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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'Japan' with 日本 (Rìběn)

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    日本 + Noun

    Explanation

    日本 (Rìběn) is the Chinese word for 'Japan.' It literally combines the characters 日 (sun) and 本 (origin), reflecting the country's name meaning 'origin of the sun.' It is used as a proper noun for the country or as a modifier, as in 日本名将 (celebrated Japanese player).

    Examples

    • 她去年去日本旅行了两个星期。

      tā qùnián qù rìběn lǚxíng le liǎng gè xīngqī.

      She traveled to Japan for two weeks last year.

    • 日本的樱花季非常美。

      rìběn de yīnghuā jì fēicháng měi.

      Japan's cherry blossom season is very beautiful.

    • 我有一个朋友在日本工作。

      wǒ yǒu yī gè péngyou zài rìběn gōngzuò.

      I have a friend who works in Japan.

    Expressing 'Japan' with 日本 (Rìběn) | Chinese Grammar