四大发明英语分别怎么说读（The Great Inventions that Changed the World）

The world we live in today has been shaped by countless innovations and inventions throughout history. Among them, the four great inventions originated from ancient China have changed the course of human civilization. Let's take a closer look at these amazing creations and how they are pronounced in English.

The First Invention: Printing

Printing is considered the first and perhaps the most important of China's vital contributions to civilization. It was invented around 700 AD by Bi Sheng during the Tang Dynasty. In Chinese, it is called \"印刷术\" (yìnshuā shù). The first syllable \"yìn\" rhymes with \"pin\" and the second syllable \"shuā\" rhymes with \"swan.\" To correctly pronounce \"印刷术,\" stress the second syllable and raise the tone slightly. In English, it is pronounced as \"printing\" with the emphasis on the first syllable.

The Second Invention: Compass

The compass is an instrument that uses a magnetic needle to indicate direction. It was invented in ancient China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). The Chinese name for compass is \"指南针\" (zhǐnánzhēn). The first syllable \"zhǐ\" sounds similar to the English word \"she,\" the second syllable \"nán\" rhymes with \"John,\" and the third syllable \"zhēn\" sounds like \"jane.\" To correctly pronounce \"指南针,\" stress the second syllable and raise the tone slightly. In English, it is pronounced as \"compass\" with the emphasis on the second syllable.

The Third Invention: Gunpowder

Gunpowder is a mixture of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal that was invented in ancient China in the 9th century AD. It was initially used for medicinal purposes and later became a powerful tool for warfare. In Chinese, gunpowder is called \"火药\" (huǒyào). The first syllable \"huǒ\" rhymes with \"foe,\" and the second syllable \"yào\" sounds similar to \"yow\" in \"cow.\" To correctly pronounce \"火药,\" stress the second syllable and raise the tone slightly. In English, it is pronounced as \"gunpowder\" with the emphasis on the first syllable.

The Fourth Invention: Papermaking

Papermaking is a technique of creating paper from plant fibers that was invented during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The Chinese word for paper is \"纸\" (zhǐ). The first syllable \"zhǐ\" sounds similar to the English word \"she.\" To correctly pronounce \"纸,\" place the tongue at the back of the teeth and pronounce the sound \"j\" as in \"just\" followed by the \"ee\" sound. In English, it is pronounced as \"paper\" with the emphasis on the first syllable.

The four great inventions of ancient China have not only transformed the way people live and work but also profoundly influenced the development of global civilization. By learning how to pronounce their Chinese names and English names properly, we can deepen our appreciation of their remarkable contribution to human history.