社会主义

• Pinyin: shè huì zhǔ yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 社 = 礻+ 土 (community, organisation); 会 = 人 + 云 (gathering, society); 主 = 丶+ 王 (main, principal); 义 = 撇 + 乂 (principle, righteousness)

Meaning

Socialism; a political and economic system in which the means of production are owned or regulated collectively, emphasising social equality.

A foundational political concept in the People's Republic of China. Appears in official discourse, political education, and academic writing. Socialism with Chinese characteristics is the official ideology of the CPC.

Examples

1. 中国坚持走有中国特色的社会主义道路。 China remains committed to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
2. 社会主义核心价值观是当代中国精神文明建设的基础。 The core socialist values are the foundation of China’s spiritual and cultural development today.
3. 这门课程从历史角度分析了社会主义的发展历程。 This course analyzes the development of socialism from a historical perspective.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, education, history, official discourse

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 改革开放是社会主义建设的重要组成部分。(Reform and opening-up is an important component of socialist construction.)
• 这篇论文探讨了早期社会主义思想在亚洲的传播。(This thesis examines the spread of early socialist ideas in Asia.)

Don't Say

• 随意将社会主义用作贬义词 — the term is politically significant in the PRC and should be used accurately and respectfully

Origin & History

社会 (society) + 主义 (ideology, -ism)

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal