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    Chinese Grammar

    Using 首都 (shǒudū) to refer to a capital city

    Location & Position
    Numbers & Quantity

    Explanation

    首都 means "capital city" and refers to the city that serves as the seat of government for a country. It combines 首 (head/chief) with 都 (capital/metropolis). It is used in both formal and everyday contexts, as in 北京是中国的首都 (Beijing is China's capital).

    Examples

    • 北京是中国的首都,历史非常悠久。

      Běijīng shì Zhōngguó de shǒudū, lìshǐ fēicháng yōujiǔ.

      Beijing is the capital of China and has a very long history.

    • 你知道澳大利亚的首都是哪座城市吗?

      Nǐ zhīdào Àodàlìyà de shǒudū shì nǎ zuò chéngshì ma?

      Do you know which city is the capital of Australia?

    • 每个国家的首都都有它独特的魅力。

      Měi ge guójiā de shǒudū dōu yǒu tā dútè de mèilì.

      Every country's capital has its own unique charm.

    Using 首都 (shǒudū) to refer to a capital city | Chinese Grammar