国有

• Pinyin: guó yǒu
• Hanzi breakdown: 国 = 囗 (enclosure) + 玉 (jade); 有 = 月 (moon/flesh) + 又 (hand) — holding something, meaning to possess

Meaning

State-owned; belonging to or controlled by the government or the state.

Refers to enterprises, assets, or land owned and administered by the state rather than private individuals. 国有企业 (state-owned enterprises) are a central pillar of China's economy. Often contrasted with 私有 (privately owned) or 民营 (privately operated).

Examples

1. 这家大型钢铁企业是国有控股公司，在国民经济中占有重要地位。 This large steel company is state-controlled and holds an important position in the national economy.
2. 改革开放以来，许多原先国有的小企业逐步走向市场化运营。 Since reform and opening up, many small enterprises that were once state-owned have gradually shifted to market-based operations.
3. 国有资产的监管工作由专门的政府机构负责。 Oversight of state assets is handled by specialized government agencies.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, business, policy, government

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 该集团是典型的国有大型企业，承担着重要的社会职能。(This corporation is a typical large state-owned enterprise shouldering important social responsibilities.)
• 国有土地的使用权可以依法转让，但所有权归国家。(The right to use state-owned land may be transferred in accordance with the law, but ownership belongs to the state.)

Don't Say

• 我的公司是国有的 — unless the speaker's company is literally state-owned; for government-affiliated companies say 国有控股 or 政府参股

Origin & History

国 (nation/state) + 有 (to have, to own)

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal