民间

• Pinyin: mín jiān
• Hanzi breakdown: 民 = a pictograph possibly depicting a kneeling person or an eye being pierced, meaning the common people; 间 = 门 (gate) + 日 (sun), meaning between or among — sunlight coming through a gate

Meaning

Folk; among the people; non-governmental. Refers to things originating from ordinary people rather than officials or institutions.

Used to describe traditions, arts, stories, and activities that come from ordinary people rather than the government or elite institutions. Very common in cultural contexts: 民间故事 (folk tale), 民间艺术 (folk art), 民间音乐 (folk music). Can also describe non-governmental or grassroots activities: 民间组织 (non-governmental organisation), 民间交流 (people-to-people exchange).

Examples

1. 中国有很多有趣的民间故事。 China has many interesting folk tales.
2. 这种民间艺术已经有几百年的历史了。 This type of folk art already has several hundred years of history.
3. 民间音乐反映了普通人的生活。 Folk music reflects the lives of ordinary people.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, tradition, society

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 民间传说中有很多智慧。(There is much wisdom in folk legends.)
• 这是一种民间传统手艺。(This is a traditional folk craft.)

Don't Say

• 我在民间长大的。(Don't use 民间 to describe where you grew up — it's not a place. Say 我在农村长大的 for countryside or 我在普通家庭长大的 for an ordinary family.)

Origin & History

民 means people or citizens; 间 means among or between. Together: among the common people — from the folk, not from the ruling class.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal