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

1. a city of central China; capital of ancient Chinese empire 221-206 BC