Countries in translation

Some of the Chinese names for Western countries are quite poetic.

The United States is called 美國, which means “the beautiful country.”

The United Kingdom is called 英國, which means “the heroic country.”

France is called 法國, which means “the country of law.”

Germany is called 德國, which means “the country of virtue.”

Italy is called 義大利, which means “the great profit of righteousness.”

Portugal is called 葡萄牙, which means “grape teeth.”