[zhǐ nán zhēn]

The compass was invented in China. As early as in the Warring States Period （450 B.C.-221 B.C.）, a magnet was used as a device that pointed to magnetic north, and this device was named “Si Nan” by the ancient Chinese. In the Northern Song Dynasty （960 A.D.-1127 A.D.）, another device was invented with a magnetic iron needle that pointed to magnetic north, and this device was later used in navigation. The compass was introduced to Europe in the 13th century.
中国首先发明指南针。 战国时期， 中国已经用磁石制成了指南的仪器， 古人称它为“司南”。 北宋时， 又发明了用天然磁石摩擦钢针制成的罗盘针， 即真正的指南针， 并应用于航海。 13世纪指南针传到欧洲。