Definition
子民 refers to the subjects or people under a ruler's authority, typically used in historical or feudal contexts. It carries a connotation of being governed or protected by a monarch, unlike the modern 人民 (rénmín) which means 'the people' in a civic sense. You are most likely to encounter this word in period dramas, historical texts, or formal speeches that evoke traditional governance.
n.
subjects (of a ruler)the governed people (in a feudal or imperial context)
Examples
- 。Gǔdài de jūnwáng bǎ zǐ mín dàngzuò zìjǐ de háizi lái bǎohù.Ancient rulers regarded their subjects as their own children to protect.
- ，子民。Zhè wèi huángdì qínzhèng àimín, shēn dé zǐ mín de àidài.This emperor was diligent and cared for the people, deeply beloved by his subjects.
- ，子民。Zhànluàn shíqī, zǐ mín de shēnghuó kǔ bù kān yán.During times of war, the lives of the subjects were unbearably miserable.
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