Understanding "民主" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 民主
• Pinyin: mín zhǔ
• Literal Meaning: "民" (mín) means "people," and "主" (zhǔ) means "master" or "to rule." Together, they literally translate to "people rule" or "people as masters."
• Primary Meaning: Democracy; a system of government where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"民主" is a foundational concept in political discourse, referring to democratic principles, systems, or practices. It can describe:
- A form of government (e.g., "民主制度" – democratic system).
- Democratic values (e.g., "民主精神" – democratic spirit).
- Participation in decision-making (e.g., "民主决策" – democratic decision-making).

In modern Chinese, it carries positive connotations of fairness, equality, and collective decision-making, though its interpretation may vary depending on context.

Character Breakdown

• 民 (mín): "People" or "citizens."
• 主 (zhǔ): "Master," "owner," or "to govern."
  Combined, the term emphasizes the idea of people having authority over governance.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 中国是一个社会主义民主国家。
   Pinyin: Zhōngguó shì yīgè shèhuì zhǔyì mín zhǔ guójiā.
   English: China is a socialist democratic country.

2. Chinese: 民主选举是现代社会的重要制度。
   Pinyin: Mín zhǔ xuǎnjǔ shì xiàndài shèhuì de zhòngyào zhìdù.
   English: Democratic elections are an important system in modern society.

3. Chinese: 我们应该尊重每个人的民主权利。
   Pinyin: Wǒmen yīnggāi zūnzhòng měi gè rén de mín zhǔ quánlì.
   English: We should respect everyone's democratic rights.

Cultural Notes

The concept of "民主" has evolved in Chinese history. Traditional Confucianism emphasized harmony and hierarchy, while modern usage reflects Western political influences. In contemporary China, "民主" is often discussed in the context of "socialist democracy," which emphasizes collective governance under the leadership of the Communist Party. The term is central to political debates and educational discourse.

Conclusion

"民主" (mín zhǔ) encapsulates the idea of people-centered governance, reflecting both historical and modern interpretations of democracy. Remember it as "people as masters" to grasp its core meaning. Use it to discuss political systems, rights, or participatory decision-making in Chinese contexts.