china

Everyday

1. China (with a capital C) is a very large country in East Asia with the largest or second-largest population in the world. tree →
2. china (small c) is fine, hard, white clay made into cups, plates and bowls, and also the cups and plates themselves. tree →
3. In UK and Australian slang, «china» means a mate or friend. tree →
4. China can also mean a small ornament or figure made of china. tree →

In the lessons

In geography, China is home to the Great Wall, giant pandas and the Yangtze River; its capital is Beijing; many people there speak Mandarin Chinese. In everyday life, «the best china» is the special set of plates for guests; china breaks easily, so carry it carefully. Phrases: «china cup», «fine china», «a china shop», «like a bull in a china shop» (very clumsy).

Examples

• China is a huge country in Asia. tree →
• Giant pandas live in the mountains of China. tree →
• The Great Wall of China is very long. tree →
• Grandma only uses her best china at Christmas. tree →
• Be careful, that china plate breaks easily. tree →
• He was like a bull in a china shop, knocking things over. tree →
• Paper was invented in China long ago. tree →
• The tea was served in delicate china cups. tree →
• But the china girl cried out: tree →

Note

Capital C for the country (China), small c for plates (china). Adjective for the country: «Chinese». The plates are called «china» because this kind of porcelain first came from China.