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B1 noun 9 min read

国籍

guoji

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 国籍 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 国籍 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '国籍' (guójí) often in speech. Instead, you learn the simpler phrase '你是哪国人？' (Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén? - Which country person are you?). However, you should recognize '国籍' when you see it on forms, such as at an airport or a hotel check-in. It simply means 'Nationality.' When you see this word on a form, you should write the name of your country, like '美国' (USA) or '英国' (UK). At this stage, just think of it as the formal label for 'what country you are from.' You might also learn to say '我的国籍是...' (My nationality is...) as a more formal way to introduce yourself, though it's less common for beginners than saying '我是...' (I am...). Focus on recognizing the characters: 国 (country) and 籍 (record/register).

By A2, you are beginning to handle more formal situations, like filling out basic applications or talking about your background in a job interview. You should know that '国籍' (guójí) is a noun. You can use it in sentences like '你的国籍是什么？' (What is your nationality?). At this level, you might also encounter related words like '护照' (hùzhào - passport) and '签证' (qiānzhèng - visa). You are learning that Chinese culture places importance on 'origin,' and '国籍' is the legal part of that origin. You should be able to distinguish between your '出生地' (place of birth) and your '国籍.' For example, '我出生在德国，但我的国籍是美国' (I was born in Germany, but my nationality is American). This shows a more nuanced understanding of personal identity.

At the B1 level (your current level), you should be comfortable using '国籍' (guójí) in various formal and semi-formal contexts. You should understand the legal implications, such as '双重国籍' (shuāngchóng guójí - dual nationality) and why it's a significant topic in China. You can discuss the process of changing nationality using verbs like '申请' (shēnqǐng - apply) and '放弃' (fàngqì - renounce). You should also start to see how '国籍' fits into broader discussions about travel, work permits, and international relations. For instance, you can explain how your nationality affects your ability to travel to certain countries. You are also expected to use the word correctly as a noun, avoiding the mistake of using it as an adjective.

At B2, you can engage in more complex discussions about '国籍' (guójí). You might talk about '国籍法' (Nationality Law) or the social integration of people with different nationalities. You can use more advanced collocations like '取得国籍' (acquire nationality), '丧失国籍' (lose nationality), and '恢复国籍' (restore nationality). You understand the difference between '国籍' and '公民权' (citizenship rights) in a political context. You can also discuss the pros and cons of '多重国籍' (multiple nationalities) and how global migration is changing the concept of the nation-state. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use '国籍' in debates about identity, belonging, and legal rights in a globalized world.

At the C1 level, you use '国籍' (guójí) with the precision of a native speaker or a legal professional. You can discuss the historical evolution of the word, noting that '籍' originally referred to bamboo scrolls used for records. You can navigate complex legal documents regarding '国籍冲突' (conflict of nationality) or '无国籍人士' (stateless persons). You understand the nuances of '原始国籍' (original nationality by birth) vs. '继得国籍' (acquired nationality). You can participate in high-level academic or legal discussions about how '国籍' intersects with human rights, international treaties, and the sovereignty of nations. Your use of the word is sophisticated, incorporating it into complex sentence structures and formal rhetoric.

At the C2 level, your mastery of '国籍' (guójí) is absolute. You can discuss the most minute details of '国籍' in the context of international private law, including '国籍的积极冲突' (positive conflict of nationality) and '国籍的消极冲突' (negative conflict of nationality). You can write professional legal briefs or academic papers on the '国籍法' of various jurisdictions. You understand the deep cultural and historical baggage associated with '国籍' in the Chinese-speaking world, including the history of overseas Chinese (华侨) and their relationship with their '祖籍' (ancestral home) and '国籍.' You can use the word flawlessly in any register, from the most formal diplomatic protocol to nuanced literary descriptions of identity and exile.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

国籍 in 30 Seconds

国籍 (guójí) is the formal Chinese noun for 'nationality' or 'citizenship'.
It is used primarily in legal, official, and administrative contexts like passports and forms.
It differs from ethnicity (民族) and place of birth (出生地) in legal precision.
China strictly does not recognize dual nationality (双重国籍) for its citizens.

The term 国籍 (guójí) is a formal noun in Chinese that translates directly to 'nationality' or 'citizenship' in a legal and administrative context. While in casual conversation you might ask someone '你是哪国人？' (Nǐ shì nǎ guó rén? - Which country are you from?), the word 国籍 is the term you will encounter on every official form, passport application, and legal document. It represents the formal status of belonging to a particular nation-state. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating any official environment in a Chinese-speaking country, from opening a bank account to applying for a residence permit. The word is composed of two characters: 国 (guó), meaning country or nation, and 籍 (jí), which historically refers to a record, register, or book. Together, they literally mean 'the record of one's nation,' highlighting the administrative nature of the concept.

Legal Standing: In legal terms, 国籍 defines the relationship between an individual and a state, granting the individual protection by the state and requiring the individual to fulfill certain duties. In China, the Nationality Law is very strict, particularly regarding dual nationality.
Formal Identification: When filling out forms at an airport or a police station, you will see a box labeled 国籍. You should write the name of your country of citizenship here (e.g., 美国, 英国, 加拿大) rather than your ethnicity or place of birth if they differ.
Cultural Nuance: While 'nationality' in English can sometimes refer to ethnic heritage, in Chinese, 国籍 is almost exclusively legal. For ethnic identity, one would use 民族 (mínzú).

请在表格的这一栏填写您的国籍。(Qǐng zài biǎogé de zhè yī lán tiánxiě nín de guójí.)
— Please fill in your nationality in this column of the form.

他拥有双重国籍。(Tā yōngyǒu shuāngchóng guójí.)
— He possesses dual nationality.

加入中国国籍需要符合特定条件。(Jiārù Zhōngguó guójí xūyào fúhé tèdìng tiáojiàn.)
— Acquiring Chinese nationality requires meeting specific conditions.

放弃国籍是一个重大的决定。(Fàngqì guójí shì yīgè zhòngdà de juédìng.)
— Renouncing one's nationality is a significant decision.

你的国籍会影响你的签证申请。(Nǐ de guójí huì yǐngxiǎng nǐ de qiānzhèng shēnqǐng.)
— Your nationality will affect your visa application.

In summary, 国籍 is the bridge between a person and the state. It encompasses the rights, duties, and identity defined by international and domestic law. Whether you are traveling, working abroad, or discussing global politics, this word is an essential tool in your Chinese vocabulary kit. It is frequently paired with verbs like '拥有' (to possess), '取得' (to acquire), and '改变' (to change), reflecting the dynamic and often bureaucratic nature of citizenship in the modern world.

Using 国籍 (guójí) correctly involves understanding its role as a formal noun. In English, we often use adjectives like 'French' or 'Canadian' to describe someone's nationality. In Chinese, when using the word 国籍, you typically use the structure [Person] + 的 + 国籍 + 是 + [Country Name]. This is the most precise way to state nationality in a formal setting. For example, '他的国籍是英国' (His nationality is British). Note that we use the country name (英国 - UK) rather than the word for the people (英国人 - British person), although the latter is sometimes used in less formal contexts.

Possession and Status: Verbs like 拥有 (yōngyǒu - to possess) and 具有 (jùyǒu - to have/possess) are commonly used with 国籍. Example: '他具有双重国籍' (He has dual nationality). This emphasizes the legal status held by the individual.
Changing or Acquiring: When discussing the process of getting a new nationality, verbs like 取得 (qǔdé - to acquire), 加入 (jiārù - to join/enter), or 申请 (shēnqǐng - to apply for) are standard. Example: '她正在申请中国国籍' (She is currently applying for Chinese nationality).
Losing or Renouncing: To describe the loss of nationality, use 丧失 (sàngshī - to lose) or 放弃 (fàngqì - to renounce/give up). Example: '他为了加入另一个国家的国籍而放弃了原有的国籍' (He renounced his original nationality in order to join another country's nationality).

It is also important to distinguish between 国籍 and 出生地 (chūshēngdì - place of birth). While they are often the same, in our globalized world, they frequently differ. Official forms will always have separate fields for these. Another related term is 祖籍 (zǔjí - ancestral home), which refers to where one's family originated, regardless of their current 国籍.

无论你的国籍是什么，法律面前人人平等。(Wúlùn nǐ de guójí shì shénme, fǎlǜ miànqián rénrén píngděng.)
— No matter what your nationality is, everyone is equal before the law.

这名运动员决定更改他的国籍以参加奥运会。(Zhè míng yùndòngyuán juédìng gēnggǎi tā de guójí yǐ cānjiā Àoyùnhuì.)
— This athlete decided to change his nationality to participate in the Olympics.

When asking someone about their nationality in a polite yet formal way, you can say: '请问您的国籍是？' (Qǐngwèn nín de guójí shì? - May I ask what your nationality is?). This is much more professional than the standard textbook phrase '你是哪国人？' which can feel a bit too direct in a business or administrative setting. By mastering the usage of 国籍, you demonstrate a higher level of Chinese proficiency and a better understanding of social registers.

The word 国籍 (guójí) is a staple of bureaucratic and international environments. You will hear it most frequently in the following contexts: airports, embassies, human resources departments, and international news broadcasts. It is a word that signals a shift from personal identity to legal identity.

At the Airport and Customs: Customs officers often ask about nationality to determine which line you should stand in or what visa requirements apply to you. You might hear: '持不同国籍的旅客请走不同的通道' (Passengers with different nationalities, please use different lanes).
In Global Business: Multinational corporations (跨国公司 - kuàguó gōngsī) deal with employees from various backgrounds. HR will ask for your 国籍 to process work permits (工作签证). They might say: '我们需要确认您的国籍以便办理入职手续' (We need to confirm your nationality to process your onboarding).
In the News: News reports on international incidents, sports events like the World Cup, or diplomatic negotiations frequently use 国籍. For instance, '受害者中包括多名外籍人士' (The victims included several foreign nationals) or '这名球员拥有双重国籍' (This player has dual nationality).

根据中国法律，中国不承认双重国籍。(Gēnjù Zhōngguó fǎlǜ, Zhōngguó bù chéngrèn shuāngchóng guójí.)
— According to Chinese law, China does not recognize dual nationality.

请出示证明您国籍的有效证件。(Qǐng chūshì zhèngmíng nín guójí de yǒuxiào zhèngjiàn.)
— Please present a valid document proving your nationality.

Moreover, you'll find 国籍 in academic discussions regarding 'global citizenship' (世界公民 - shìjiè gōngmín) and the evolving nature of the nation-state. It is a word that bridges the gap between the individual and the global community. Whether you're filling out a landing card or discussing international law, 国籍 is the essential term for your legal identity.

Even intermediate learners often stumble when using 国籍 (guójí). The most common errors stem from direct translation from English or confusing it with similar concepts like ethnicity or place of residence.

Confusing Nationality with Ethnicity: In English, someone might say 'My nationality is Irish' to mean their ancestors are from Ireland, even if they are a US citizen. In Chinese, 国籍 is strictly your passport country. For heritage, use 血统 (xuètǒng - bloodline/descent) or 民族 (mínzú - ethnicity). Mistake: '我的国籍是华裔' (My nationality is Chinese-descendant). Correct: '我是华裔，但我的国籍是美国' (I am of Chinese descent, but my nationality is American).
Incorrect Adjectival Use: Learners often try to use 国籍 as an adjective. Mistake: '他是国籍美国人' (He is nationality American person). Correct: '他的国籍是美国' (His nationality is American) or simply '他是美国人' (He is an American).
Misunderstanding Dual Nationality in China: A common cultural mistake is assuming China allows dual nationality. While many countries do, China's Nationality Law (Article 3) states that the PRC does not recognize dual nationality for any Chinese national. Using the term '双重国籍' in a Chinese context requires an understanding of this legal reality.

错误：我出生在法国，所以我的国籍是法国。(Wrong: I was born in France, so my nationality is French - this assumes birthright citizenship, which isn't universal.)
— Correct: 我出生在法国，但我目前持有美国国籍。(I was born in France, but I currently hold American nationality.)

Another subtle mistake is using 国籍 when you mean 签证 (qiānzhèng - visa) or 居留权 (jūliúquán - residency rights). You can live in a country for decades (residency) without ever changing your 国籍 (nationality). In professional Chinese, being precise with these terms is vital for clear communication.

To truly master 国籍 (guójí), you must know how it compares to related terms. While they all touch upon identity and origin, their legal and social implications differ significantly.

国籍 (guójí) vs. 公民身份 (gōngmín shēnfèn): 国籍 is the most common term for 'nationality.' 公民身份 (citizenship) is more formal and emphasizes the rights and duties of a citizen within a state. While often interchangeable, 公民身份 is used more in political science and legal theory.
国籍 (guójí) vs. 民族 (mínzú): 国籍 is legal (what's on your passport). 民族 is ethnic (e.g., Han, Tibetan, Irish, Cherokee). A person can have American 国籍 but belong to the Han 民族.
国籍 (guójí) vs. 户籍 (hùjí): 国籍 is international/national. 户籍 (or Hukou) is a specific Chinese system of household registration that dictates where you can live and access social services within China. All people with Chinese 国籍 living in mainland China will have a 户籍.

虽然他有法国国籍，但他的民族是越南裔。(Although he has French nationality, his ethnicity is Vietnamese.)
— This sentence correctly distinguishes between legal status and ethnic background.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate communication. For example, in a census, you might be asked for both your 国籍 and your 民族. Confusing the two could lead to significant errors in official data. Similarly, in a medical context, 血统 (descent) might be more relevant than 国籍 for genetic screening. By choosing the right word, you show respect for the complexity of identity.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '籍' (jí) also appears in '书籍' (shūjí - books). This reminds us that nationality is, at its core, a 'paper' or 'recorded' identity.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˌnæʃəˈnæləti/

US /ˌnæʃəˈnæləti/

In Mandarin, there is no word-level stress like English; however, both characters in 'guójí' receive equal weight with a rising inflection.

Rhymes With

国际 (guójì) 急 (jí) 级 (jí) 集 (jí) 极 (jí) 籍 (jí) 即 (jí) 击 (jī - near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'jí' as 'jǐ' (3rd tone).
Confusing the 'j' sound with 'zh'.
Failing to distinguish the rising tone of 'guó' from a flat first tone.
Over-aspirating the 'g' in 'guó'.
Merging the two syllables into one blurred sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common but '籍' is slightly complex to write.

Writing 4/5

Writing '籍' requires attention to the number of strokes and the radical.

Speaking 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward with two second tones.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, easy to distinguish in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

国人美国中国名字

Learn Next

签证护照移民法律身份

Advanced

主权领土公约居留权归化

Grammar to Know

Using '的' for possession with formal nouns.

他的国籍。

Using '是' to define a category.

国籍是美国。

Negative '不' with verbs like '承认'.

不承认双重国籍。

Measure words with countries.

两个国籍 (though '种' is better).

Prepositional phrases with '由于'.

由于国籍的原因。

Examples by Level

你的国籍是什么？

What is your nationality?

Simple question structure.

我的国籍是美国。

My nationality is American.

Subject + 的 + 国籍 + 是 + Country.

他有英国国籍。

He has British nationality.

Using '有' to show possession.

请写下你的国籍。

Please write down your nationality.

Imperative sentence.

这不是我的国籍。

This is not my nationality.

Negative sentence.

你的国籍是法国吗？

Is your nationality French?

Yes/no question with '吗'.

老师的国籍是加拿大。

The teacher's nationality is Canadian.

Possessive '的'.

表格上有“国籍”一栏。

There is a 'nationality' column on the form.

Existential '有' sentence.

我需要确认你的国籍。

I need to confirm your nationality.

Using '需要' (need) and '确认' (confirm).

他出生在中国，但国籍是加拿大。

He was born in China, but his nationality is Canadian.

Contrast using '但'.

申请这个工作需要写明国籍。

Applying for this job requires stating your nationality.

Verb phrase as subject.

不同的国籍有不同的签证要求。

Different nationalities have different visa requirements.

Using '不同的' for 'different'.

你可以选择你的国籍吗？

Can you choose your nationality?

Using '选择' (choose).

他的国籍证明在哪里？

Where is his proof of nationality?

Noun compound '国籍证明'.

我们要统计所有学生的国籍。

We need to count the nationalities of all students.

Using '统计' (to count/statistically record).

持有该国国籍的人可以免签。

People holding that country's nationality can enter visa-free.

Relative clause with '的人'.

中国不承认双重国籍。

China does not recognize dual nationality.

Important legal fact.

他正在申请加入美国国籍。

He is currently applying for American nationality.

Continuous action '正在'.

国籍的选择是一个复杂的问题。

The choice of nationality is a complex issue.

Abstract noun phrase.

由于国籍原因，他无法参加比赛。

Due to nationality reasons, he cannot participate in the competition.

Using '由于...原因'.

你必须出示能够证明国籍的证件。

You must present documents that can prove your nationality.

Using '必须' (must) and '证明' (prove).

放弃国籍需要经过严格的法律程序。

Renouncing nationality requires going through strict legal procedures.

Complex subject phrase.

他虽然在国外长大，但保留了中国国籍。

Although he grew up abroad, he kept his Chinese nationality.

Conjunction '虽然...但...'.

国籍法规定了如何取得公民身份。

The Nationality Law stipulates how to acquire citizenship.

Subject-Verb-Object with a clause.

这名球员的国籍归属引发了争议。

The player's nationality affiliation has sparked controversy.

Using '引发' (spark) and '争议' (controversy).

在全球化的今天，国籍的概念正在发生变化。

In today's globalized world, the concept of nationality is changing.

Time phrase '在...的今天'.

他因拥有双重国籍而被取消了候选人资格。

He was disqualified as a candidate because of his dual nationality.

Passive structure '因...而被...'.

政府正在考虑修改国籍法中的某些条款。

The government is considering amending certain clauses in the Nationality Law.

Using '考虑' (consider) and '修改' (amend).

国籍不仅仅是一个法律标签，更是一种身份认同。

Nationality is not just a legal label, but also a sense of identity.

Structure '不仅仅...更...'.

他必须在两个国籍之间做出选择。

He must make a choice between the two nationalities.

Using '在...之间做出选择'.

无国籍状态给他的生活带来了诸多不便。

The state of being stateless has brought many inconveniences to his life.

Abstract concept as subject.

法律明确规定了丧失国籍的几种情形。

The law clearly stipulates several circumstances for the loss of nationality.

Using '明确规定' (clearly stipulate).

国籍法的实施细则对申请流程有详细说明。

The implementation regulations of the Nationality Law provide detailed instructions on the application process.

Formal legal terminology.

他在法庭上辩称自己从未正式放弃过原国籍。

He argued in court that he had never formally renounced his original nationality.

Reported speech in a formal context.

该政策旨在吸引具有外国国籍的高层次人才。

The policy aims to attract high-level talents with foreign nationality.

Using '旨在' (aims to).

国籍冲突可能导致个人在履行公民义务时面临困境。

Conflict of nationality may lead individuals to face dilemmas when fulfilling civic duties.

Complex causal relationship.

历史背景深刻影响了该地区居民的国籍认同。

Historical background has deeply influenced the nationality identity of the region's residents.

Using '深刻影响' (deeply influence).

通过投资取得国籍在某些国家是合法的。

Acquiring nationality through investment is legal in some countries.

Gerund-like phrase as subject.

由于缺乏有效的国籍证明，他被拒绝入境。

Due to a lack of valid proof of nationality, he was denied entry.

Using '由于缺乏' (due to lack of).

国籍的积极冲突是指一个人同时具有两个或两个以上的国籍。

Positive conflict of nationality refers to a person having two or more nationalities at the same time.

Technical definition structure.

在全球治理体系中，国籍依然是界定个体权利的核心维度。

In the global governance system, nationality remains the core dimension for defining individual rights.

Highly academic register.

探讨国籍制度的演变，有助于理解主权国家体系的兴衰。

Exploring the evolution of the nationality system helps in understanding the rise and fall of the sovereign state system.

Philosophical and historical analysis.

剥夺国籍作为一种惩罚手段，在现代国际法中受到严格限制。

Deprivation of nationality as a means of punishment is strictly limited in modern international law.

Legal principle statement.

国籍的法律属性与其背后的情感归属往往并非完全契合。

The legal attributes of nationality and the emotional belonging behind it often do not fully coincide.

Abstract philosophical contrast.

在处理跨国婚姻中的国籍问题时，需兼顾法律的严肃性与人性化考量。

When dealing with nationality issues in transnational marriages, both the seriousness of the law and human considerations must be balanced.

Complex balancing of concepts.

该学者认为，数字国籍的概念将对传统的领土主权观提出挑战。

The scholar argues that the concept of digital nationality will challenge traditional views of territorial sovereignty.

Advanced theoretical argument.

国籍法的地域原则与血缘原则在不同国家有不同的侧重点。

The territorial principle (jus soli) and the bloodline principle (jus sanguinis) of nationality law have different emphases in different countries.

Legal theory terminology.

解决无国籍问题的国际公约，体现了国际社会对基本人权的维护。

International conventions addressing statelessness reflect the international community's protection of basic human rights.

Human rights discourse.

Common Collocations

拥有国籍

取得国籍

放弃国籍

变更国籍

中国国籍

外国国籍

双重国籍

恢复国籍

丧失国籍

确认国籍

Common Phrases

国籍法

— Nationality Law. The specific set of laws governing nationality.

根据国籍法，他有权申请。

第一国籍

— Primary nationality. Used when someone has multiple.

他的第一国籍是德国。

国籍证明

— Proof of nationality. A document like a passport.

请出示您的国籍证明。

加入国籍

— To naturalize or join a nationality.

他申请加入美国国籍。

退出国籍

— To withdraw from or renounce a nationality.

退出国籍的手续很复杂。

国籍归属

— Nationality affiliation or belonging.

他的国籍归属尚不明确。

变动国籍

— To change one's nationality.

频繁变动国籍会带来麻烦。

国籍冲突

— Conflict of nationality (e.g., dual nationality issues).

如何解决这种国籍冲突？

多重国籍

— Multiple nationalities.

他竟然拥有三重国籍。

国籍身份

— Nationality identity.

国籍身份对法律保护至关重要。

Often Confused With

国籍 vs 民族

Ethnicity vs. legal nationality.

国籍 vs 国家

The country itself vs. the legal status of belonging to it.

国籍 vs 户籍

Local household registration vs. national citizenship.

Idioms & Expressions

"落地生根"

— To take root in a new place. Often used when someone changes nationality and settles down.

他在美国已经落地生根，并取得了国籍。

Literary

"认祖归宗"

— To identify with one's ancestors. Sometimes discussed when people return to their original nationality.

他虽然是外国国籍，但一直想认祖归宗。

Cultural

"背井离乡"

— To leave one's hometown. Often the first step before changing nationality.

他背井离乡多年，最终改变了国籍。

Neutral

"四海为家"

— To make one's home anywhere. Often used for people who don't feel strongly about a single nationality.

他四海为家，对国籍并不在意。

Literary

"改弦更张"

— To change one's course or policy. Can be used metaphorically for changing nationality.

他决定改弦更张，申请新的国籍。

Formal

"落地为兄弟"

— All people are brothers once born. Used in discussions about global citizenship.

无论国籍如何，我们都是落地为兄弟。

Poetic

"叶落归根"

— Falling leaves return to their roots. Used for older people returning to their original country/nationality.

他晚年回国，想叶落归根。

Cultural

"非我族类"

— Not of my kind. A historical and sometimes exclusionary term regarding nationality/ethnicity.

古代常有‘非我族类，其心必异’的说法。

Archaic

"入乡随俗"

— When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Crucial for those acquiring a new nationality.

既然加入了新国籍，就要入乡随俗。

Common

"名正言顺"

— Perfectly justifiable. Used when one's nationality status is legally clear.

他取得了国籍，在这里工作就名正言顺了。

Formal

Easily Confused

国籍 vs 出生地

Often the same as nationality, but not always.

Nationality is a legal status; place of birth is a geographical fact.

他的出生地是纽约，但他的国籍是法国。

国籍 vs 血统

Related to where ancestors are from.

Bloodline is biological/cultural; nationality is legal.

他有中国血统，但国籍是美国。

国籍 vs 祖籍

Refers to where family is originally from.

Ancestral home vs. current legal citizenship.

他的祖籍是福建，国籍是新加坡。

国籍 vs 居留权

Right to live in a country.

Residency (PR/Green Card) vs. full citizenship (Nationality).

他有美国居留权，但依然保留着中国国籍。

国籍 vs 身份

General word for identity.

Identity is broad; nationality is a specific legal component of identity.

国籍是他身份的一部分。

Sentence Patterns

我的国籍是[国家]。

我的国籍是美国。

他有[国家]国籍。

他有英国国籍。

申请加入[国家]国籍。

他申请加入中国国籍。

具有双重国籍。

她具有双重国籍。

由于[原因]，他失去了国籍。

由于法律原因，他失去了国籍。

国籍的认同感。

他的国籍认同感很强。

关于国籍的法律规定。

这是关于国籍的法律规定。

国籍制度的演变。

我们研究了国籍制度的演变。

Word Family

Nouns

国家 (guójiā - country)

籍贯 (jíguàn - ancestral home)

户籍 (hùjí - household registration)

公民 (gōngmín - citizen)

Verbs

入籍 (rùjí - to become naturalized)

弃籍 (qìjí - to renounce citizenship)

Adjectives

外籍 (wàijí - foreign-national)

本籍 (běnjí - of this nationality/origin)

护照 (hùzhào)

签证 (qiānzhèng)

移民 (yímín)

侨胞 (qiáobāo)

绿卡 (lǜkǎ)

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in administrative and international contexts.

Common Mistakes

我是美国国籍人。 → 我的国籍是美国 / 我是美国人。
You don't add '人' (person) after '国籍'.
他有双个国籍。 → 他有双重国籍。
'双重' is the specific term for 'dual' in this context.
我的国籍是华裔。 → 我的血统是华裔，但我的国籍是美国。
'华裔' (ethnic Chinese) is an ethnicity, not a nationality.
他申请了中国籍贯。 → 他申请了中国国籍。
'籍贯' is ancestral home, '国籍' is nationality.
放弃国籍是很慢的。 → 放弃国籍的过程很缓慢。
Nationality itself isn't 'slow'; the process of renouncing it is.

Tips

Noun Only

Always remember that 国籍 is a noun. Use '是' to link it to a country name.

Dual Nationality

Be aware of China's strict laws when discussing this topic with locals.

Character Practice

Practice writing '籍' as it has many strokes (20 strokes!).

Politeness

Use '国籍' in business settings to sound more professional than '哪国人'.

Forms

Look for '国籍' on the first page of any official form you fill out abroad.

Related Terms

Learn '护照' (passport) and '签证' (visa) alongside '国籍'.

Precision

In legal documents, '国籍' is the only word that matters for citizenship status.

Tones

The two second tones (guó jí) should sound like you are asking two short questions.

Context Clues

If you see '籍' at the end of a word, it usually relates to a record or origin (e.g., 户籍, 祖籍).

Clear 'J'

Make sure the 'j' in 'jí' is sharp and not like the English 'zh' sound.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Guó' (Country) and 'Jí' (Record). Nationality is just the 'Country's Record' of who you are.

Visual Association

Imagine a passport (国) with a detailed list of names (籍) inside it.

Word Web

国籍护照签证海关移民公民双重法律

Challenge

Try to find the word '国籍' on any Chinese-language website that requires a sign-up or registration. It's usually in the personal info section.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of '国' (guó - state/country) and '籍' (jí - register/record). '国' originally depicted a territory defended by weapons. '籍' consists of the bamboo radical (竹), indicating early records were written on bamboo strips.

Original meaning: The term originally referred to the official census or registration book of a state's population.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Cultural Context

Be careful when discussing dual nationality with Chinese citizens, as it is a complex legal and often patriotic issue.

In English-speaking countries, 'nationality' and 'ethnicity' are often used loosely. In Chinese, '国籍' is strictly legal.

China's Nationality Law of 1980 The Olympic Games (where 国籍 changes are often news) Eileen Gu (谷爱凌) - her nationality was a major topic during the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Customs and Immigration

出示护照
填写入境卡
确认国籍
签证有效期

Job Applications

个人简历
国籍信息
工作许可
背景调查

International Sports

代表国家
更改国籍
参赛资格
入籍球员

Legal/Administrative

国籍法
公证文书
双重国籍
放弃声明

Opening a Bank Account

身份证明
国籍填写
税务居民
有效证件

Conversation Starters

"在你们国家，申请国籍容易吗？"

"你对双重国籍有什么看法？"

"如果可以选择，你想拥有哪个国家的国籍？"

"国籍对你的身份认同重要吗？"

"你觉得未来‘国籍’这个概念会消失吗？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你的国籍带给你的权利和责任。

如果你要搬到一个新的国家并改变国籍，你会考虑哪些因素？

描述一次你因为国籍原因而在旅行中遇到麻烦或便利的经历。

你认为一个人的国籍能代表他的文化背景吗？为什么？

讨论一下你对‘世界公民’（没有国籍限制）这一想法的看法。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, according to the Nationality Law of the People's Republic of China, China does not recognize dual nationality. If a Chinese citizen acquires a foreign nationality, they automatically lose their Chinese nationality.

You can say '我的国籍是美国' (Wǒ de guójí shì Měiguó).

国籍 is your legal citizenship (e.g., American). 民族 is your ethnic group (e.g., Han, Manchu, or in a broader sense, Irish, Italian).

You will see it on visa applications, hotel registration forms, airport arrival cards, and bank forms.

It is strictly a noun. You cannot use it to describe a person directly like an adjective.

Yes, this is a legal status known as being stateless, though it is rare and usually due to specific legal or political conflicts.

You say '申请国籍' (shēnqǐng guójí).

It is a verb meaning 'to join a nationality' or 'to become naturalized'.

Because historically, records of people were kept in books or registers (籍).

Yes, it is the standard term for nationality in all Chinese-speaking regions.