选举

• Pinyin: xuǎn jǔ
• Hanzi breakdown: 选 = 辶 (walk) + 先 (first), meaning to choose; 举 = 与 (together) + 手 (hand), meaning to raise or nominate

Meaning

To elect; election. The formal process of voting to choose representatives or leaders.

The primary term for democratic elections. Can be used as both verb and noun. Common phrases: 选举权 (right to vote), 选举日 (election day), 大选 (general election), 竞选 (to campaign). In China, used for local people's congress elections and internal party elections.

Examples

1. 村民们正在选举新一届的村委会主任。 The villagers are electing a new village committee director.
2. 选举结果出来了，他以微弱优势获胜。 The election results are out; he won by a narrow margin.
3. 每个公民都有选举和被选举的权利。 Every citizen has the right to vote and to be elected.

Usage Guide

Context: political, organizational, democratic

Tone: official

Do Say

• 选举即将开始。(The election is about to begin.)
• 他在选举中获胜了。(He won the election.)

Don't Say

• 我们选举去哪里吃饭 — 日常决定不用'选举'，应说'我们投票决定'或'大家商量一下'

Origin & History

Compound of 选 (to choose) + 举 (to raise, nominate). Originally meant to raise one's hand to choose or nominate someone.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal