部队

• Pinyin: bù duì
• Hanzi breakdown: 部 = 咅 + 阝, section/department; 队 = 阝+ 人, team/unit

Meaning

Military troops; army unit; armed forces. An organized military formation.

Refers to military units of various sizes, from small squads to large armies. In Chinese context, often specifically refers to the People's Liberation Army (解放军). Also used in phrases like 武装部队 (armed forces) and 野战部队 (field army).

Examples

1. 他在部队服役了五年，锻炼出坚强的意志。 He served in the military for five years, developing a strong will.
2. 解放军部队正在进行年度军事演习。 PLA troops are conducting annual military exercises.
3. 当兵的时候，部队的纪律非常严格。 When serving as a soldier, military discipline was very strict.

Usage Guide

Context: military, news, history

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 他退伍后离开了部队。(He left the military after being discharged.)
• 部队要求战士们每天五点起床。(The military requires soldiers to get up at five every day.)

Don't Say

• 注意'部队'和'军队'的区别 (部队 refers to specific military units, while 军队 is a more general term for military forces or armed forces)

Origin & History

Compound of 部 (department, section) + 队 (team, unit). Military organizational term.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal