知识分子

• Pinyin: zhī shi fèn zǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 知识 = knowledge; 分子 = element/member of a category

Meaning

An intellectual; an educated person engaged in mental labour, particularly in academic, literary, or professional fields.

A significant social category in Chinese history and politics. Intellectuals have played complex roles in modern China, from May Fourth reformers to targets in political campaigns. Today refers broadly to educated professionals, academics, and thinkers.

Examples

1. 他出身于知识分子家庭，从小耳濡目染学术氛围。 He comes from an intellectual family, and he grew up immersed in an academic atmosphere.
2. 这位作家被公认为当代最具影响力的公共知识分子之一。 This writer is widely recognized as one of the most influential public intellectuals of our time.
3. 知识分子应当勇于承担社会责任，为民众发声。 Intellectuals should have the courage to shoulder social responsibility and speak up for the public.

Usage Guide

Context: sociology, history, education

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 她是典型的知识分子，热爱读书，关心社会问题。(She is a typical intellectual — she loves reading and cares about social issues.)
• 近代中国的知识分子积极探索救国救民之路。(Intellectuals in modern China actively explored paths to save the nation and its people.)

Don't Say

• 他是一个很知识分子 — grammatically incorrect; use 他是一个典型的知识分子 or 他很有知识分子气质

Origin & History

知识 (knowledge) + 分子 (member/element) — a member of the knowledge-bearing class

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated class