Definitions
(noun)
prefecture; province; state
Etymology
Depicts an area of dry land in the middle of a river.
About
The character 州 derives from 川, which depicts a flowing river, with three added strokes or dots placed between its vertical lines. These strokes originally represented small landmasses, such as sandbars or islets, emerging within the river. Initially referring to these physical features, the meaning expanded as ancient administrative systems organized populations around such habitable areas. Over time, 州 shifted from denoting river islets to signifying major administrative divisions, prefectures, provinces, and eventually continents, becoming a key term in both historical and modern geopolitical classifications.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
我住在加州。
广州天气很热。
苏州园林很美丽。
杭州以西湖闻名。
这个州有很多人口。
他来自德克萨斯州。
美国有五十个州。
州政府发布了新政策。