公民
gōng mín HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

每个公民都有投票权。
Měi gè gōngmín dōu yǒu tóupiào quán.
Every citizen has the right to vote.
公民必须遵守法律。
Gōngmín bìxū zūnshǒu fǎlǜ.
Citizens must obey the law.
他是美国公民。
Tā shì Měiguó gōngmín.
He is an American citizen.
我是中国公民。
Wǒ shì Zhōngguó gōngmín.
I am a Chinese citizen.
公民有权利。
Gōngmín yǒu quánlì.
Citizens have rights.

💡 Memory Tip

Break it down: 公 (gōng) means 'public' or 'common', and 民 (mín) means 'people'. Think of a 'citizen' as a 'public person' who participates in and belongs to the common society of a nation.

📝 Usage Notes

This is a formal, standard term used in both written and spoken contexts, especially in legal, political, educational, and official discussions. It is neutral and widely applicable when referring to individuals in their national capacity.

📖 Grammar Points

Commonly used as a noun, often modified by adjectives or nouns (e.g., 中国公民, 普通公民). It can serve as a subject or object in sentences about rights, laws, or duties.

🏯 Cultural Notes

In contemporary China, 公民意识 (civic awareness) is promoted, emphasizing law-abiding behavior, social responsibility, and participation in public affairs. The concept is central to legal and political discourse.

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 人民 (rénmín, 'the people' as a collective), 公民 is individual and legal. Compared to 国民 (guómín, 'national', often emphasizing nationality or ethnicity), 公民 focuses more on civic rights and duties within a political system.

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