The concept of cantons has played an important role in the administrative organization of various countries, from Switzerland to China. In Switzerland, the cantons have a unique political status, with each one having its own constitution, parliament, and government. This system of federalism ensures that the country's diverse linguistic and cultural communities are represented and have a degree of autonomy. In China, "Canton" refers to the historic region around Guangzhou, which has been a center of commerce and culture for centuries. This region played a key role in the global trade routes of the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the term "Cantonese" is often used to describe the culture, language, and cuisine of the region.
Word 'Canton' in Other Languages
- Canton in Assamese অসমীয়া
- Canton in Bengali বাংলা
- Canton in Bodo बड़ो
- Canton in Dogri डोगरी
- Canton in English
- Canton in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- Canton in Hindi हिन्दी
- Canton in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- Canton in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- Canton in Konkani कोंकणी
- Canton in Maithili মৈথিলী
- Canton in Malayalam മലയാളം
- Canton in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- Canton in Marathi मराठी
- Canton in Nepali नेपाली
- Canton in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- Canton in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Canton in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- Canton in Santali
- Canton in Sindhi سنڌي
- Canton in Tamil தமிழ்
- Canton in Telugu తెలుగు
- Canton in Urdu اُردُو
Canton
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈkæn.tən/
Phonetic: KAN-tun
Definitions
- A small administrative division within a country or region, typically used for local governance.
- Historically, a fortified town or area used for trade, often in the context of Chinese cities, such as Guangzhou (formerly Canton).
- The name of several cities, particularly in China and the United States, such as the capital of Guangdong province, or a city in Ohio, USA.
Usage Examples
- The canton of Aargau in Switzerland is known for its beautiful landscapes and historic towns.
- Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, is a major port city in southern China.
- The company expanded its operations into the Canton area, capitalizing on the local manufacturing resources.
Etymology
The term "canton" comes from the French word "canton," meaning "corner" or "district," derived from the Latin word "cantus," meaning "corner" or "angle." It originally referred to a small region or division of a larger area, often with its own local government.
Synonyms
- District
- Region
- Division
- Province
Antonyms
- Whole
- Nation
- Country
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Cantón | Kan-ton |
| French | Canton | Kan-ton |
| Italian | Canton | Kan-ton |
| German | Kanton | Kan-ton |
| Portuguese | Cantão | Kan-tow |
| Arabic | كانتون | Kānṭūn |
| Chinese | 区 | Qū |
| Russian | Кантон | Kan-ton |
| Hindi | कैंटन | Kainton |
| Bengali | ক্যানটন | Kyanton |
| Marathi | कॅनटन | Kanton |
| Punjabi | ਕੈਂਟਨ | Kainton |
| Gujarati | કૅન્ટન | Kanton |
| Telugu | కాంటన్ | Kanton |
| Tamil | காண்டன் | Kāṇṭan |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In American English: /ˈkæn.tən/ (KAN-tun)
In British English: /ˈkæn.tɪn/ (KAN-tin)
Historical Usage
The term "canton" was first used in medieval France to denote a division or corner of a larger region. The concept of cantons was further developed in Switzerland, where the country is divided into 26 cantons, each with its own constitution and autonomy. The term spread to other parts of Europe and was adopted by many countries to describe administrative regions. In China, "Canton" was historically used to refer to the city of Guangzhou, a major trading port.
Cultural Nuances
The canton as an administrative division is a key aspect of several countries' political and cultural landscapes. In Switzerland, for example, the canton system is integral to the nation's federal structure, giving each canton a high degree of independence. In China, the term "Canton" often evokes images of the region's rich history as a center of trade and culture. The legacy of Guangzhou (Canton) as a major port and gateway to the world continues to influence the region's cultural identity.