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.
Temasek (old term referring to Singapore)
Temasek (old term referring to Singapore)
DEFINITION
Noun
An old name for Singapore.
由来
- 有说法认为“淡马锡”这个名称源自马来语 tasek, 即“湖泊”, 并延伸出“被水环绕的城市”之义。因为新加坡四面环海，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》及《郑和航海图》中均有明确的历史记载。
- 从14世纪起，“Temasek”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”这个名称在今日的新加坡社会被广泛使用。例如，它出现在许多组织和机构的名称中，如淡马锡控股（Temasek Holdings）和淡马锡初级学院（Temasek Junior College）。
ETYMOLOGY
- “Temasek” is derived from the Malay word tasek, which means “lake”, and is extended to mean “a place surrounded by water”. Singapore was so named as it is surrounded by the sea and is an important distribution centre for maritime trade between the East and the 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》).
- From the 14th century, the name “Temasek” was gradually replaced by “Singapura” (meaning “lion city”).
- Given its rich historical and cultural symbolism, the name “Temasek” is widely used in Singapore today, appearing in the names of various organisations and institutions, such as Temasek Holdings and Temasek Junior College.
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
The river, slowly and quietly gathering momentum, flows past the warm equator. Here, it is summer all year long. For many centuries, this has been the home of the sea people of Temasek. (Lianhe Zaobao, 22/10/2019)