民主 — meaning in English: democracy

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

Guess the translation for democracy

黑

hēi

该组件

gāi zǔjiàn

页面

yèmiàn

民主

mínzhǔ

展览

zhǎnlǎn

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers often use 民主 (mínzhǔ) in discussions about politics, especially when debating governmental systems at public forums or in academic settings. For example, during a university lecture on political science or a community meeting discussing local governance, this term frequently comes up.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym to 民主 (mínzhǔ) is 共和 (gònghé), meaning 'republic.' While both terms relate to governance by the people, 民主 (mínzhǔ) emphasizes the democratic process and participation, whereas 共和 (gònghé) focuses more on the structure of a government that is not a monarchy. You might choose 民主 when discussing democratic elections specifically.

Culture

The word 民主 (mínzhǔ) combines '民' (mín), meaning 'people,' with '主' (zhǔ), meaning 'master' or 'to rule.' This etymology highlights the principle that authority should belong to the people. Historically, the notion of democracy has evolved significantly in China, often contrasted with other governance forms, which makes discussions around it both rich and complex.

FAQ

Q.What does 民主 (mínzhǔ) mean in English?

民主 (mínzhǔ) translates to 'democracy' in English, referring to a system of government in which the citizens exercise power, typically through elected representatives.

Q.How is 民主 used in a sentence?

You might say, '在中国，民主的概念正在不断发展' (In China, the concept of democracy is continuously evolving) to illustrate discussions about its meaning and implications.

Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 民主?

One common mistake is confusing 民主 (mínzhǔ) with 自由 (zìyóu), which means 'freedom.' While both are related to individual rights, 民主 specifically refers to governance and collective decision-making.

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Chinese (Mandarin) 2000