It represents a community defined by shared cultural, historical, or linguistic heritage.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to a group with shared culture or history.
- Used to describe both ethnic groups and national identity.
- Essential term for understanding Chinese social structure.
Overview
- 1概述：“民族”是一个涵盖面很广的概念，涵盖了人类社会中基于共同历史、语言、宗教或文化认同而形成的群体。在中文语境下，它既可以指代现代国家概念下的“国民”（如中华民族），也可以指代人类学意义上的“族群”（如少数民族）。
常见语境：在学校教育中，学生常学习“中华民族”的概念；在旅游或文化宣传中，常提及“民族特色”或“民族风情”；在政府公文中，常涉及“民族政策”或“民族自治”。
- 1近义词辨析：与“种族”（Race）相比，“民族”更强调文化和历史的共同性，而“种族”更侧重于生理特征。与“国家”（Nation/Country）相比，“民族”侧重于文化认同，而“国家”侧重于政治实体和主权疆域。
Examples
中国有56个民族。
everydayChina has 56 ethnic groups.
我们要尊重各民族的文化习俗。
formalWe should respect the cultural customs of all ethnic groups.
这个舞蹈很有民族特色。
informalThis dance has strong ethnic characteristics.
民族认同感是社会稳定的基石。
academicNational identity is the cornerstone of social stability.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
民族英雄
National hero
民族主义
Nationalism
民族大融合
Great ethnic integration
Often Confused With
Refers to biological race (e.g., Caucasian, Asian). '民族' refers to cultural and historical identity.
Refers to a political nation-state. '民族' refers to the people and culture within or across borders.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
The word is highly versatile and used in both casual conversation and official government documents. When referring to specific groups, always use '少数民族' to be respectful. It is a neutral term, but carries significant weight in historical and political contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with '种族' (race) when talking about diversity. Another error is using it as an adjective without '的' or a noun head. Always ensure you are describing the cultural aspect, not the biological one.
Tips
Use with cultural context
When describing Chinese culture, use '民族' to add depth. It shows you understand the diversity within the country.
Don't confuse with Race
Be careful not to use '民族' when you mean biological race. In English, 'ethnic group' is a safer translation.
The 56 Ethnic Groups
In China, the concept of '56 ethnic groups' is fundamental. It emphasizes unity despite diversity.
Word Origin
Derived from the combination of '民' (people) and '族' (clan/lineage). It evolved to represent the modern concept of an ethnic group during the early 20th century.
Cultural Context
In China, ethnic identity is a source of pride and cultural richness. The government emphasizes 'ethnic unity' to maintain harmony among the 56 recognized groups.
Memory Tip
Think of '民' (people) and '族' (family/clan). It is a 'family of people' sharing the same roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“民族”侧重于文化、语言和心理认同的共同体。而“种族”通常指基于肤色、体质等生理特征划分的人类群体。
中国是一个统一的多民族国家，共有56个民族。其中汉族人口最多，其他55个被称为少数民族。
你可以用它来描述文化（民族文化）、服饰（民族服装）或政策（民族政策）。它通常作为一个名词，直接修饰后面的事物。
“中华民族”是一个现代政治和文化概念，指居住在中国境内，共同创造了灿烂文明的所有民族的总称。
Test Yourself
中国是一个统一的___国家。
这是描述中国人口构成的固定搭配。
“民族服饰”指的是什么？
民族服饰通常指代少数民族的传统装束。
文化 / 民族 / 丰富 / 的 / 非常
形容词修饰名词的正确语序。
Score: /3
Summary
It represents a community defined by shared cultural, historical, or linguistic heritage.
- Refers to a group with shared culture or history.
- Used to describe both ethnic groups and national identity.
- Essential term for understanding Chinese social structure.
Use with cultural context
When describing Chinese culture, use '民族' to add depth. It shows you understand the diversity within the country.
Don't confuse with Race
Be careful not to use '民族' when you mean biological race. In English, 'ethnic group' is a safer translation.
The 56 Ethnic Groups
In China, the concept of '56 ethnic groups' is fundamental. It emphasizes unity despite diversity.
Examples
4 of 4中国有56个民族。
China has 56 ethnic groups.
我们要尊重各民族的文化习俗。
We should respect the cultural customs of all ethnic groups.
这个舞蹈很有民族特色。
This dance has strong ethnic characteristics.
民族认同感是社会稳定的基石。
National identity is the cornerstone of social stability.
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