Dictionary
English - Chinese

Town

taʊn
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

城镇, 市镇, 镇, 市

Town meanings in Chinese

城镇

Example:
I live in a small town.
我住在一个小城镇。
The town has a beautiful park.
这个城镇有一个美丽的公园。
Usage: informalContext: Commonly used to refer to a residential area smaller than a city, often with its own local government.
Note: In Chinese, '城镇' can refer to towns in a general sense, and it is often used in conversations about living situations or local amenities.

市镇

Example:
The town has a rich history.
这个市镇有着丰富的历史。
Many towns in this region are quite old.
这个地区的许多市镇都很古老。
Usage: formalContext: Used in administrative or legal contexts to denote a town that may have specific governance or historical significance.
Note: The term '市镇' emphasizes the administrative aspect of a town and may be used in discussions about governance or regional planning.

Example:
There’s a new restaurant in town.
镇上有一家新餐厅。
Everyone in town knows each other.
镇上的每个人都互相认识。
Usage: informalContext: Commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to the local area or community.
Note: The word '镇' is a more casual way of referring to a town and is often used in social contexts.

Example:
The town is known for its annual festival.
这个市以其年度节日而闻名。
The town center is bustling with activity.
市中心热闹非凡。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Can refer to a larger town or city and is often used in discussions about urban areas.
Note: While '市' typically refers to a city, it can sometimes be used interchangeably with '镇' in certain contexts, especially in discussions about larger municipalities.

Town's synonyms

City

A city is a large human settlement with extensive systems for housing, transportation, commerce, and culture.
Example: New York City is a bustling metropolis.
Note: Cities are typically larger and more densely populated than towns.

Village

A village is a small community or group of houses in a rural area.
Example: The quaint village was nestled in the countryside.
Note: Villages are usually smaller and more rural than towns.

Hamlet

A hamlet is a small settlement, generally smaller than a village.
Example: The tiny hamlet consisted of only a few houses.
Note: Hamlets are even smaller and more isolated than towns.

Borough

A borough is a self-governing district within a town or city.
Example: London is divided into several boroughs, each with its own distinct character.
Note: Boroughs are specific administrative divisions within larger towns or cities.

Town expressions, common phrases

Go to town

To do something with great enthusiasm or to put a lot of effort into something.
Example: She really went to town on decorating the house for the party.
Note: The phrase 'go to town' conveys a sense of thoroughness or intensity, unlike the general meaning of 'town' as a populated area.

Paint the town red

To go out and enjoy oneself by engaging in lively and often excessive social activities.
Example: After their exams were over, the students decided to paint the town red by going out to celebrate.
Note: The idiom 'paint the town red' emphasizes having a wild or extravagant time, contrasting with the literal meaning of 'town' as a place of residences and businesses.

Out of town

To be away from one's usual place of residence or work.
Example: They are currently out of town for a business trip.
Note: The phrase 'out of town' refers to being away from a specific location, whereas 'town' typically denotes a populated area where people live and work.

Small town mentality

A narrow-minded or limited perspective often associated with living in a small town.
Example: He couldn't adjust to the city life because he had a small town mentality.
Note: The idiom 'small town mentality' reflects a mindset characterized by closed-mindedness or lack of exposure, contrasting with the neutral definition of 'town' as a community.

Town and gown

Refers to the relationship or divide between a university town and its academic community.
Example: The relationship between the university and the local town has improved over the years.
Note: The expression 'town and gown' highlights the distinction between the local residents and the academic institution, diverging from the general understanding of 'town' as a residential area.

Town everyday (slang) expressions

Downtown

Refers to the central part of a city or town where most of the commercial and cultural activities are concentrated.
Example: Let's meet at that new coffee shop downtown.
Note: Differentiates the central area from the overall town or city, highlighting its bustling and lively nature.

Ghost town

Describes a place, often a town or building, that is deserted or devoid of activity.
Example: That old mall is like a ghost town these days.
Note: Implies a sense of abandonment and emptiness, contrasting with the usual bustling atmosphere of a town.

Hometown

Refers to the town or city where a person was born or grew up.
Example: I'm heading back to my hometown for the holidays.
Note: Emphasizes the sentimental and personal connection an individual has to a particular town.

Up-and-coming

Describes a place or town that is rapidly developing, often attracting new businesses and residents.
Example: That area used to be rundown, but now it's a trendy up-and-coming neighborhood.
Note: Suggests a positive transformation or revitalization of an area, hinting at future potential and growth.

Chinatown

Refers to a distinct neighborhood within a city or town where predominantly Chinese communities reside and operate businesses.
Example: Let's grab some delicious dim sum in Chinatown.
Note: Highlights the cultural diversity and unique characteristics of a specific area, reflecting the Chinese influence in that neighborhood.

Hit the town

Means to go out and enjoy oneself in the town or city, usually by visiting bars, restaurants, clubs, etc.
Example: It's Friday night, let's get dressed up and hit the town!
Note: Implies a sense of excitement and socializing, often associated with a night of fun and entertainment.

Spit in town

A derogatory term used to describe a newcomer or outsider who is causing disruption or chaos in the community.
Example: Watch out for the new spit in town; he's causing trouble already.
Note: Disparaging connotation implying a negative impact on the town's harmony or peace.

Town - Examples

The town is located in the valley.
这个位于山谷中。
The település has a population of 5000.
这个的人口为5000。
The small town has a charming main street.
这个小有一条迷人的主街。

Town grammar

Town - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: town
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): towns
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): town
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Town Contains 1 syllables: town
Phonetic transcription: ˈtau̇n
town , ˈtau̇n (The red syllable is stressed)

Town - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Town: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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