士兵

• Pinyin: shì bīng
• Hanzi breakdown: 士 = pictograph of an axe, symbolising a warrior or scholar; 兵 = 斤 (axe) + 廾 (two hands), depicting hands holding a weapon

Meaning

Soldier; serviceman; enlisted member of the military.

Refers to military personnel of lower rank, as opposed to officers. Used in both contemporary and historical contexts. More formal than 兵, which is colloquial for soldier.

Examples

1. 这些士兵每天早上五点就起来训练。 These soldiers get up at five every morning to train.
2. 他当了三年士兵以后才回到家乡。 He returned to his hometown after serving as a soldier for three years.
3. 士兵们整齐地站在广场上。 The soldiers stood neatly in the square.

Usage Guide

Context: military, history

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 这位士兵在任务中表现得非常勇敢。(This soldier performed very bravely during the mission.)
• 很多士兵退役后选择回家乡工作。(Many soldiers choose to return to their hometown to work after retiring from the military.)

Don't Say

• 那个士兵是将军。(Don't use 士兵 for high-ranking officers — 士兵 refers to enlisted ranks; use 军官 or specific titles for officers.)

Origin & History

Compound of 士 (scholar, warrior) and 兵 (soldier, weapon), combining two traditional terms for military personnel.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal