Therefore, the literal translation of 中国 (zhōngguó) is "Middle Kingdom".
However, it's important to note that "Middle Kingdom" is not an accurate or widely accepted translation of the name. The term has a rich historical and cultural context, and its meaning goes beyond a simple geographical interpretation.
The name "Zhongguo" was first used in the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) to refer to the territory ruled by the Zhou emperor, with the concept of being in the "center" of the world. The term later evolved to encompass a broader sense of Chinese identity and culture, encompassing the land, its people, and its unique cultural values.