Chinese translations of Hungary’s country name: A chronological overview from antiquity to the present day

Abstract

As Hungary is one of the key member states in the China–Central and Eastern European Countries Cooperation Mechanism (17+1), studying the dissemination and public reception of its culture in China is of great importance. Yuan Shi 元史 contains what can be regarded as the earliest written records of Hungary in Chinese. The first systematic Chinese translations of Hungary’s name date back to the late Ming Dynasty, appearing on Chinese maps and in geographical works. This study traces the evolution of the Chinese translation of the name of Hungary from the late Ming period to the present day and examines the factors behind its changes, including transliteration, linguistic influences, and official translations. Through an analysis of historical documents and the contributions of key figures, such as Matteo Ricci and Lin Zexu 林則徐, as well as the role of official institutions, the study highlights the development and standardisation of the Chinese translation of the name of Hungary. Matteo Ricci referred to Hungary as Weng’aliya 翁阿利亚 on his map. Lin Zexu’s Si zhou zhi 四洲志, Wei Yuan’s 魏源 Haiguo tuzhi 海國圖志, and Xu Jishe’s 徐継畬 Yinghuan zhilüe 瀛寰志略 referred to it as Hanyali 寒牙里, Xiongyali 匈牙利, and Wenggeili(ya) 翁给里（亚）, respectively. In most of Kang Youwei’s, Liang Qichao’s, Lu Xun’s, Zhou Zuoren’s, and Mao Dun’s works, the authors referred to it as Xiongjiali 匈加利 or Xiongyali 匈牙利.

This research emphasises the importance of consulting authoritative resources for accurate translations and provides insights into the historical and cultural processes behind the adaptation of place names. It lays a foundation for further research and collaboration between Chinese and Hungarian scholars in the fields of translation and linguistic applications. The evolution from inconsistent translations to the now officially recognised and standardised term Xiongyali 匈牙 利 reflects China’s broader process of understanding and conceptualising the world, including Hungary. The study of the Chinese translation of the name of Hungary provides a valuable perspective on the dynamics of cultural exchange and the processes through which global knowledge is localised and disseminated in China.