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公民 — meaning in English: citizen

gōngmín · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

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火焰
huǒyàn
yào
公约
gōngyuē
公民
gōngmín
cháo
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formal common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 公民 (gōngmín) in contexts related to rights and responsibilities within society, such as discussions about voting, civic duties, and legal status. You might hear it in formal settings like government announcements or educational programs about citizenship and social responsibilities.
Synonyms & nuances
A close synonym for 公民 is 国民 (guómín), which means 'national' or 'national citizen,' emphasizing nationality over civic responsibilities. You would use 公民 when discussing legal rights and civic duties, while 国民 might be preferred in more nationalistic contexts.
Culture
The term 公民 (gōngmín) has deep roots in political philosophy, reflecting the evolution of citizenship in Chinese history. Historically, it signified a person's role as a member of the state, emphasizing collective responsibility over individualism, which is a cornerstone of Confucian values. The word embodies a sense of belonging to the community and the obligations that come with it.
FAQ
Q.What does 公民 mean in English?
公民 (gōngmín) translates to 'citizen' in English, referring to a member of a state or nation with specific rights and responsibilities.
Q.How do you use 公民 in a sentence?
You can use 公民 in a sentence like: '每个公民都有投票的权利' (Měi gè gōngmín dōu yǒu tóupiào de quánlì), meaning 'Every citizen has the right to vote.'
Q.Is 公民 a formal or informal term?
公民 is a formal term used in legal, governmental, and educational contexts, so it is appropriate for discussions about citizenship rights and civic duties.
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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000