Japanese word

民族

Pronunciation

Romajiminzoku

Meaning

  • nounethnic group

Example

その民族は独自の言葉を話します。so no min zoku wa doku ji no koto ba o hana shi ma su

That ethnic group speaks its own language.

Illustration for 民族 (ethnic group)

More examples

学校では、異なる民族の歴史を一緒に学びます。gak kō de wa koto na ru min zoku no reki shi o is sho ni mana bi ma su

At school, we study the history of different ethnic groups together.

Core concept

Refers to a group of people connected by shared language, culture, history, or ancestry.

Common phrases

  • 民族の言語min zoku no gen go

    language of an ethnic group

  • 民族の習慣min zoku no shū kan

    ethnic customs

  • 多民族国家sawa min zoku kok ka

    multiethnic country

  • 民族意識min zoku i shiki

    ethnic identity

  • 民族の違いmin zoku no chiga i

    differences between ethnic groups

Similar words

人種jinshu: A grouping of people based mainly on physical features and inherited ancestry.
部族buzoku: A community connected by common ancestry, customs, and traditions, usually within a wider society.

Definition in Japanese

共通する言語や文化、歴史などを持つ人々のまとまり。kyō tsū su ru gen go ya bun ka reki shi na do o mo tsu hito bito no ma to ma ri

Word origin

民族 (minzoku) combines 民 (min, "people") and 族 (zoku, "group"), forming a word for a people connected by common traits.

Usage tips

  • In English, ethnic group usually describes a shared cultural or ancestral identity rather than a country's citizens as a whole.

Other meanings

  • peoplenoun

Related words

  • 民族的minzokutekiethnicna-adjective
  • 民族性minzokuseiethnicitynoun

Word lists with this word