china: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “china” mean?
A hard, brittle material made by firing clay at high temperatures, typically used for tableware and decorative objects.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hard, brittle material made by firing clay at high temperatures, typically used for tableware and decorative objects.
The country China (capitalized); or figuratively, something delicate and precious (e.g., 'her china-doll complexion').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The phrase 'bone china' (a type of fine porcelain) is slightly more common in UK marketing. The country name 'China' has the same geopolitical references in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'china' can connote quality, tradition, and fragility. 'China' (the country) carries all modern geopolitical and cultural associations.
Frequency
The common noun 'china' is moderately frequent in both, often in domestic contexts. The proper noun 'China' is very high frequency in news and academic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “china” in a Sentence
[uncountable] We received a set of fine china.[proper noun] She travelled to China last year.[modifier] a china dollVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “china” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a very china-doll complexion.
- The china cabinet was an antique.
American English
- Her skin was almost china-like in its smoothness.
- They bought a new china closet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the country as a market, manufacturing hub, or trade partner (e.g., 'supply chains in China').
Academic
Discussed in history, political science, economics, and ceramics/archaeology contexts.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to plates, cups, or the country in conversation.
Technical
In materials science, specifies types of ceramic (e.g., 'vitreous china').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “china”
- Using 'china' (lowercase) to refer to the country.
- Using 'China' (capitalized) to refer to the ceramic material.
- Treating 'china' as a countable noun (e.g., 'a china' – incorrect; 'a piece of china' – correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'China' and 'porcelain' are often used synonymously in everyday language. Technically, 'porcelain' is a type of high-quality, translucent ceramic, and 'china' (or 'fine china') typically refers to porcelain made from specific materials like kaolin. 'Bone china' contains bone ash.
Always capitalise it when referring to the country (e.g., 'I live in China'). Use lowercase when referring to the ceramic material or objects (e.g., 'a china teacup').
When referring to the material, it is an uncountable (mass) noun. You cannot say 'a china' or 'two chinas'. You say 'a piece of china' or 'some china'. Objects made of china (plates, cups) are countable.
Bone china is a specific, very strong and translucent type of porcelain that contains bone ash (usually from cattle). It is known for its whiteness, strength, and chip resistance, and is often associated with high-quality British tableware.
A hard, brittle material made by firing clay at high temperatures, typically used for tableware and decorative objects.
China is usually neutral in register.
China: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaɪnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃaɪnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bull in a china shop”
- “like a china doll”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CHInese vase – it's made of CHINA.
Conceptual Metaphor
FRAGILITY IS CHINA (e.g., 'handle with care, it's not china'); THE EAST IS CHINA (metonymy for East Asian culture/manufacturing).
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'a bull in a china shop', what does 'china' refer to?