的な信頼性や名声のこと。
اعتبار بخشیدن
B2何かを検証する、または公式に承認すること。
اعتبار سنجی کردن
B2妥当性を確認または検証すること。
اعتباربخشی
B2認定とは、個人または機関が特定の基準を満たしていることの公式な認識です。
اعتمادپذیر
B2信頼できる; 頼りになる。
اعتراف کردن
B2告白する、認める。犯罪を犯したり、何か間違ったことをしたりしたことを認めること。 (彼は嘘をついたことを認めなければならない。彼はその犯罪を告白した。)
عضو هیئت علمی
B2A faculty member; a professional academic engaged in teaching and research at a university.
عقلانی
B2合理的;理性や論理に基づいた。