Meaning:

south

Origin:

“南”原来是乐器名和乐舞名。从字形上看像一种钟形乐器，上端有纽可以悬挂。后来多表示南方的“南”。

“南” was originally the name of an instrument and dance. The character itself resembles a bell-shaped instrument that could be hung by a button in the top. Later, it became to be used as the word for “south.”

Words：

   南美洲 (Nánměizhōu): South America

   南极   (Nánjí)             : South Pole

   南瓜  (nánguā)          : pumpkin

   南方  (nánfāng)         : south

   南京 (Nánjīng)          : Nanjing (Nanking)

Examples:

1. 这些南瓜灯看起来很酷。

    Zhèxiē nánguādēng kànqǐlái hěnkù.

    These jack-o-lanterns look very cool.

2. 南京是个历史悠久的城市。

    Nánjīng shì ge lìshǐ yōujiǔ de chéngshì

    Nanjing is city with an ancient history.