国歌

• Pinyin: guó gē
• Hanzi breakdown: 国 = 囗 (enclosure) + 玉 (jade), representing nation; 歌 = 哥 (elder brother, phonetic) + 欠 (yawn), meaning song

Meaning

National anthem. The official patriotic song of a country, played at ceremonies and events.

China's national anthem is 义勇军进行曲 (March of the Volunteers). It's played at official ceremonies, sporting events, and school flag-raising ceremonies. Common collocations: 唱国歌 (sing the national anthem), 奏国歌 (play the national anthem). There are strict laws about respecting the national anthem.

Examples

1. 每周一早上学校都举行升旗仪式，全体师生齐唱国歌。 Every Monday morning, the school holds a flag-raising ceremony where all teachers and students sing the national anthem together.
2. 运动员站在领奖台上听到国歌响起的那一刻，激动得热泪盈眶。 The moment the athlete stood on the podium and heard the national anthem, they were so moved that tears filled their eyes.
3. 根据国歌法，在公共场合奏唱国歌时应当肃立致敬。 According to the national anthem law, one should stand solemnly and show respect when the national anthem is played in public.

Usage Guide

Context: ceremony, patriotism, education

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 请全体起立，奏唱国歌。(Everyone please rise for the national anthem.)
• 你会唱国歌吗？(Can you sing the national anthem?)

Don't Say

• 在娱乐场合随意哼唱国歌 (Don't casually hum the national anthem in entertainment settings — it should be treated with respect)

Origin & History

Compound of 国 (country, nation) + 歌 (song). A straightforward combination meaning 'song of the nation.'

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal