We’re going all around the world to learn the Chinese names for different countries, states, provinces, cities – you name it! In case you missed the previous posts, here are links to catch you up:

• Chinese Names for the 50 United States
• Chinese Names for Canadian Provinces, Territories, and Major Cities
• Chinese Names for South American Countries and Capitals

Today we’re jumping over the pond to learn the names for European countries. As there are so many of them to study, we’re going to skip the capitals on this one! Ready to learn the names of 50+ countries? Let’s head to Europe (欧洲 – Ōu zhōu):

Europe Travel Map
By Kevin Hale from flickr.com

It can be tricky remembering Chinese names for different countries, but it can also be fun. Just check out this hilarious map from haonowshaokao.com that gives literal translations of the Chinese names for European countries. Which country is the “Brave Land”? How about “Orchid Fragrance”? What country could “West Class Tooth” possibly be?

Now, here are a few questions you can answer to practice using the names you learned in this lesson:

• Are you European?

  你是欧洲人吗? (Nǐ shì ōu zhōu rén ma)

• Which country?

  哪个国家的? (nǎ ge guó jiā de)

• Have you been to Europe

  你去过欧洲吗? (nǐ qù guò ōu zhōu ma)

• Which countries have you been to?

  去过什么国家? (qù guò shèn me guó jiā)