Meanings of 平民
By ear
Play it, then pick what 平民 means.
About 平民
Podcast: 平民
Podcast: 平民
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
AI study notes for 平民
平民 (commoners) vs 百姓 (common people) — use 平民 for a more formal or political context, while 百姓 is more colloquial and often used in historical narratives.
Be cautious with the tone; '平' is pronounced with a second tone and '民' with a second tone as well, which can be confusing. This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in derogatory ways.
While 平民 is not included in the HSK vocabulary lists, it connects well with other words related to society and people, such as 人 (rén - person) and 社会 (shèhuì - society). Focus on understanding how it fits into discussions about class and societal structures.
Learners often confuse 平民 with other terms for 'people,' such as 人 (rén), which is more general. For example, saying '我是一平民' is incorrect; it should be '我是一名平民' to properly indicate being a commoner.
Pronunciation of 平民
Drill the tone of 平民 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason Explains 平民 to you
Let me explain 平民 for you
Make it yours
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 平民 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
How well do you know 平民?
Learning Lab
Knowing 平民 is seven skills, not one.
Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
- MeaningFree
- CharacterFree
- PinyinFree
- TonePro
- ListeningPro
- SpeakingPro
- WritingPro
Component characters
How to say ordinary people in Chinese
“ordinary people” in Chinese is平民
平民 (píngmín) refers to ordinary people or commoners, distinguishing them from the elite or nobility. It is often used in discussions about social status, rights, or issues affecting the general populace, particularly in political or historical contexts.
When to use 平民
Be cautious with the tone; '平' is pronounced with a second tone and '民' with a second tone as well, which can be confusing. This term is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but avoid using it in derogatory ways.
平民 or something close to it
平民 (commoners) vs 百姓 (common people) — use 平民 for a more formal or political context, while 百姓 is more colloquial and often used in historical narratives.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 平民 with other terms for 'people,' such as 人 (rén), which is more general. For example, saying '我是一平民' is incorrect; it should be '我是一名平民' to properly indicate being a commoner.
Write 平民
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 平民 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Ask Jason
Have a question about 平民?
Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.
Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 215 AI credits.
Frequently asked questions about 平民
No, 平民 specifically refers to ordinary people, excluding the elite or privileged classes.
Jason Recommends
Not sure what to learn after 平民?
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.