市民

• Pinyin: shì mín
• Hanzi breakdown: 市 = city, municipality; 民 = people — city residents, citizens

Meaning

City resident; urban citizen; townspeople. A person who lives in a city or municipality.

Refers to residents of urban areas as opposed to 农民 (farmers) or 村民 (villagers). Often used in news, government announcements, and discussions of urban policy. Can imply civic rights and responsibilities. Common in compound: 市民社会 (civil society).

Examples

1. 市民们纷纷反对在居民区建工厂的计划。 Citizens voiced their opposition to the plan to build a factory in the residential area.
2. 这项政策将惠及全市三百万市民。 This policy will benefit three million residents across the city.
3. 作为市民，我们有责任保持城市的清洁。 As citizens, we have a responsibility to keep the city clean.

Usage Guide

Context: news, government, urban affairs

Tone: official

Do Say

• 市民对这项决定表示欢迎。(Citizens welcomed this decision.)
• 市民热线全天候服务。(The citizen hotline provides 24-hour service.)

Don't Say

• 指特定城市居民要说'某市市民' (When referring to residents of a specific city, say 北京市民, 上海市民, etc.)

Origin & History

Compound of 市 (city, market) + 民 (people). Together meaning people of the city.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Urban