白宫
How to Understand
白宫 (bái gōng) refers to the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, commonly known as the White House. It is a symbol of American political power and government authority.
The character 白 (bái) means 'white,' and 宫 (gōng) means 'palace' or 'court.' Together, they literally translate to 'White Palace,' reflecting the building's white exterior. This term is not used in China, where the equivalent would be 毛主席故居 (Máo zhǔxí gùjū) for Mao Zedong's former residence.
Outside of its literal meaning, 白宫 is often used in Chinese media and discussions about U.S. politics, especially in contexts involving American presidents, policies, or international relations. Learners should note that this term is specific to the U.S. and does not have a direct equivalent in China.