民族

• Pinyin: mín zú
• Hanzi breakdown: 民 = pictograph of an eye being pricked, originally meaning common people; 族 = 方 (direction) + 矢 (arrow), a clan gathered under a banner

Meaning

Ethnic group; nationality; nation. A group of people sharing common culture, language, and historical heritage.

Used in both formal and everyday contexts to refer to ethnic groups, especially the 56 officially recognised groups in China (少数民族 = ethnic minorities). Also used broadly to mean a nation or people (中华民族 = the Chinese nation). Common in news, education, politics, and cultural discussions. Carries a sense of shared identity and pride.

Examples

1. 中国有五十六个民族。 China has fifty-six ethnic groups.
2. 每个民族都有自己独特的文化传统。 Every ethnic group has its own unique cultural traditions.
3. 民族团结对国家发展非常重要。 Ethnic unity is very important for national development.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, politics, education

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 这是一个多民族的国家。(This is a multi-ethnic country.)
• 我们应该尊重每个民族的文化。(We should respect the culture of every ethnic group.)

Don't Say

• 他是什么民族的人种？(Don't pair 民族 with 人种 — 民族 refers to ethnic and cultural identity, not biological race. Just say 他是什么民族？)

Origin & History

民 means people or citizens; 族 originally depicted a flag with arrows, referring to a clan gathered under a banner. Together they mean a people united by shared identity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal