noun / direction word HSK 1
south · southern
Meaning
南 is one of the four cardinal directions in Chinese. It refers to the direction or location toward the south, or describes things that are southern in nature or origin.
Usage
南 is used both as a standalone direction word and commonly appears in compounds for place names, regions, and geographical descriptions. It can function as a noun (the south) or as a modifier (southern). Often paired with other directions like 北 (north), 东 (east), 西 (west).
Examples
- 01我家在学校的南边。.My home is on the south side of the school.
- 02中国南方的天气比较热。.The weather in southern China is relatively hot.
Common collocations
- 南方the south, southern region
- 南边south side
- 南部southern part
- 东南西北all directions, everywhere
Antonyms
Origin
The character 南 originally depicted a musical instrument or a structure with plants, possibly representing the warm southern regions where vegetation flourished.