guóchǐ: 国耻 - National Humiliation, National Shame

• Keywords: guochi, 国耻, national humiliation, century of humiliation, Chinese history, China shame, national shame, what is guochi, 国耻日, guochi meaning
• Summary: 国耻 (guóchǐ) is a powerful Chinese term meaning “national humiliation” or “national shame.” It refers not just to a feeling of embarrassment, but to a deep, collective trauma stemming from historical injustices, particularly the period known as the “Century of Humiliation” (c. 1839-1949) when China was subjected to invasions and unequal treaties by foreign powers. Understanding 国耻 is essential for grasping modern Chinese patriotism, foreign policy, and the national desire for strength and respect on the world stage.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guó chǐ
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: The collective shame and humiliation suffered by a nation as a result of foreign aggression or historical subjugation.
• In a Nutshell: Imagine a proud family that was once bullied, robbed, and humiliated by its neighbors for a long time. Even after the family becomes strong and prosperous again, the memory of that pain remains. 国耻 (guóchǐ) is that collective memory for the nation of China. It's a “never again” sentiment that fuels a powerful drive for national strength, unity, and international respect. It's a serious, heavy term that connects the past to the present.

• 国 (guó): This character means “nation,” “country,” or “state.” It's a pictograph of a boundary or wall (囗) protecting a territory. Inside, the original component was a weapon (戈), symbolizing sovereignty and the power to defend the land.
• 耻 (chǐ): This character means “shame,” “disgrace,” or “humiliation.” It's composed of the “ear” radical (耳, ěr) on the left and the “heart” radical (心, xīn) on the bottom. Together, they evoke a shame that you feel in your heart and hear in the insults of others.

When combined, 国 (guó) + 耻 (chǐ) literally means “nation's shame”—a disgrace that is not personal, but felt by the entire country as a single entity.

The concept of 国耻 (guóchǐ) is arguably one of the most important pillars of modern Chinese identity and politics. Its meaning is inextricably linked to the 百年国耻 (bǎinián guóchǐ) - the “Century of Humiliation.” This refers to the period from the First Opium War (1839-1842) to the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, during which China was militarily defeated, carved up into spheres of influence, and forced to sign numerous “Unequal Treaties” by Western powers and Japan. Key events during this period include:

• The Opium Wars
• The sacking of the Old Summer Palace
• The Sino-Japanese Wars
• The Boxer Rebellion
• The Japanese invasion and occupation (WWII)

In contrast to a Western concept like “Manifest Destiny” or “American Exceptionalism,” which frames national history as a series of triumphs and a special global role, 国耻 frames modern Chinese history as a story of overcoming victimization. It is a foundational narrative that teaches that a weak, divided nation will be bullied. Therefore, national unity, a strong central government, and a powerful military are presented as essential to prevent history from repeating itself. This concept fuels a powerful form of patriotism (爱国主义, àiguó zhǔyì) and is a cornerstone of China's “patriotic education” curriculum taught in all schools.

国耻 (guóchǐ) is not a casual term. It is used in serious, formal contexts.

• Political and Official Discourse: Government officials and state media frequently invoke 国耻 to rally public support, justify defense spending, and frame foreign policy decisions. It serves as a reminder of why China must remain strong and vigilant.
• Education: History textbooks and national holidays, like the unofficial “National Humiliation Day” (国耻日, guóchǐ rì) on September 18th (commemorating the Mukden Incident which led to the Japanese invasion of Manchuria), are centered on this concept. The goal is to instill a sense of history and patriotism in the younger generation.
• Online Nationalism: On Chinese social media, the term is often used by netizens during international disputes, particularly with Japan or the United States, to express indignation and argue that China must not show weakness.
• Connotation: The term is exclusively negative, somber, and heavy with historical weight. Using it lightly would be seen as deeply inappropriate or ignorant.

Example 1: 我们永远不能忘记国耻。 Pinyin: Wǒmen yǒngyuǎn bùnéng wàngjì guóchǐ. English: We can never forget the national humiliation. Analysis: This is a classic and common phrase used in education and official memorials. It emphasizes the importance of historical memory. Example 2: 这段历史是中华民族的国耻。 Pinyin: Zhè duàn lìshǐ shì Zhōnghuá mínzú de guóchǐ. English: This period of history is a national humiliation for the Chinese nation. Analysis: This sentence directly links a specific historical period (like the Opium Wars) to the concept of 国耻. Example 3: 老师告诉我们，要化国耻为力量，努力建设祖国。 Pinyin: Lǎoshī gàosù wǒmen, yào huà guóchǐ wèi lìliàng, nǔlì jiànshè zǔguó. English: The teacher told us we must turn national shame into strength and work hard to build our motherland. Analysis: This shows the constructive aspect of the concept—using the memory of past pain as motivation for future progress. “化 A 为 B” (huà A wèi B) is a common structure for “to turn A into B.” Example 4: 许多中国人认为南京大屠杀是近代史上最大的国耻。 Pinyin: Xǔduō Zhōngguórén rènwéi Nánjīng Dàtúshā shì jìndài shǐshàng zuìdà de guóchǐ. English: Many Chinese people consider the Nanjing Massacre to be the greatest national humiliation in modern history. Analysis: Here, 国耻 is used to label a specific, traumatic event. Example 5: 九月十八日被许多人视为“国耻日”。 Pinyin: Jiǔyuè shíbā rì bèi xǔduō rén shìwéi “guóchǐ rì”. English: September 18th is regarded by many as “National Humiliation Day.” Analysis: This sentence points to a specific date and its commemoration, showing the practical application of the term in modern life. Example 6: 忘记国耻就等于背叛历史。 Pinyin: Wàngjì guóchǐ jiù děngyú bèipàn lìshǐ. English: Forgetting the national humiliation is equivalent to betraying history. Analysis: This is a very strong, nationalistic statement that underlines the moral weight attached to remembering 国耻. Example 7: 他发表的言论被网民批评为“不记国耻”。 Pinyin: Tā fābiǎo de yánlùn bèi wǎngmín pīpíng wèi “bù jì guóchǐ”. English: The comments he published were criticized by netizens as “not remembering the national humiliation.” Analysis: This demonstrates how the concept is used as a standard for judging public statements, especially online. Example 8: 国家博物馆的展览详细叙述了百年国耻的经过。 Pinyin: Guójiā bówùguǎn de zhǎnlǎn xiángxì xùshù le bǎinián guóchǐ de jīngguò. English: The exhibition at the National Museum details the course of the Century of Humiliation. Analysis: This sentence places the concept within an official, cultural institution. Note the common collocation 百年国耻 (bǎinián guóchǐ). Example 9: 每一个中国人都应该了解那段国耻的历史，才能更珍惜今天的和平。 Pinyin: Měi yí ge Zhōngguórén dōu yīnggāi liǎojiě nà duàn guóchǐ de lìshǐ, cáinéng gèng zhēnxī jīntiān de hépíng. English: Every Chinese person should understand that history of national humiliation in order to better cherish today's peace. Analysis: This sentence connects the historical concept to a present-day value (cherishing peace). Example 10: 清政府的腐败无能是造成近代国耻的重要原因之一。 Pinyin: Qīng zhèngfǔ de fǔbài wúnéng shì zàochéng jìndài guóchǐ de zhòngyào yuányīn zhīyī. English: The corruption and incompetence of the Qing government was one of the important reasons for the national humiliation of modern times. Analysis: This sentence shows a more analytical use of the term, attributing the cause of the 国耻 to internal weakness as well as external aggression.

• Mistake 1: Confusing it with personal or general embarrassment.
  • *国耻 (guóchǐ) is not the same as feeling embarrassed (`尴尬, gāngà`) or ashamed (`羞愧, xiūkuì`) about a domestic issue, like a national team losing a game or a political scandal. 国耻 is almost exclusively about humiliation inflicted by *foreign powers*. * Incorrect: 输了足球比赛真是个国耻！ (Shūle zúqiú bǐsài zhēnshì ge guóchǐ!) → “Losing the soccer match is truly a national humiliation!” (This is extreme hyperbole and would sound jarringly nationalistic unless in a very specific, charged context). * Correct: 输了比赛，我们都觉得很遗憾 (hěn yíhàn - very regrettable) or 很丢脸 (hěn diūliǎn - very embarrassing/shameful). * Mistake 2: Using it in casual conversation. This term is heavy and formal. Bringing it up in light, everyday conversation would be very strange and out of place. It belongs in discussions about history, politics, and national identity. It carries significant emotional and political weight. ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== * 百年国耻 (bǎinián guóchǐ) - The “Century of Humiliation” (c. 1839-1949), the specific historical period that defines the concept of 国耻. * 民族复兴 (mínzú fùxīng) - “National Rejuvenation.” The official goal and narrative of modern China, which is to overcome the legacy of 国耻 and restore China to a position of strength and respect. * 爱国主义 (àiguó zhǔyì) - Patriotism. In China, modern patriotism is deeply informed by the memory of 国耻. * 不平等条约 (bùpíngděng tiáoyuē) - “Unequal Treaties.” The series of treaties China was forced to sign during the Century of Humiliation, seen as the primary instruments of 国耻. * 侵略 (qīnlüè) - Invasion, aggression. The actions by foreign powers that led to 国耻. * 屈辱 (qūrǔ) - Humiliation, disgrace. A more general word for humiliation that can be personal or national. 国耻 is a specific type of 屈辱 on a national scale. * 雪耻 (xuěchǐ) - To avenge a humiliation; to wipe out a disgrace. The verb form of what one does in response to 耻 (shame). * 鸦片战争 (Yāpiàn Zhànzhēng) - The Opium Wars. Widely considered the starting point of the Century of Humiliation. * 主权 (zhǔquán) - Sovereignty. The concept of national independence and authority that was violated during the period of 国耻**.