Language Quiz: Place Names And Their Meanings
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Ten tricky questions to test your knowledge of world place names. Take the Challenge!
- 1.
Which country is named after a precious metal?
- A.
Andorra
- B.
Argentina
- C.
Bolivia
- D.
Belize
Correct Answer
B. ArgentinaExplanation
Argentina is named after the precious metal silver. The name "Argentina" comes from the Latin word "argentum," which means silver. The country got its name due to the abundance of silver in the region during the Spanish colonial period. The Spanish explorers believed they had found a "land of silver" and named it accordingly. Today, Argentina is known for its rich history of silver mining and is one of the world's leading producers of the precious metal.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which country's name (in its original language) means 'Middle Kingdom'?
- A.
China
- B.
Bosnia-Herzogvina
- C.
Germany
- D.
Vietnam
Correct Answer
A. ChinaExplanation
China is the correct answer because the name "China" in its original language, Mandarin, is "Zhongguo," which translates to "Middle Kingdom." This name reflects the ancient Chinese belief that their country was the center of the world and the middle of civilization.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is the Hindi name for 'India'?
- A.
Bangladesh
- B.
Tamil Nadu
- C.
Bharat
- D.
Hindu Kush
Correct Answer
C. BharatExplanation
The Hindi name for 'India' is Bharat.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following country names DOES NOT refer to a compass direction?
- A.
Australia
- B.
Norway
- C.
Haiti
- D.
Tonga
Correct Answer
C. HaitiExplanation
Australia and Tonga mean 'south' and Norway means 'north'Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following place names DOES NOT have a meaning connected to rivers
- A.
Rio Grande
- B.
Oxford
- C.
Kuala Lumpur
- D.
Nuku'alofa
Correct Answer
D. Nuku'alofaExplanation
Rio is Spanish for river, a ford is where you can cross a river without a bridge, kuala is a place where two or more rivers meet. Nuku'alofa means 'abode of love' - nothing to do with rivers!Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following places is NOT named after a person
- A.
United States of America
- B.
Algeria
- C.
Kiribati
- D.
Saudi Arabia
Correct Answer
B. AlgeriaExplanation
Algeria probably means 'islands' (Arabic Al Jazeera - yes, like the TV channel).
Kiribati is a local pronunciation and spelling of 'Gilbert' (pronounced Kirrybass).
Amerigo Vespucci was an Italian explorer.
The Saud is the family name of the Saudi royal family.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following places names is NOT connected to a colour?
- A.
Yangtze
- B.
Cote d'Azure
- C.
Huang Hae
- D.
Glasgow
Correct Answer
A. YangtzeExplanation
Yangtze is derived from Mandarin 'long river'. Azure means blue, Huang is yellow (Korean for Yellow Sea) and Glasgow is an old Brythonic name meaning blue field.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A lot of place names in the Middle East contain the word 'beth'. E.g Bethlehem, Bethel, Bethesda and Bethany. What does 'beth' mean?
- A.
Well
- B.
Wall
- C.
Horse
- D.
House
Correct Answer
D. HouseExplanation
The word "beth" in place names in the Middle East means "house". This can be seen in examples such as Bethlehem, Bethel, Bethesda, and Bethany. The word "beth" is derived from the Hebrew language and is commonly used to refer to a dwelling or a house. Therefore, when we see the word "beth" in a place name, it signifies that the location is associated with a house or a dwelling.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Apr 20, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jan 27, 2015Quiz Created by
Catherine Halcomb
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