NCAGP

少儿英语

40个美洲国家的英文单词精选

发布时间2025-03-12 19:16

The Americas a vast and diverse region, encompass a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and histories. From the icy tundras of Canada to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, the 40 countries that make up this continent offer a unique blend of experiences. Understanding the names of these nations in English is not just a linguistic exercise but a gateway to appreciating their cultural and geographical significance. In this article, we will explore a curated list of 40 American countries, delving into their origins, meanings, and the stories behind their names.

The journey begins with Canada, the second-largest country in the world by land area. Its name is derived from the St. Lawrence Iroquoian word kanata, meaning “village” or “settlement.” This name was first used by French explorer Jacques Cartier in the 16th century. Moving south, the United States of America stands as a beacon of diversity and innovation. The name “America” itself is a tribute to Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who was one of the first to suggest that the lands discovered by Columbus were part of a new continent.

Mexico, officially known as the United Mexican States, has a name rooted in the Nahuatl language. Mēxihco referred to the heartland of the Aztec Empire, and it has since become synonymous with the country’s vibrant culture and history. Guatemala, on the other hand, derives its name from the Nahuatl word Cuauhtēmallān, meaning “place of many trees,” a fitting description for a country known for its lush landscapes.

Belize, formerly British Honduras, has a name that is believed to come from the Mayan word belix, meaning “muddy water,” a reference to the Belize River. El Salvador, the smallest and most densely populated country in Central America, translates to “The Savior” in Spanish, a nod to its religious heritage. Honduras, named by Christopher Columbus, means “depths” in Spanish, possibly referring to the deep waters off its coast.

Nicaragua is named after the indigenous Nicarao people and the Spanish word agua, meaning “water,” highlighting the country’s numerous lakes and rivers. Costa Rica, known for its rich biodiversity, translates to “Rich Coast” in Spanish, a name given by Spanish explorers who were impressed by its natural wealth. Panama, famous for its canal, has a name that may come from the indigenous word bannaba, meaning “abundance of fish.”

Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean, has a name of uncertain origin, though some believe it comes from the Taíno word cubao, meaning “where fertile land is abundant.” The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is named after Saint Dominic, the founder of the Dominican Order. Haiti, the first independent nation in Latin America, takes its name from the indigenous Taíno word Ayiti, meaning “land of high mountains.”

Jamaica, known for its reggae music and stunning beaches, has a name derived from the indigenous Taíno word Xaymaca, meaning “land of wood and water.” The Bahamas, an archipelago of over 700 islands, gets its name from the Spanish baja mar, meaning “shallow sea.” Barbados, named by Portuguese explorers, means “the bearded ones,” likely referring to the island’s fig trees with their long, hanging roots.

Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation, has names of Spanish origin. Trinidad means “Trinity,” while Tobago is believed to come from the indigenous word tavaco, a type of pipe used for smoking. Grenada, known as the “Island of Spice,” has a name that may come from the Spanish city of Granada, though its origin is debated. Saint Lucia, named after Saint Lucy of Syracuse, is the only country in the world named after a woman.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is named after Saint Vincent of Saragossa and the Grenadines, a chain of small islands. Antigua and Barbuda has names of Spanish origin; Antigua means “ancient,” while Barbuda means “bearded,” possibly referring to the island’s bearded fig trees. Saint Kitts and Nevis is named after Saint Christopher (Kitts) and the Spanish word nieves, meaning “snow,” though the islands are tropical.

Dominica, not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, is named after the Latin word Dominica, meaning “Sunday,” the day Christopher Columbus discovered the island. Montserrat, a British Overseas Territory, is named after the Montserrat mountain in Spain. Anguilla, another British Overseas Territory, has a name that means “eel” in Spanish, possibly referring to the island’s shape.

Bermuda, known for its mysterious Triangle, has a name that comes from the Spanish explorer Juan de Bermúdez, who discovered the islands. Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is named after the indigenous word caiman, meaning “alligator.” Turks and Caicos Islands is named after the indigenous Turk’s Head cactus and the Lucayan word caya hico, meaning “string of islands.”

Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has a name that may have been a marketing ploy by Norse explorer Erik the Red, who wanted to attract settlers to the icy land. Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory, translates to “Rich Port” in Spanish, a name given by Spanish explorers who were impressed by its natural resources. The U.S. Virgin Islands, another U.S. territory, is named after Saint Ursula and her 11,000 virgins, though the islands were originally inhabited by the indigenous Taíno people.

The British Virgin Islands, a British Overseas Territory, shares a similar naming history with the U.S. Virgin Islands. Aruba, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has a name of uncertain origin, though some believe it comes from the indigenous word oruba, meaning “well-situated island.” Curaçao, another constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has a name that may come from the Portuguese word coração, meaning “heart.”

Bonaire, also part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has a name that may come from the indigenous word banare, meaning “low country.” Sint Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is named after Saint Martin of Tours. Sint Eustatius, another constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is named after Saint Eustace.

Saba, the smallest island in the Netherlands Antilles, has a name that may come from the indigenous word siba, meaning “rock.” Falkland Islands, a British Overseas Territory, is named after the Falkland Sound, which was named after Anthony Cary, 5th Viscount Falkland. South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, another British Overseas Territory, is named after King George III and the Earl of Sandwich.

French Guiana, an overseas department of France, has a name that reflects its colonial history. Guyana, known as the “Land of Many Waters,” has a name that comes from the indigenous word guiana, meaning “land of water.” Suriname, the smallest independent country in South America, has a name that may come from the indigenous Surinen people.

Brazil, the largest country in South America, has a name that comes from the brazilwood tree, which was highly valued by early Portuguese settlers. Argentina, known for its tango and beef, has a name that comes from the Latin word argentum, meaning “silver,” a reference to the early Spanish belief that the region was rich in silver. Chile, a long, narrow country along the western edge of South America, has a name that may come from the indigenous Mapuche word chili, meaning “where the land ends.”

Bolivia, named after Simón Bolívar, the liberator of several South American countries, has a name that reflects its revolutionary history. Paraguay, known for its Guarani culture, has a name that may come from the indigenous word paraguay, meaning “river of the great waters.” Uruguay, a small country nestled between Argentina and Brazil, has a name that may come from the indigenous Guaraní word uruguá, meaning “river of the painted birds.”

Peru, known for its Inca heritage, has a name of uncertain origin, though some believe it comes from the indigenous word birú, meaning “river.” Ecuador, named after the equator that runs through it, has a name that reflects its geographical location. Colombia, named after Christopher Columbus, has a name that honors the explorer who is credited with discovering the Americas.

Venezuela, known for its oil reserves, has a name that comes from the Italian word Veneziola, meaning “Little Venice,” a reference to the stilt houses built by indigenous people on Lake Maracaibo. Guyana, known as the “Land of Many Waters,” has a name that comes from the indigenous word guiana, meaning “land of water.” Suriname, the smallest independent country in South America, has a name that may come from the indigenous Surinen people.