祖国

• Pinyin: zǔ guó
• Hanzi breakdown: 祖 = 礻(spirit) + 且 (ancestral tablet); 国 = 囗 (enclosure) + 玉 (jade), meaning country

Meaning

Motherland; homeland; one's native country.

An emotionally charged term referring to one's country of ancestral origin or citizenship. Carries strong patriotic connotations and is frequently used in political speeches, national events, and expressions of national pride.

Examples

1. 运动员夺冠后激动地说，要把这枚金牌献给伟大的祖国。 After winning the championship, the athlete excitedly said he wanted to dedicate the gold medal to the great motherland.
2. 无论走到哪里，海外华人始终心系祖国，关注着国内的发展。 No matter where they go, overseas Chinese always keep their homeland in their hearts and follow developments back home.
3. 祖国的快速发展让每一位中国人都感到自豪和骄傲。 The motherland's rapid development fills every Chinese person with pride.

Usage Guide

Context: patriotic, political, ceremonial

Tone: solemn

Do Say

• 我爱我的祖国。(I love my motherland.)
• 祖国的明天会更好。(The motherland's tomorrow will be better.)

Don't Say

• 我想去祖国旅游。(If you're already there, just say 国内 or specify the region)

Origin & History

Compound of 祖 (ancestor) and 国 (country). Literally 'ancestral country,' emphasizing the deep roots and emotional connection to one's homeland.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal