Meanings of 国民
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 国民
Podcast: 国民
Podcast: 国民
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI Study Notes for 国民
公民 (gōngmín) refers specifically to citizens with legal rights and responsibilities, while 国民 (guómín) encompasses all nationals, including those without full citizenship rights.
This term is often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or national policies. A common mistake is to confuse it with '人民' (rén mín), which emphasizes the common people rather than citizens as a whole. Be mindful of the tone; both characters are second tone and second tone.
Although 国民 is not specifically an HSK term, it relates to the themes of identity and politics often encountered in HSK Level 4 and above. When studying this word, focus on its usage in political contexts and its relation to other terms like '国家' (guó jiā, country) and '公民' (gōng mín, citizen).
Learners often mistakenly use 国民 to refer to individuals rather than the collective. For example, saying '我是国民' ('I am a national') is technically correct, but it is more common to say '我是中国公民' ('I am a Chinese citizen').
Pronunciation of 国民
Drill the tone of 国民 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Component Characters
How to say nationals in Chinese
“nationals” in Chinese is国民
国民 (guó mín) refers to the citizens or nationals of a country. It is commonly used when discussing national identity, rights, and responsibilities within the context of a nation-state. This term emphasizes the collective aspect of a country's inhabitants, distinguishing them from foreigners.
When to use 国民
This term is often used in formal contexts, such as legal discussions or national policies. A common mistake is to confuse it with '人民' (rén mín), which emphasizes the common people rather than citizens as a whole. Be mindful of the tone; both characters are second tone and second tone.
国民 or something close to it
公民 (gōngmín) refers specifically to citizens with legal rights and responsibilities, while 国民 (guómín) encompasses all nationals, including those without full citizenship rights.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 国民 to refer to individuals rather than the collective. For example, saying '我是国民' ('I am a national') is technically correct, but it is more common to say '我是中国公民' ('I am a Chinese citizen').
Write 国民
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 国民 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions about 国民
国民 refers to the people of a nation, emphasizing nationality, while 公民 focuses on the legal status of citizens and their rights.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 国民?
Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.