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| 国防 [2025/08/13 18:51] – created xiaoer | 国防 [Unknown date] (current) – removed - external edit (Unknown date) 127.0.0.1 |
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| ====== guófáng: 国防 - National Defense ====== | |
| ===== Quick Summary ===== | |
| * **Keywords:** guofang, 国防, national defense, China national defense, Chinese military, People's Liberation Army (PLA), Ministry of National Defense, 国防部, Chinese security, defense policy, military affairs. | |
| * **Summary:** Learn the meaning of **国防 (guófáng)**, the Chinese term for "national defense." This page explores its core definition, character origins, and crucial role in modern Chinese society and politics. Discover how **国防** is more than just military hardware; it's a concept deeply tied to China's history, national sovereignty, patriotism, and its goal of national rejuvenation. Understand its use in formal contexts, from news reports on the **国防部** (Ministry of National Defense) to discussions about the People's Liberation Army (PLA). | |
| ===== Core Meaning ===== | |
| * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** guó fáng | |
| * **Part of Speech:** Noun | |
| * **HSK Level:** HSK 6 | |
| * **Concise Definition:** The organized effort, system, and military capability a country uses to protect its sovereignty, territory, and interests. | |
| * **In a Nutshell:** **国防 (guófáng)** directly translates to "national defense," but it's a heavyweight term in Chinese. It's not just about soldiers and weapons; it's a pillar of national pride and government policy. Think of it as the country's ultimate security blanket, one that is constantly being discussed, strengthened, and displayed. The concept is deeply linked to China's modern history and its determination to never again be seen as weak on the world stage. | |
| ===== Character Breakdown ===== | |
| * **国 (guó):** Nation, country, state. The modern character is composed of **囗 (wéi)**, an enclosure representing borders, and **玉 (yù)**, meaning jade or treasure, inside it. Pictorially, it represents "the treasure within the borders." | |
| * **防 (fáng):** To defend, to guard against, to prevent. The left radical **阝(fù)** is a variant of 阜, meaning "mound" or "hill," often associated with fortifications and boundaries. The right side **方 (fāng)** provides the sound. Together, it suggests defending a boundary or territory. | |
| These two characters combine literally and powerfully to mean **"defending the nation."** | |
| ===== Cultural Context and Significance ===== | |
| In China, **国防 (guófáng)** is a concept saturated with historical and political meaning. It is intrinsically linked to the "Century of Humiliation" (百年国耻 bǎinián guóchǐ), a period from the mid-19th to mid-20th century when China suffered numerous foreign invasions and unequal treaties. Consequently, building a strong **国防** is seen as a fundamental prerequisite for national sovereignty, dignity, and the "Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation" (中华民族伟大复兴 Zhōnghuá Mínzú Wěidà Fùxīng). | |
| A helpful comparison is with "national defense" in the United States. While both refer to military protection, the emphasis differs. In American discourse, "national defense" is often linked to global power projection, alliances, and expeditionary capabilities. In China, **国防** is officially and culturally framed with a stronger emphasis on **defense of territorial integrity** (especially regarding Taiwan and the South China Sea), **sovereignty**, and **non-interference** in its internal affairs. While China's military is rapidly modernizing and expanding its reach, the official narrative surrounding **国防** remains staunchly "defensive" in nature. This reflects a core value of national unity and self-determination. | |
| ===== Practical Usage in Modern China ===== | |
| **国防 (guófáng)** is a formal and serious term. You will encounter it frequently in official contexts but rarely in casual, everyday conversation. | |
| === In News and Politics === | |
| This is the most common context. News reports, government work reports, and political speeches constantly use **国防** when discussing military budgets, new technology (e.g., aircraft carriers, stealth fighters), international relations, and security policy. The **国防部 (Guófáng Bù)**, or Ministry of National Defense, is the key government body. | |
| === In Education and Society === | |
| **国防教育 (guófáng jiàoyù)**, or "national defense education," is a standard part of the Chinese education system. It aims to instill patriotism, awareness of military affairs, and a sense of civic duty to protect the country. This can range from classroom lessons to mandatory military training for university freshmen. | |
| ===== Example Sentences ===== | |
| * **Example 1:** | |
| * 中国的**国防**预算每年都在增加。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhōngguó de **guófáng** yùsuàn měinián dōu zài zēngjiā. | |
| * English: China's **national defense** budget is increasing every year. | |
| * Analysis: A very common and neutral sentence you would read in a news article discussing economics or geopolitics. | |
| * **Example 2:** | |
| * 加强**国防**建设是我们的首要任务之一。 | |
| * Pinyin: Jiāqiáng **guófáng** jiànshè shì wǒmen de shǒuyào rènwù zhīyī. | |
| * English: Strengthening **national defense** construction is one of our primary tasks. | |
| * Analysis: This is typical government or official language. `建设 (jiànshè)` here means "development" or "construction" in an abstract sense. | |
| * **Example 3:** | |
| * **国防部**发言人今天举行了记者招待会。 | |
| * Pinyin: **Guófáng Bù** fāyánrén jīntiān jǔxíng le jìzhě zhāodàihuì. | |
| * English: The Ministry of **National Defense** spokesperson held a press conference today. | |
| * Analysis: This shows the term used as part of a proper noun, the **国防部 (Guófáng Bù)**. | |
| * **Example 4:** | |
| * 他一生都奉献给了国家的**国防**事业。 | |
| * Pinyin: Tā yīshēng dōu fèngxiàn gěi le guójiā de **guófáng** shìyè. | |
| * English: He dedicated his entire life to the cause of the nation's **defense**. | |
| * Analysis: `事业 (shìyè)` means "cause" or "undertaking." This sentence has a very formal and respectful tone, suitable for describing a military hero or scientist. | |
| * **Example 5:** | |
| * 中国奉行防御性的**国防**政策。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhōngguó fèngxíng fángyùxìng de **guófáng** zhèngcè. | |
| * English: China pursues a defensive **national defense** policy. | |
| * Analysis: This is a key official talking point. `奉行 (fèngxíng)` is a formal verb for "to pursue (a policy)." `防御性 (fángyùxìng)` means "defensive in nature." | |
| * **Example 6:** | |
| * 每个公民都有依法履行**国防**义务的责任。 | |
| * Pinyin: Měi ge gōngmín dōu yǒu yīfǎ lǚxíng **guófáng** yìwù de zérèn. | |
| * English: Every citizen has the responsibility to fulfill their **national defense** obligations according to the law. | |
| * Analysis: This highlights the legal and civic duty associated with **国防**. `义务 (yìwù)` means obligation or duty. | |
| * **Example 7:** | |
| * 强大的**国防**是国家安全的坚强后盾。 | |
| * Pinyin: Qiángdà de **guófáng** shì guójiā ānquán de jiānqiáng hòudùn. | |
| * English: A strong **national defense** is the firm backing for national security. | |
| * Analysis: `后盾 (hòudùn)` literally means "a shield behind one's back," a great metaphor for "strong backing" or "support." | |
| * **Example 8:** | |
| * 我们必须加快**国防**和军队现代化。 | |
| * Pinyin: Wǒmen bìxū jiākuài **guófáng** hé jūnduì xiàndàihuà. | |
| * English: We must accelerate the modernization of **national defense** and the armed forces. | |
| * Analysis: This sentence clearly distinguishes between **国防** (the overall system/concept) and `军队 (jūnduì)` (the armed forces). | |
| * **Example 9:** | |
| * 这部电影涉及了很多关于**国防**科技的内容。 | |
| * Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng shèjí le hěn duō guānyú **guófáng** kējì de nèiróng. | |
| * English: This movie involves a lot of content about **national defense** science and technology. | |
| * Analysis: Shows how **国防** can be used as an attributive noun to modify other concepts like `科技 (kējì)`. | |
| * **Example 10:** | |
| * 大学新生必须参加**国防**教育。 | |
| * Pinyin: Dàxué xīnshēng bìxū cānjiā **guófáng** jiàoyù. | |
| * English: University freshmen must participate in **national defense** education. | |
| * Analysis: A practical example of how the concept directly affects people's lives in China. | |
| ===== Nuances and Common Mistakes ===== | |
| * **Formality is Key:** Do not use **国防** in casual conversation. It's a formal, political, and strategic term. If you're talking about a friend in the army, you wouldn't use this word. | |
| * **Abstract Noun, Not a Place:** A common mistake is to treat **国防** as a physical place or organization one can be "in." | |
| * **Incorrect:** `*我弟弟在国防工作。` (*Wǒ dìdi zài guófáng gōngzuò.*) | |
| * **Why it's wrong:** This is like saying "My brother works in national defense." While grammatically understandable in English, it's unnatural in Chinese. | |
| * **Correct:** `我弟弟在军队工作。` (Wǒ dìdi zài jūnduì gōngzuò. - My brother works in the military.) or more specifically `我弟弟在国防部工作。` (Wǒ dìdi zài Guófáng Bù gōngzuò. - My brother works at the Ministry of National Defense.) | |
| * **"National Defense" vs. "Military":** **国防** is not a direct synonym for "the military." | |
| * **国防 (guófáng):** The entire system and concept of defending a country. It includes the military, but also policy, industry, technology, mobilization, and education. | |
| * **[[军队]] (jūnduì):** The military, the armed forces. The actual soldiers and equipment. | |
| * Think of it this way: The `军队 (jūnduì)` is the primary tool used to carry out `国防 (guófáng)`. | |
| ===== Related Terms and Concepts ===== | |
| * [[军队]] (jūnduì) - Army, military, armed forces. The main instrument of **国防**. | |
| * [[军事]] (jūnshì) - Military affairs. A common adjective used to describe things related to **国防** (e.g., `军事演习` - military exercise). | |
| * [[国防部]] (guófáng bù) - Ministry of National Defense. The official government department responsible for **国防**. | |
| * [[解放军]] (jiěfàngjūn) - People's Liberation Army (PLA). The official name of the Chinese armed forces, the core of its **国防**. | |
| * [[保卫]] (bǎowèi) - To defend, safeguard. A verb often used in the context of **国防**, such as `保卫国家` (bǎowèi guójiā) - to defend the country. | |
| * [[安全]] (ānquán) - Safety, security. `国家安全` (guójiā ānquán), or "national security," is a broader concept that encompasses **国防** as well as economic and political security. | |
| * [[主权]] (zhǔquán) - Sovereignty. The core principle that **国防** is designed to protect. | |
| * [[国防教育]] (guófáng jiàoyù) - National defense education. The system for teaching citizens about **国防**. | |