Tionghoa

Indonesian

Alternative forms

• Tionghua
• Tionghwa (obsolete)

Etymology

Borrowed from Chinese Hokkien 中華／中华 (Tiong-hôa).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [tiˈɔŋ.hoa̯]
• Hyphenation: Ti‧ong‧ho‧a

Proper noun

Tionghoa

1. China: A nation or civilization occupying the country around the Yellow, Yangtze, and Pearl Rivers in East Asia, taken as a whole under its various dynasties.
2. Chinese:
   1. any of several Sinitic languages or dialects spoken in China, especially Literary Chinese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Wu or Min Nan.
   2. the logographic writing system shared by this language family.
   3. the people of China.
   4. all people of Chinese origin or self-identity.

Synonyms

• (Chinese person): Cina (ethnic slur, derogatory), singkek (ethnic slur, highly offensive)

Adjective

Tionghoa

1. Chinese:
   1. related to China or her people or her language
   2. of Chinese origin

Usage notes

This word is restored for Indonesian official government use as the presidential decision was passed and replaced Cina (“China”). This guide is followed by most Indonesian-language mass media.

Derived terms

• aksara Tionghoa
• bahasa Tionghoa
• orang Tionghoa
• Tionghoa perantauan
• Tionghoa Taipei

Related terms

• Tiongkok

Further reading

• “Tionghoa” in Kamus Besar Bahasa Indonesia, Jakarta: Agency for Language Development and Cultivation – Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, 2016.

Malay

Alternative forms

• Tionghua (more common)

Etymology

Borrowed from Chinese Hokkien 中華／中华 (Tiong-hôa). Compare Indonesian Tionghoa.

Pronunciation

• (Standard Malaysian) IPA^(key): /tioŋho̯a/

Adjective

Tionghoa

1. (dated) Chinese; of Chinese descent

   Synonym: Cina

   • 1933 March 25, “Perubahan-Perubahan di Malaya. Pemandangan Wartawan Kita "Bintang Timur".”, in Saudara‎^[1], Penang:

     Berbagai-bagai protest dan pemandangan dimajukan oleh leader Tionghua dan Hindu dalam Legislative Council di Singapura.

     All sorts of protests and views were advanced by Chinese and Indian leaders in the Legislative Council in Singapore.

Usage notes

Mostly obsolete in Malaysia; Cina is far more common.

Further reading

• “Tionghoa” in Pusat Rujukan Persuratan Melayu | Malay Literary Reference Centre, Kuala Lumpur: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, 2017.