民主
民主 in 30 Sekunden
- 民主 (mínzhǔ) means 'democracy' or 'democratic.' It combines '民' (people) and '主' (master), literally meaning 'the people are the masters.'
- It is used as both a noun (e.g., 'pursue democracy') and an adjective (e.g., 'a democratic boss'). It is a highly positive and formal word.
- Commonly heard in politics, workplaces, and families to describe inclusive decision-making processes where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
- Key phrases include 民主权利 (democratic rights), 民主选举 (democratic election), and 民主气氛 (democratic atmosphere). It is often paired with 法治 (rule of law).
The term 民主 (mínzhǔ) is a foundational concept in modern Chinese political, social, and everyday discourse. At its most basic level, it translates to 'democracy' or 'democratic.' To understand its weight, one must look at the two characters that compose it: 民 (mín), meaning 'the people' or 'citizens,' and 主 (zhǔ), meaning 'master,' 'owner,' or 'to lead.' Together, they literally signify 'the people as masters' or 'rule by the people.' This linguistic construction directly mirrors the Greek roots of democracy (demos + kratos). In modern Mandarin, it functions both as a noun and an adjective, making it versatile for describing systems of government, decision-making processes in a company, or even the atmosphere within a family household.
- Political Context
- In a political sense, 民主 refers to the system of governance. You will hear it in news reports concerning elections, legislative debates, and international relations. It is one of the 'Twelve Core Socialist Values' promoted in Mainland China, often seen on public posters alongside terms like 'freedom' and 'justice.' However, the interpretation of how 民主 is implemented can vary significantly depending on the political framework being discussed.
建设一个社会主义民主国家是我们的目标。(Jiànshè yīgè shèhuì zhǔyì mínzhǔ guójiā shì wǒmen de mùbiāo.) — Building a socialist democratic country is our goal.
Beyond the grand stage of national politics, 民主 is frequently used in 'micro-contexts.' For instance, if a manager asks for everyone's opinion before making a decision, employees might describe the boss as 很民主 (hěn mínzhǔ), meaning 'very democratic' or 'open-minded.' It suggests a process where power is shared and voices are heard. Conversely, a father who dictates every aspect of his children's lives might be criticized for being 不民主 (bù mínzhǔ). This usage is common in B1-level conversations where learners transition from concrete objects to abstract values and behaviors.
- Historical Nuance
- Historically, the term gained prominence during the May Fourth Movement in 1919. Intellectuals referred to it affectionately as 'Mr. Democracy' (德先生 - Dé Xiānsheng), personifying the concept to make it more accessible to a public transitioning away from millennia of imperial rule. Understanding this historical root helps learners appreciate why the word carries such deep aspirational and emotional weight in Chinese culture.
我们家投票决定去哪儿旅游,非常民主。(Wǒmen jiā tóupiào juédìng qù nǎr lǚyóu, fēicháng mínzhǔ.) — Our family voted to decide where to travel; it was very democratic.
In academic and legal settings, you will encounter compounds like 民主权利 (mínzhǔ quánlì) — democratic rights. This refers to the legal protections that allow citizens to participate in the political process. For a B1 learner, mastering this word involves moving beyond the dictionary definition and recognizing that it is a positive attribute in almost any social interaction involving collective choice. Whether discussing a 'democratic election' (民主选举) or a 'democratic consultation' (民主协商), the core remains the same: the inclusion of the 'many' rather than the 'one.'
- Usage in Media
- You will find 民主 in headlines regarding international summits, local community voting for building managers, and educational reforms. It is a 'prestige' word; using it correctly in an essay or speech immediately elevates the level of your Chinese to a more formal, sophisticated plane.
Using 民主 (mínzhǔ) effectively requires understanding its dual nature as both a noun (democracy) and an adjective (democratic). Unlike English, where the forms change slightly, the Chinese characters remain identical, and their function is determined by their position in the sentence. This section explores the grammatical structures you'll need to master to sound natural.
- Structure 1: As a Noun (Subject/Object)
- When used as a noun, 民主 often follows verbs like 实行 (shíxíng - to implement), 追求 (zhuīqiú - to pursue), or 发展 (fāzhǎn - to develop). It represents the abstract concept of the system itself.
这个国家正在努力推进民主进程。(Zhège guójiā zhèngzài nǔlì tuījìn mínzhǔ jìnchéng.) — This country is working hard to advance the democratic process.
In this sentence, 民主进程 (democratic process) acts as a compound noun. Notice how 民主 modifies the noun that follows it directly without the need for 的 (de) in many formal compounds, though adding 的 is grammatically correct and common in spoken language (e.g., 民主的社会).
- Structure 2: As an Adjective (Predicate)
- As an adjective, 民主 describes the quality of a person, a meeting, or a decision-making style. It is frequently preceded by degree adverbs like 很 (hěn - very), 非常 (fēicháng - extremely), or 不够 (bùgòu - not enough).
王经理的办公作风非常民主。(Wáng jīnglǐ de bàngōng zuòfēng fēicháng mínzhǔ.) — Manager Wang's working style is very democratic.
- Structure 3: Common Collocations
- To sound like a native speaker, you should learn 民主 in 'chunks.' Common pairs include: 民主权利 (democratic rights), 民主选举 (democratic elections), 民主制度 (democratic system), and 民主气氛 (democratic atmosphere).
我们应当尊重每个人的民主权利。(Wǒmen yīngdāng zūnzhòng měi gèrén de mínzhǔ quánlì.) — We should respect everyone's democratic rights.
For B1 learners, it is also important to know how to negate it. Use '不民主' (bù mínzhǔ) to describe something autocratic or unfair. For example, '这种做法太不民主了' (This way of doing things is too undemocratic). This is a common way to express dissatisfaction with a decision made without consultation.
在民主社会里,言论自由很重要。(Zài mínzhǔ shèhuì lǐ, yánlùn zìyóu hěn zhòngyào.) — In a democratic society, freedom of speech is very important.
Finally, in formal writing, 民主 is often paired with '法治' (fǎzhì - rule of law) to form the phrase '民主与法治' (democracy and the rule of law). This pair is a staple of political science and legal discussions in Chinese. By integrating these structures, you move from just knowing a word to being able to participate in meaningful discussions about society and governance.
While 民主 (mínzhǔ) might seem like a word reserved for high-level political debates, you will actually encounter it in a surprising variety of everyday environments in the Chinese-speaking world. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize the word's nuanced meanings and social implications.
- The Workplace and Management
- In modern Chinese corporate culture, especially in tech startups and international firms, '民主' is a buzzword for a flat organizational structure. You will hear it during meetings where a leader says, '让我们民主一点,大家都说说看法' (Let's be a bit democratic, everyone give your views). Here, it means 'participatory' or 'inclusive.'
公司实行民主管理,员工可以参与决策。(Gōngsī shíxíng mínzhǔ guǎnlǐ, yuángōng kěyǐ cānyù juécè.) — The company implements democratic management; employees can participate in decision-making.
In these settings, it is the opposite of '一言堂' (yīyántáng - a situation where only one person has the say). Hearing a colleague say '我们老板很民主' is a strong endorsement of that boss's character and leadership style.
- News and Official Media
- If you watch CCTV (China Central Television) or read the People's Daily, you will see 民主 daily. It is often used in the context of 'Whole-Process People's Democracy' (全过程人民民主), a specific Chinese political theory. In this context, the word is used to describe the mechanisms by which the government collects public opinion before passing laws.
我们要不断健全民主制度。(Wǒmen yào bùduàn jiànquán mínzhǔ zhìdù.) — We must constantly improve the democratic system.
- Education and Family Life
- In schools, teachers might hold a '民主选举' (democratic election) to choose the class monitor. In the home, modern parents often pride themselves on a '民主的家庭教育' (democratic family education), where children are allowed to express their preferences regarding extracurricular activities or weekend plans, rather than simply obeying elders.
老师通过民主投票选出了班长。(Lǎoshī tōngguò mínzhǔ tóupiào xuǎn chūle bānzhǎng.) — The teacher selected the class monitor through a democratic vote.
Finally, you will hear it in historical documentaries and dramas set in the early 20th century. During that era, 民主 was a revolutionary cry. Characters in these shows might shout about '民主' and '科学' (science) as the two pillars that would save China. Hearing it in this context gives the word a more heroic, revolutionary flavor compared to its modern, administrative usage.
While 民主 (mínzhǔ) is a relatively straightforward translation of 'democracy,' English speakers often make subtle errors in its grammatical application or cultural nuance. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word with the precision of a native speaker.
- Mistake 1: Confusing Noun and Adjective Placement
- In English, we have 'democracy' (noun) and 'democratic' (adjective). In Chinese, the word is the same. Learners often over-use the particle '的' (de) because they are trying to force an adjective form. While '民主的国家' is correct, in many formal titles, '的' is omitted.
Incorrect: 这是一个民主的制度 (Zhè shì yīgè mínzhǔ de zhìdù - though not strictly wrong, it sounds less professional).
Correct: 这是一个民主制度。(Zhè shì yīgè mínzhǔ zhìdù.)
In formal Chinese, 民主 often acts as an attributive noun directly modifying another noun, similar to 'government policy' in English.
- Mistake 2: Using it as a Verb
- In some languages, you might 'democratize' something. Learners occasionally try to use 民主 as a verb (e.g., '我们要民主这个公司'). This is incorrect. To say 'democratize,' you must use the suffix '-化' (huà).
Correct: 我们要实现公司的民主化。(Wǒmen yào shíxiàn gōngsī de mínzhǔhuà.) — We want to achieve the democratization of the company.
- Mistake 3: Tone Errors on '主' (zhǔ)
- The second character 主 (zhǔ) is a third tone (falling-rising). When followed by another third-tone word, it changes to a second tone (tone sandhi). However, many learners mistakenly pronounce it as a fourth tone (zhù), which can sound like 'help' (助) or 'live' (住). This significantly changes the meaning or makes the word unintelligible.
Finally, be careful not to confuse 民主 (mínzhǔ) with 民生 (mínshēng). While they look similar, 民生 refers to 'people's livelihood' (economics/well-being), whereas 民主 refers to 'people's rule' (politics/decision-making). Mixing these up is a common error in B1-B2 level essays about social issues.
政府不仅要关注民主,也要关注民生。(Zhèngfǔ bùjǐn yào guānzhù mínzhǔ, yě yào guānzhù mínshēng.) — The government must not only focus on democracy but also on the people's livelihood.
To truly master 民主 (mínzhǔ), you must see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of Chinese political and social vocabulary. Several words share similar semantic space but carry distinct connotations or are used in different registers.
- 民主 (mínzhǔ) vs. 自由 (zìyóu)
- While often paired together in the phrase '民主自由' (democracy and freedom), they are distinct. 民主 refers to the process of collective decision-making and governance, whereas 自由 refers to the status of individual liberty. A group can be democratic (everyone votes) but not necessarily free (the group votes to restrict an individual), and vice versa.
- 民主 (mínzhǔ) vs. 共和 (gònghé)
- 共和 (Republic) refers to a system where the head of state is not a monarch. While modern republics are usually democratic, the terms are not synonymous. '民主' emphasizes the source of power (the people), while '共和' emphasizes the structure of the state (no king).
许多国家自称是民主共和国。(Xǔduō guójiā zìchēng shì mínzhǔ gònghéguó.) — Many countries call themselves democratic republics.
In everyday conversation, if you want to describe someone who is open to suggestions but '民主' feels too formal, you might use 开明 (kāimíng). 开明 translates to 'enlightened' or 'open-minded.' It is often used to describe parents or leaders who are willing to listen, even if they don't use a formal voting system.
- 民主 (mínzhǔ) vs. 开明 (kāimíng)
- Use 民主 when referring to a formal process (voting, consensus-building). Use 开明 when describing a personality trait of someone in power who is not stubborn.
Another related term is 普选 (pǔxuǎn), meaning 'general election' or 'universal suffrage.' While 民主 is the concept, 普选 is one of the primary mechanisms used to achieve it. Similarly, 法治 (fǎzhì), or rule of law, is considered the necessary partner of 民主 in a stable society. Without 法治, 民主 can devolve into 'majority tyranny' (多数人的暴政 - duōshù rén de bàozhèng).
没有法治的民主是不完整的。(Méiyǒu fǎzhì de mínzhǔ shì bù wánzhěng de.) — Democracy without the rule of law is incomplete.
By understanding these distinctions, you can choose the precise word for the context, whether you are writing a political science essay or discussing household chores with your roommates.
Beispiele nach Niveau
我们民主地决定去吃火锅。
We democratically decided to go eat hotpot.
Using '民主地' as an adverb to describe the decision-making process.
民主就是大家一起说话。
Democracy means everyone talks together.
A simple 'A is B' structure suitable for beginners.
这个班级很民主。
This class is very democratic.
Using '很' + adjective to describe a group.
我不喜欢不民主的人。
I don't like undemocratic people.
Negating the adjective with '不'.
我们投票,这很民主。
We vote; this is very democratic.
Connecting an action (voting) to the concept.
爸爸很民主,他听我的意见。
Dad is very democratic; he listens to my opinion.
Describing a person's behavior with '很民主'.
老师说,我们要民主。
The teacher said we should be democratic.
Using '要' to express a requirement or goal.
民主是好词。
Democracy is a good word.
A very basic noun-subject sentence.
我们通过民主投票选出了组长。
We selected the group leader through a democratic vote.
Using '通过...选出' (selected through...).
在民主的家庭里,孩子很开心。
In a democratic family, children are very happy.
Using '的' to make 民主 an adjective modifying '家庭'.
经理决定开一个民主会议。
The manager decided to hold a democratic meeting.
Compound noun: '民主会议'.
每个人都有民主权利。
Everyone has democratic rights.
Introducing the collocation '民主权利'.
他不民主,总是自己做决定。
He is not democratic; he always makes decisions by himself.
Using '总是' to describe a lack of democracy.
民主让我们的生活更好。
Democracy makes our lives better.
Using '让' (to make/let) to show cause and effect.
我们在学校学习民主。
We learn about democracy at school.
Using '学习' with an abstract noun.
民主是一个重要的概念。
Democracy is an important concept.
Using '概念' (concept) to categorize the word.
为了保证公平,我们必须实行民主。
In order to ensure fairness, we must implement democracy.
Using '实行' (to implement) with 民主.
他的管理作风非常民主,深受员工欢迎。
His management style is very democratic and is deeply welcomed by employees.
Combining '民主' with '作风' (style/conduct).
这个国家的民主制度已经建立很久了。
This country's democratic system has been established for a long time.
Using '制度' (system) and '建立' (established).
我们应该多听取群众的民主意见。
We should listen more to the democratic opinions of the masses.
Using '听取' (to listen to) and '意见' (opinions).
民主不仅是投票,更是参与。
Democracy is not just voting, but also participation.
Using the '不仅...更是...' (not only... but even more...) structure.
我们需要一种更加民主的讨论气氛。
We need a more democratic atmosphere for discussion.
Using '气氛' (atmosphere) as the modified noun.
政府正在推进基层民主建设。
The government is promoting the construction of grassroots democracy.
Using '推进' (to promote/advance) and '建设' (construction).
言论自由是民主的重要组成部分。
Freedom of speech is an important component of democracy.
Using '组成部分' (component part).
民主化进程需要全体公民的共同努力。
The democratization process requires the joint efforts of all citizens.
Using the suffix '-化' to turn '民主' into 'democratization'.
在现代社会,民主与法治是相辅相成的。
In modern society, democracy and the rule of law complement each other.
Using the idiom '相辅相成' (to complement each other).
代议制民主是目前最普遍的政体形式。
Representative democracy is currently the most common form of government.
Technical term: '代议制民主' (representative democracy).
我们要提高全社会的民主意识。
We need to raise the democratic awareness of the whole society.
Using '提高' (to raise) and '意识' (awareness).
民主协商是解决社会矛盾的有效途径。
Democratic consultation is an effective way to resolve social contradictions.
Using '协商' (consultation) and '途径' (way/path).
任何损害民主权利的行为都是不被允许的。
Any behavior that harms democratic rights is not allowed.
Using '损害' (to harm/damage) and '被' (passive voice).
他在文章中探讨了民主的本质。
He explored the essence of democracy in his article.
Using '探讨' (to explore/discuss) and '本质' (essence).
民主制度的完善是一个长期的过程。
The improvement of the democratic system is a long-term process.
Using '完善' (improvement/perfecting) as a noun here.
该论文深入分析了后现代语境下的民主困境。
The paper deeply analyzes the dilemma of democracy in a postmodern context.
Using academic terms like '语境' (context) and '困境' (dilemma).
民主集中制是中国共产党的根本组织原则。
Democratic centralism is the fundamental organizational principle of the Communist Party of China.
Specific political term: '民主集中制'.
我们需要警惕民粹主义对民主制度的侵蚀。
We need to be wary of the erosion of democratic systems by populism.
Using '警惕' (be wary of) and '侵蚀' (erosion).
基层民主的实践为国家治理提供了宝贵经验。
The practice of grassroots democracy has provided valuable experience for national governance.
Using '治理' (governance) and '实践' (practice).
民主的内涵随着时代的发展而不断演变。
The connotation of democracy constantly evolves with the development of the times.
Using '内涵' (connotation) and '演变' (evolve).
实现真正的民主需要高度发达的公民社会。
Achieving true democracy requires a highly developed civil society.
Using '高度发达' (highly developed) and '公民社会' (civil society).
他主张通过渐进式的改革来实现民主转型。
He advocates achieving democratic transition through incremental reforms.
Using '渐进式' (incremental/step-by-step) and '转型' (transition).
民主权利的行使必须在宪法和法律的框架内。
The exercise of democratic rights must be within the framework of the constitution and the law.
Using '行使' (to exercise power/rights) and '框架' (framework).
民主并非一种放之四海而皆准的固定模式。
Democracy is not a fixed model that is universally applicable.
Using the idiom '放之四海而皆准' (universally applicable).
在全球化背景下,主权国家面临着民主赤字的挑战。
In the context of globalization, sovereign states face the challenge of a democratic deficit.
Using '民主赤字' (democratic deficit), a high-level political science term.
该学者通过对近代史的研究,厘清了民主概念在中国的译介过程。
Through research on modern history, the scholar clarified the process of translation and introduction of the concept of democracy in China.
Using '厘清' (clarify) and '译介' (translate and introduce).
数字时代的到来,为直接民主的实现提供了技术上的可能性。
The arrival of the digital age provides technical possibilities for the realization of direct democracy.
Using '直接民主' (direct democracy) and '可能性' (possibility).
民主的异化现象在某些西方国家日益显现。
The phenomenon of democratic alienation is increasingly evident in certain Western countries.
Using '异化' (alienation) and '日益显现' (becoming increasingly evident).
我们需要在效率与民主之间寻找一种动态的平衡。
We need to find a dynamic balance between efficiency and democracy.
Using '动态平衡' (dynamic balance).
协商民主是中国社会主义民主政治的特有形式和独特优势。
Consultative democracy is a unique form and distinct advantage of China's socialist democratic politics.
Using official political terminology: '特有形式' and '独特优势'.
民主精神的内核在于对人的主体地位的尊重。
The core of the democratic spirit lies in the respect for the subjective status of human beings.
Using philosophical terms like '内核' (core) and '主体地位' (subjective status).
Summary
Mastering '民主' (mínzhǔ) allows you to discuss fairness, governance, and leadership. Whether you are talking about a nation's political system or a fair manager at work, this word signifies the inclusion of voices and the sharing of power. Example: '经理的作风很民主' (The manager's style is very democratic).
- 民主 (mínzhǔ) means 'democracy' or 'democratic.' It combines '民' (people) and '主' (master), literally meaning 'the people are the masters.'
- It is used as both a noun (e.g., 'pursue democracy') and an adjective (e.g., 'a democratic boss'). It is a highly positive and formal word.
- Commonly heard in politics, workplaces, and families to describe inclusive decision-making processes where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
- Key phrases include 民主权利 (democratic rights), 民主选举 (democratic election), and 民主气氛 (democratic atmosphere). It is often paired with 法治 (rule of law).
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Verwandte Redewendungen
Mehr academic Wörter
缺席
B1Abwesenheit von einem Ort oder einer Veranstaltung, bei der man erwartet wird.
抽象的
A2Nicht gegenständlich oder nur gedanklich vorhanden.
抽象地
B1In an abstract manner; conceptually.
艰深
B1Profound; abstruse; recondite.
学术性
A2Academic; scholarly; relating to education and scholarship.
学术化
B1Akademisierung: der Prozess, etwas akademisch oder wissenschaftlich zu gestalten.
学术会议
A2Academic conference; a formal meeting for academic discussions.
学术交流
B1Exchange of ideas, information, and research among scholars.
学术期刊
B1Eine wissenschaftliche Zeitschrift ist eine regelmäßig erscheinende Publikation mit wissenschaftlichen Artikeln.
教务处
A2Academic affairs office; department handling educational administration.