‘国民’ (guómín) literally combines ‘国’ (guó), meaning ‘country’ or ‘nation’, and ‘民’ (mín), meaning ‘people’ or ‘citizen’. Together, it refers to a person who holds formal legal citizenship of a particular country — not just someone living there, but someone recognized by that nation’s laws as a member. It emphasizes nationality and legal status, often used in official, political, or academic contexts, such as government policy, statistics, or constitutional discussions.

Unlike the more general term ‘人民’ (rénmín, ‘the people’), which carries ideological or collective connotations, ‘国民’ is neutral and juridical. It appears frequently in phrases like ‘国民教育’ (national education), ‘国民收入’ (national income), and ‘国民身份’ (national identity). While it can sometimes sound formal or bureaucratic, it is essential for precise discussion of citizenship, rights, and state obligations.