中华 Zhōnghuá China, as a civilisation
Zhonghua, historical and cultural term for China, often used to denote Chinese civilization and identity (as in 中华文化 "Chinese culture"); used in the official name of the Republic of China, 中华民国
How to remember 中华: 中 middle + 华 flowery = China, as a civilisation.
Characters
How it is used
- A cultural/literary name for China and Chinese civilization. 中华文化 (Zhōnghuá wénhuà) Chinese culture; 中华民族 (Zhōnghuá mínzú) the Chinese nation.
- 中华 is grander and more identity-laden than plain 中国 (Zhōngguó, the state) - it evokes heritage and civilization, used in formal/ceremonial names.
- Appears in official names: 中华人民共和国 (Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó) the PRC; also a cigarette brand 中华.