Hsian
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun: * Hsian: A historical name for a major city in central China, which served as the capital of the ancient Chinese empire from 221 to 206 BC. This name is an older romanization.
Usage
- Hsian is used as a proper noun to refer to the historical city and its significance as an ancient capital.
- The First Emperor unified China and made Hsian his capital.
- Archaeological discoveries in Hsian have revealed much about the Qin dynasty.
Advanced Usage
- The term Hsian is primarily found in historical texts or older English-language publications. In modern contexts, the city is almost universally referred to by its contemporary romanized name, Xi'an.
Variants and Related Words
- Xi'an (Proper noun): The modern standard Pinyin romanization for the same city. This is the current and most common spelling in English.
- We flew into Xi'an to see the Terracotta Army.
- Chang'an (Proper noun): The historical name of the city during several other dynastic periods, particularly the Han and Tang dynasties.
- Chang'an was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in the world during the Tang dynasty.
Synonyms
- Ancient capital: A general term describing its historical role.
- Historical city: A general term emphasizing its long history.
Notes on Meaning
- The definition of Hsian is specific and historical. It refers to one city at a specific point in its long history (the Qin dynasty capital). It is not a general term for any city or capital.
Noun
- a city of central China; capital of ancient Chinese empire 221-206 BC