Learn How to Pronounce Nanking | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Nanking
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Nanking, the historical and modern capital of Jiangsu Province in eastern China, is a city where profound cultural heritage and dynamic contemporary development converge. Serving as the national capital for several dynasties, including the Ming and the Republic of China, its strategic location along the Yangtze River has cemented its status as a pivotal political, economic, and educational hub for centuries. The city's landscape is a testament to its storied past, featuring UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum and the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, alongside poignant memorials such as the Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall. As a key center for tourism, technology, and research within the Yangtze River Delta economic zone, Nanjing seamlessly blends ancient city walls and gates with a vibrant, modern metropolis, offering visitors a deep dive into authentic Chinese history and culture.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary spelling in modern English is "Nanjing," which reflects the standard Hanyu Pinyin romanization system adopted by China in the 1950s. The spelling "Nanking" is an older, postal romanization that remains widely recognized, particularly in historical contexts—such as discussions of the "Nanking Massacre" or the "Nanking Treaty"—and is still used in some proper names and academic works. Common misspellings and typos include "Nankin" (an even older variant), "Nanging," "Nanjin," and "Nanking." It is also frequently confused with "Beijing" due to the shared "-jing" suffix, leading to occasional errors like "Nanijing." When writing, consistency is key; one should choose either "Nanjing" for contemporary references or "Nanking" for specific historical nomenclature, but avoid mixing them within the same text.
Example Sentences
Scholars often refer to the Nanking Massacre of 1937 as a pivotal and tragic event in the lead-up to the Second World War.
Many tourists begin their exploration of Nanjing at the majestic Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, perched on the slopes of Purple Mountain.
The city's role as a former capital is evident in the impressive remnants of its ancient city wall, which encloses a bustling modern downtown.
As a major high-speed rail hub, Nanjing provides efficient connectivity to Shanghai and other cities in the Yangtze River Delta.
The University of Nanjing is consistently ranked among the top institutions in China, attracting students from across the globe.
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