子民 (zǐ mín) — subjects (of a ruler), the governed people (in…

Definition

Literary word for the people ruled by a monarch — historical/imperial context, not for modern citizens. Use 人民 or 百姓 for ordinary people today.

noun

subjects (of a ruler)the governed people (in a feudal or imperial context)

Measure word · 个

。
Gǔ dài de jūn wáng bǎ zǐ mín dàng zuò zì jǐ de hái zi lái bǎo hù.
Ancient rulers regarded their subjects as their own children to protect.
，子民。
Zhè wèi huáng dì qín zhèng ài mín, shēn dé zǐ mín de ài dài.
This emperor was diligent and cared for the people, deeply beloved by his subjects.
，子民。
Zhàn luàn shí qī, zǐ mín de shēng huó kǔ bù kān yán.
During times of war, the lives of the subjects were unbearably miserable.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

In 子民, 子 means child and 民 means people, suggesting the people regarded as a ruler's children.

Characters in this word

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

子 is drawn as a baby with a large head, arms stretched out, and legs wrapped in a blanket.

A drawing of the thing itself, worn down over three thousand years into a few strokes.

The early form of 民 shows an eye pierced by a sharp cross-shaped implement, possibly linked to an injured or unclear eye.

Appears in