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March 24, 2026
殖民地zhímíndì(zhi2min2di4)
殖民地 (zhímíndì) refers to a territory that is under the political control of a foreign power, often established through colonization. It commonly denotes regions exploited for resources and labor, reflecting historical contexts of imperialism and colonial rule.
Frequency#9633DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
The term '殖民地' is significant in understanding China's history, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when foreign powers established colonies within Chinese territory, leaving lasting impacts on Chinese society and politics.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'zhī' (指) pointing at a 'mín' (民) in a 'dǐ' (地) that is being taken over. Visualize someone directing colonizers to seize land, making it memorable that the character represents a 'colony' where locals (民) are governed on their own land (地).
Meanings of 殖民地
zhímíndì(zhi2min2di4)
1colony
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About 殖民地
殖民地Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9633Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSKKL3CEFRC1
Podcast: 殖民地
Podcast: 殖民地
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AI Study Notes for 殖民地
Quick Contrast
殖民地 (zhímíndì) vs 领土 (lǐngtǔ): Use 殖民地 when referring specifically to a territory under foreign control, while 领土 refers more generally to any territory or land.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'zhī' (指) pointing at a 'mín' (民) in a 'dǐ' (地) that is being taken over. Visualize someone directing colonizers to seize land, making it memorable that the character represents a 'colony' where locals (民) are governed on their own land (地).
Usage Notes
Be cautious with tone when pronouncing '殖民地' as mispronouncing can change meanings. It is often used in historical and political discussions, so it suits a formal register. Common collocations include '历史殖民地' (historical colony) and '殖民地时期' (colonial period).
HSK Study Tips
As a level 6 vocabulary word, '殖民地' connects to themes of history and politics frequently encountered in HSK 6 materials. Students should focus on its usage in context and related terms such as '殖民' (colonization) and '帝国主义' (imperialism).
Cultural Note
The term '殖民地' is significant in understanding China's history, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when foreign powers established colonies within Chinese territory, leaving lasting impacts on Chinese society and politics.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '殖民地' with '移民地' (yímíndì, immigrant area), misunderstanding the political implications of colonization. Remember, '殖民地' specifically refers to a colony under foreign control.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 殖民地
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Grammar Patterns of 殖民地
殖民地 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
英国最早尝试在爱尔兰开拓____是在12世纪。
The first British attempt to colonize Ireland was in the twelfth century.
Example Sentences for 殖民地 (7)
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1
英国最早尝试在爱尔兰开拓殖民地是在12世纪。
yīng guó zuì zǎo cháng shì zài ài ěr lán kāi tuò zhí mín dì shì zài12 12 shì。
The first British attempt to colonize Ireland was in the twelfth century.
2
殖民地正要求获得更大程度上的自治。
zhí mín dì zhèng yào qiú huò dé gēng dà chéng dù shàng de zì zhì。
The colonies were claiming a larger measure of self-government.
3
我们的很多部队和军官分驻世界各地的英属殖民地，为英王效力。
wǒ mén de hěn duō bù duì hé jūn guān fēn zhù shì jiè gè dì de yīng shǔ zhí mín dì， ， wéi yīng wáng xiào。
Many of our troops and officers were scattered around the world in the service of His Majesty in the colonies.
4
最初的殖民地是在美洲的东海岸.
zuì chū de zhí mín dì shì zài měi zhōu de dōng hǎi àn.
The first settlements were on the east coast of America.
5
英国人在东海岸开拓殖民地.
yīng guó rén zài dōng hǎi àn kāi tuò zhí mín dì.
The English started colonies on the east coast.
6
北美(十三个)殖民地于一七八三年摆脱了英国的统治.
běi měi( ( shí sān) gè ) zhí mín dì yú yī qī bā sān nián bǎi tuō le yīng guó de.
In 1783 the American Colonies threw off the yoke of England.
7
许多美洲殖民地的人认为英国税吏凶残手辣.
xǔ duō měi zhōu zhí mín dì de rén rèn wéi yīng guó shuì lì xiōng cán shǒu là.
Many American colonists believed that the English tax collectors were too heavy - handed.
Cultural Notes for 殖民地
🏮Cultural insight
The term '殖民地' is significant in understanding China's history, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries when foreign powers established colonies within Chinese territory, leaving lasting impacts on Chinese society and politics.
Frequently Asked Questions about 殖民地
'殖民' (zhímín) refers to the act of colonization, while '殖民地' specifically denotes the territory that is colonized.
'殖民地' is historically focused but can be referenced in discussions about neo-colonialism and its effects in contemporary global politics.
