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Learn How to Pronounce Chungking | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Chungking

Quick Answer: In Mandarin, the name Chungking is pronounced [ʈʂʰʊ̌ŋ.tɕʰîŋ], and in English it is pronounced [ˈtʃʊŋˈkɪŋ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Chongqing, historically romanized as Chungking, is a sprawling megacity and one of China's four direct-controlled municipalities, a status it has held since 1997. Nestated at the strategic confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, it serves as a crucial economic hub and transportation gateway for southwestern China. The city is renowned for its dramatic, mountainous urban landscape, its profoundly influential Sichuanese cuisine—most famously its mouth-numbing hot pot—and its deep historical significance as the provisional capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War from 1937 to 1946. Today, Chongqing is a powerhouse of manufacturing and finance, characterized by its iconic skyline, the vibrant lights of the Hongya Cave complex, and its role as a primary embarkation point for scenic Three Gorges cruises through the Yangtze River basin.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The term "Chungking" represents an older, postal romanization spelling of the city's name, which was officially replaced by the pinyin romanization "Chongqing" in the late 20th century. Common misspellings and variants arise from phonetic interpretations and historical usage, including "Chunking," "Chung King," and "Chonqging." A frequent typo is "Chunking," which substitutes the 'g' for a 'k'. When searching for information, it is important to note that "Chungking" is often used in historical contexts, particularly concerning World War II, while modern references almost exclusively use "Chongqing." The confusion is sometimes compounded by the separate existence of the "Chungking Mansions" building in Hong Kong, which retains the old spelling.

Example Sentences

During the war, the government relocated to Chungking, which became a symbol of Chinese resistance.

Many visitors to Chongqing today make a pilgrimage to the Stilwell Museum to understand the city's pivotal wartime history.

The distinctive, spicy aroma of Chungking hot pot permeates the air in the city's countless bustling restaurants.

To experience the city's breathtaking topography, one can take the cable car over the Yangtze River for unparalleled views.

Planning a Chongqing itinerary must include sampling street food at Ciqikou Ancient Town and witnessing the futuristic monorail trains passing directly through residential buildings.

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