身份证

• Pinyin: shēn fèn zhèng
• Hanzi breakdown: 身 = pictograph of a body, meaning self; 份 = 亻(person) + 分 (divide), meaning portion or role; 证 = 讠(speech) + 正 (correct), meaning certificate

Meaning

Identity card; ID card. The official personal identification document issued by the government.

In China, the 居民身份证 (Resident Identity Card) is the most important personal identification document, required for virtually everything from travel to banking to checking into hotels. Every Chinese citizen receives one at age 16. The card contains a unique 18-digit number. Asking for someone's 身份证 is very common in daily life.

Examples

1. 坐火车的时候需要带身份证。 You need to bring your ID card when taking the train.
2. 他的身份证丢了，要赶快去补办。 He lost his ID card and needs to get a replacement quickly.
3. 办理银行卡需要出示身份证。 You need to present your ID card to open a bank account.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, banking, identification, government

Tone: practical

Do Say

• 请出示您的身份证。(Please show your ID card.)
• 你的身份证号码是多少？(What is your ID number?)

Don't Say

• 我用身份证付钱。(You don't pay with an ID card — you pay with a bank card (银行卡) or phone. 身份证 is for identification, not payment.)

Origin & History

身份 means identity or status (身 = body, 份 = portion/role); 证 means certificate or proof. Together: a certificate proving one's identity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal