个体

• Pinyin: gè tǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 个 = individual unit; 体 = 亻(person) + 本 (root) — body or entity

Meaning

Individual; individual entity. A single person or unit considered separately from the group.

Used in both social and biological contexts. In society, it contrasts with 集体 (collective). In economics, 个体 often refers to private or self-employed businesses: 个体户 (self-employed business owner), 个体经营 (private business operation). In biology, refers to a single organism.

Examples

1. 每个个体都有自己的特点和优势。 Every individual has their own characteristics and strengths.
2. 他开了一家个体商店。 He opened a privately owned shop.
3. 社会是由无数个体组成的。 Society is made up of countless individuals.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, social

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 个体的力量虽然小，但是团结起来就很强大。(Although an individual's strength is small, united it becomes powerful.)
• 他是一个个体经营者。(He is a self-employed business owner.)

Don't Say

• 他是一个好个体 (Unnatural — don't use 个体 as a synonym for 'person' in casual speech; use 人 or 个人 instead)

Origin & History

个 (individual) + 体 (body/entity). An individual unit or entity, often contrasted with 集体 (collective).

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal