部长 — meaning in English: minister

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

Guess the translation for minister

部长

bùzhǎng

尾

wěi

危险

wéixiǎn

视线

shìxiàn

短缺

duǎnquē

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use the word 部长 (bùzhǎng) in formal settings, such as government meetings, political discussions, or when referring to high-ranking officials in various sectors, including education, health, and finance. For example, you might hear it in news reports discussing the new Minister of Education's policies.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym for 部长 (bùzhǎng) is 大臣 (dàchén), which refers to a 'grand minister' or 'chancellor.' While both terms denote high-ranking officials, 部长 is more commonly used in contemporary contexts, particularly in government, whereas 大臣 may evoke historical or imperial connotations.

Culture

The word 部长 (bùzhǎng), meaning 'minister,' is derived from the characters 部 (bù), meaning 'department' or 'section,' and 长 (zhǎng), which means 'head' or 'leader.' This reflects the hierarchical structure of governance in Chinese culture, where each minister oversees a specific department, showcasing a blend of authority and specialization that is key to Chinese administration.

FAQ

Q.What does the word 部长 (bùzhǎng) mean in English?

部长 (bùzhǎng) translates to 'minister' in English, referring to individuals who head government departments or ministries.

Q.How is 部长 (bùzhǎng) used in a sentence?

You can use it in a sentence like, '他是教育部长' (Tā shì jiàoyù bùzhǎng), which means 'He is the Minister of Education.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 部长 (bùzhǎng)?

A common mistake is using 部长 to refer to non-governmental leaders or roles, where titles like 'CEO' or 'manager' would be more appropriate. Always ensure that the context is in a governmental or official capacity.

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