民主

Pattern visualization

Examples

1. 人民通过选举行使民主权利。▶ —
   The people exercise democratic rights through elections.
2. 会议气氛十分民主。▶ —
   The meeting had a very democratic atmosphere.

Collocations

Mnemonic

民 mín "people" + 主 zhǔ "master, sovereign": the people as masters, i.e. democracy. Same as the Korean word min-ju (民主). The system and spirit in which sovereignty rests with the people and rule follows the people’s will (民主制度 a democratic system, 民主选举 democratic elections). It is also used adjectivally for "democratic" (气氛民主). 民 means "people" (人民, 公民); 主 means "master, sovereign" (主人, 主权). The idea that 主权 (sovereignty) lies with the people.

Related

Quick check

1. What is the core idea of 民主?

   • sovereignty resides with the people
   • one person holds all power
   • the military rules
   • money rules