simplified characters

[/sɪmˈplɪfaɪd ˈkærəktərz/]
nounpl: simplified characters
caracteres simplificados
1. A system of Chinese writing that uses fewer strokes and simpler forms than traditional characters, officially adopted by mainland China in the 1950s for easier literacy
Students learning Mandarin in mainland China study simplified characters rather than traditional ones.
Os estudantes que aprendem mandarim na China continental estudam caracteres simplificados em vez dos tradicionais.
2. Characters or symbols that have been reduced in complexity or number of strokes for practical writing purposes
The use of simplified characters has made written Chinese more accessible to the general population.
O uso de caracteres simplificados tornou o chinês escrito mais acessível à população em geral.
Simplified characters represent a significant cultural and linguistic divide between mainland China (which uses simplified characters) and Taiwan, Hong Kong, and overseas Chinese communities (which use traditional characters). This distinction is important in Chinese diaspora communities and educational settings worldwide, including in Brazil where Chinese communities may teach either system depending on their origins.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
simplified Chinese characterssimplified scriptsimplified form characters
Antonyms / Antônimos
traditional characterscomplex charactersfull-form characters

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
caracteres simplificados
Standard term used in educational and linguistic contexts
Rio de Janeiro
caracteres simplificados
Same usage as general Brazilian Portuguese
São Paulo
caracteres simplificados
Common in academic and cultural discussions about Chinese
Portugal
caracteres simplificados
Portuguese European usage aligns with Brazilian; sometimes called 'caracteres de forma simplificada'

Related Words

traditional charactersChinese writing systemstroke reductionMandarin Chinesecharacter systemorthography

Related Idioms & Phrases

to use simplified characters
to write in simplified characters
simplified character system
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