“州” (zhōu) is a Chinese term that translates to "province" or "state" in English. It refers to a significant administrative division within a country, often with its own local government. In China, there are 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, four direct-controlled municipalities, and two Special Administrative Regions, all of which can be categorized under the broader term “州.” In the context of the United States, “州” is used to denote the 50 individual states that make up the country. Each state has its own government and laws, contributing to the overall federal system. The concept of “州” is essential for understanding the political and administrative organization of both China and the United States.