Singaporean Mandarin Database

This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.

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淡

dàn

马

mǎ

锡

xī

Temasek

Culture

文化

Culture

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Temasek

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Culture

文化

Culture

释义

名词

新加坡的旧称。

DEFINITION

Noun

An old name for Singapore.

由来
  • 淡马锡是爪哇语Temasek的音译，意思是海市。因新加坡是东西方海上贸易的重要集散地，因而得名。此名在《岛夷志略》、《爪哇史颂》和《郑和航海图》中均有明确的历史记载。
  • 作为新加坡的官方英文称谓，"Temasek"一直到14世纪末才逐渐被“Singapura”（意指狮城）这个名称所取代。
  • 作为一种历史文化符号，淡马锡受到今日新加坡社会广泛的使用。
ETYMOLOGY
  • The Mandarin term “淡马锡” is a transliteration of the Javanese term Temasek, meaning sea market. Singapore was so named as it was an important maritime trading port between the East and West. This name is clearly found in historical records such as Description of the Barbarians of the Isles (《岛夷志略》), Nagarakretagama (《爪哇史颂》) and The Nautical Charts of Zheng He (《郑和航海图》).
  • "Temasek" was used as the official English name for Singapore up until the 14th century when it was gradually replaced by the name “Singapura” (meaning Lion City).
  • As a historical and cultural symbol, the name “Temasek” is widely used in Singapore today.
例句
一条河静静地蓄势缓缓待发，流过暖暖的赤道长长的终年是夏，多少个世纪它是海人在淡马锡的家。（《联合早报》，22/10/2019）
SAMPLE SENTENCE

A river slowly and quietly gaining momentum, flowing past the warm equator, where it is summer all year long. For many centuries, this has been the home of seamen in Temasek. (Lianhe Zaobao, 22/10/2019)

参考资料
点击查看淡马锡的参考资料
REFERENCES

Click here to view references for Temasek

 

 

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