Chinese word

知识分子

Pronunciation

Pinyinzhī shí fèn zǐ

Meaning

  • nounintellectual

Example

他是个知识分子，很关心社会问题。tā shì gè zhī shí fèn zǐ hěn guān xīn shè huì wèn tí

He is an intellectual and cares a lot about social issues.

Illustration for 知识分子 (intellectual)

More examples

政府应该尊重并听取知识分子的意见。zhèng fǔ yīng gāi zūn zhòng bìng tīng qǔ zhī shí fèn zǐ de yì jiàn

The government should respect intellectuals and listen to their opinions.

Core concept

People whose learning gives them a role in shaping public thought, culture, or social discussion.

Common phrases

  • 尊重知识分子zūn zhòng zhī shí fèn zǐ

    respect intellectuals

  • 知识分子参与决策zhī shí fèn zǐ cān yù jué cè

    intellectuals participate in decision-making

Similar words

学者xué zhě: A person who does specialized research or teaching at a university or research institution.
专家zhuān jiā: A person with deep knowledge or skills in a field who can give sound advice or judgment.
教授jiào shòu: A university teacher who also conducts research, or the academic rank held by such a person.
读书人dú shū rén: A traditional term for a learned person who values education and knowledge.

Definition in Chinese

指具有一定文化水平和专业知识，并在社会、文化或思想领域有影响或参与公共事务的个人或群体。zhǐ jù yǒu yí dìng wén huà shuǐ píng hé zhuān yè zhī shí bìng zài shè huì wén huà huò sī xiǎng lǐng yù yǒu yíng xiǎng huò cān yù gōng gòng shì wù de gè rén huò qún tǐ

Word origin

The compound joins 知识 (zhīshí, "knowledge") with 分子 (fènzǐ, "member"), framing learned people as social participants rather than as a profession.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may hear a label for one highly educated person, but Chinese also uses this noun for a broader social group, especially in discussions of public affairs.

Other meanings

  • intelligentsianoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word