Learn How to Pronounce Nanjing | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Nanjing
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, stands as a monumental city where profound historical legacy and dynamic modern development converge. Serving as the national capital for several imperial dynasties, including the Ming and the Republic of China, and tragically as the site of a major atrocity during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Nanjing's identity is deeply layered. Its rich cultural heritage is physically embodied in UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, while the poignant Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall ensures historical reflection. As a major hub for education and research, home to prestigious institutions like Nanjing University, and a key economic driver within the Yangtze River Delta region, the city masterfully blends its ancient city walls and the Qinhuai River scenery with a thriving contemporary metropolis, making it a pivotal center for tourism, industry, and Chinese history.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard Romanization for the city's name is "Nanjing," derived from the Hanyu Pinyin system officially adopted by China in the 1950s. Historically, the name was rendered using the older Wade-Giles system as "Nanking," a spelling that remains in occasional use for certain historical contexts or institutions (e.g., the Nanking Massacre, the Treaty of Nanking). Common misspellings and typos include "Nanijing" (adding an extra 'i'), "Nanjin" (dropping the 'g'), and "NanJing" (incorrect internal capitalization). It is also sometimes mistakenly written as "Nanjing, Beijing," confusing it with the national capital. The name itself translates to "Southern Capital," contrasting with Beijing ("Northern Capital").
Example Sentences
Many historians consider a visit to the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall a sobering and essential experience for understanding 20th-century Sino-Japanese relations.
Strolling along the Qinhuai River offers a glimpse into the city's ancient past, with its traditional architecture and lively street food scene.
The university's exchange program includes a semester at Nanjing University to study modern Chinese economics.
Despite its deep historical roots, Nanjing has rapidly evolved into a center for high-tech innovation and green industries.
Finalizing the trade deal required several trips to Nanjing, a key financial hub in the Yangtze River Delta.
Related Pronunciations
- How to pronounce Wuyishan City
- How to pronounce Xinzhou
- How to pronounce Xining
- How to pronounce Jiamusi
- How to pronounce Qingdao