党

• Pinyin: dǎng
• Hanzi breakdown: 党 = 尚 (esteem) + 儿 simplified, originally written with 黑 (black) on top

Meaning

Political party; faction. An organized group with shared political goals.

Refers to political parties, especially in the context of organized political movements. In mainland China, often refers specifically to the Communist Party of China (中国共产党 or 共产党). Can also mean a clique or faction in historical contexts.

Examples

1. 他二十岁就加入了党，一直积极参与党的活动。 He joined the Party at twenty and has always actively participated in Party activities.
2. 各党派代表就民生问题展开了讨论。 Representatives from various parties discussed livelihood issues.
3. 这个国家实行多党制，有好几个主要政党。 This country practices a multi-party system with several major political parties.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, organization

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他是党员。(He is a party member.)
• 党的政策深入人心。(The Party's policies have won popular support.)

Don't Say

• 在中国大陆，单说'党'通常特指中国共产党 (In mainland China, saying just 党 usually refers specifically to the Communist Party of China)

Origin & History

Originally meant a group or faction. The character 党 contains 尚 (still/esteem) below 黑 (black), though the meaning evolved over time.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal