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种族 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
Hanzi
Pinyin
English
Tags
种族
zhǒngzú
race
HSK 7, n, 20 strokes, rank #3219, Very Hard
种族
zhǒngzú
ethnicity
HSK 7, n, 20 strokes, rank #3219, Very Hard
zhǒngzú(zhong3zu2)zhong zu T3
1race
2ethnicity
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March 24, 2026
种族(種族)zhǒngzú(zhong3zu2)
种族 (zhǒngzú) refers to a classification of humans based on shared physical traits, ancestry, or cultural identity, often used in discussions about social issues, identity, and politics. It can encompass various ethnic groups and is significant in contexts such as sociology, anthropology, and discussions about diversity and inclusion.
Strokes20Frequency#3219DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note
In Chinese society, discussions about 种族 can be sensitive due to historical and political contexts, especially regarding ethnic minorities and the concept of Han nationalism. The term is often used in academic and political discourse about social justice and equality.
Memory tip
Imagine a '种' (zhǒng) of plant representing different '族' (zú) or clans. Just like plants come in various species, so do human races, each with unique traits. The character '种' can remind you of the idea of growing or categorizing, while '族' evokes the sense of family or clan.
Meanings of 种族
zhǒngzú(zhong3zu2)
1race
2ethnicity
Exercise 1 of 2
By ear
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About 种族
种族Simplified
種族Traditional
20Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#3219Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 种族
Podcast: 种族
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AI study notes for 种族
Quick Contrast
民族 (mínzú) — use 种族 (zhǒngzú) when discussing classifications based on physical traits or ancestry, while 民族 (mínzú) emphasizes cultural identity and shared heritage.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 种族 with similar terms like 民族 (mínzú), which specifically refers to 'nationality' or 'ethnic group'. In formal discussions, use 种族 to address issues of race, while in informal contexts, it may come off as too academic. Also, remember to pronounce the third tone correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 种族 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to social sciences. Focus on contextual usage in discussions about equality and human rights, and practice forming sentences that incorporate the term with related concepts like discrimination (歧视, qíshì) or diversity (多样性, duōyàngxìng).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 种族 with other terms like 民族 and 人种 (rénzhǒng), which also refer to ethnic or racial groups. Remember, 种族 is specifically about race, while 民族 relates more to cultural and national identities.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 种族
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种族 (zhǒngzú) refers to a classification of humans based on shared physical traits, ancestry, or cultural identity, often used in discussions about social issues, identity, and politics. It can encompass various ethnic groups and is significant in contexts such as sociology, anthropology, and discussions about diversity and inclusion.
When to use 种族
Be careful not to confuse 种族 with similar terms like 民族 (mínzú), which specifically refers to 'nationality' or 'ethnic group'. In formal discussions, use 种族 to address issues of race, while in informal contexts, it may come off as too academic. Also, remember to pronounce the third tone correctly to avoid misunderstandings.
种族 or something close to it
民族 (mínzú) — use 种族 (zhǒngzú) when discussing classifications based on physical traits or ancestry, while 民族 (mínzú) emphasizes cultural identity and shared heritage.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 种族 with other terms like 民族 and 人种 (rénzhǒng), which also refer to ethnic or racial groups. Remember, 种族 is specifically about race, while 民族 relates more to cultural and national identities.
Write 种族
种
族
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Grammar patterns of 种族
种族 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
雇主以____或国籍为由歧视员工是非法的。
Discrimination by employers on the grounds of race and nationality was illegal.
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Frequently asked questions about 种族
种族 refers to race or ethnicity based on physical traits, while 民族 specifically refers to a nationality or ethnic group with cultural and historical ties.
种族 is increasingly discussed in relation to social justice, with a focus on equality among different ethnic groups, especially concerning the treatment of minorities.
It's best to use 种族 in formal discussions about race or ethnicity, as it may sound too academic in casual contexts.
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