Chinese people
The term Chinese people may refer to any of the following:
- People who reside in and hold citizenship of the People's Republic of China (mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau) or the Republic of China (Taiwan). This definition stems from a legal perspective. (Note: Whether citizenship in the Republic of China makes one "Chinese" is subject of some political debate as supporters of Taiwan independence do not consider Taiwan to be part of China)
- The Zhonghua minzu (sometimes translated as "Chinese nationality"), a supra-ethnic concept which includes all 56 ethnic groups living in China that are officially recognized by the government of the People's Republic of China, such as Han, Zhuang, Manchu, Tibetans, and other established ethnic groups who have lived within the borders of China since at least the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). It may also include overseas Chinese.
- People of Han Chinese ancestry, who are often simply referred to as "Chinese" or "ethnic Chinese" in English.
Apart from nationality (legal) reasons, place of residence (geographical factors), race (biological reasons), and ancestry (historical and genealogical factors) are involved in defining "Chineseness".
Chinese-language terms
Mandarin
| Term |
Traditional Chinese |
Simplified Chinese |
Explanation |
| Zhōnggúorén |
中國人 |
中国人 |
Refers to a person of a state called "China". Some use this term to refer to anyone who holds citizenship of the People's Republic of China or the Republic of China, regardless of ethnicity. Others use it only for citizens of the People's Republic of China. Usage can depend on political views about the status of the Republic of China. |
| Huárén |
華人 |
华人 |
An overall term to refer to any person of Chinese descent, including those in China and abroad. However, this term is more commonly used in referring to the overseas Chinese community and sometimes overseas Chinese minorities. |
| Huáqíao |
華僑 |
华侨 |
Refers to a Chinese national or citizen living in a foreign country, who still holds Chinese citizenship. This term was more commonly used before 1949, when China provided citizenship for many overseas Chinese. |
| Huáyì |
華裔 |
华裔 |
Refers to a person of Chinese descent living in a foreign country, who does not hold a citizenship from the People's Republic of China or the Republic of China. |
Cantonese
| Term |
Traditional Chinese |
Simplified Chinese |
Explanation |
| Lou5 waa4 kiu4 |
老華僑 |
老华侨 |
Used by overseas Cantonese-speakers to refer to a person who has lived outside of China for a long period, usually 10 or more years. |
| Tong4 jan4 |
唐人 |
唐人 |
Tang Chinese, generally synonymous with Han Chinese. |
| Tou2 zyu3 |
土著 |
土著 |
Literally means "from the soil"; refers to a Chinese person of a minority ethnic group. |
| Zuk1 sing1 |
竹昇 |
竹升 |
More commonly spelled as "jook-sing" in English, used to describe a westernized person of Chinese descent. |
See also
References
External links
