dìguó zhǔyì: 帝国主义 - Imperialism

• Keywords: 帝国主义, diguozhuyi, Chinese imperialism, what is imperialism in Chinese, Chinese history, colonialism, Western powers, Century of Humiliation, 反帝 (fǎndì), anti-imperialism, Chinese nationalism.
• Summary: Learn the meaning and cultural significance of 帝国主义 (dìguó zhǔyì), the Chinese word for imperialism. This page explores its powerful historical roots in China's “Century of Humiliation,” its critical use in modern political discourse, and how its emotional weight differs from the Western concept. This term is essential for understanding Chinese history, modern nationalism, and foreign policy.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dìguó zhǔyì
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: Imperialism; the policy and practice of a powerful nation extending its control over weaker nations.
• In a Nutshell: 帝国主义 (dìguó zhǔyì) is the Chinese word for “imperialism.” It is far more than a simple political science term; it's a word loaded with historical pain, particularly from the “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻) when foreign powers dominated China. In modern China, it is almost always used in a negative, critical sense to condemn the perceived aggressive, expansionist, or hegemonic actions of other countries, most notably the United States.

• 帝 (dì): Emperor, sovereign, imperial. This character originally depicted a supreme ruler or deity.
• 国 (guó): Country, nation, state. A box (囗) representing borders with jade (玉) inside, symbolizing territory and value.
• 主 (zhǔ): Master, to advocate, main. This character can represent a guiding principle or a lord.
• 义 (yì): -ism, doctrine, principle, justice. A common suffix that turns a concept into an ideology, much like “-ism” in English.

The characters combine logically: 帝国 (dìguó) means “empire.” Adding the suffix 主义 (zhǔyì), which means “-ism” or “doctrine,” creates 帝国主义 (dìguó zhǔyì) – literally “empire-ism” or the “doctrine of empires.”

The term 帝国主义 is one of the most politically and emotionally charged words in the modern Chinese vocabulary. Its meaning is inextricably linked to the “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻, bǎinián guóchǐ), a period from the First Opium War (1839) to the founding of the People's Republic of China (1949). During this time, China was defeated in multiple wars, forced to sign unequal treaties, and saw its territory carved up by imperial powers like Britain, France, Russia, and Japan. In Western discourse, “imperialism” can be a historical topic discussed with some academic distance (e.g., studying the Roman Empire). While it carries negative connotations, it doesn't usually evoke a deep, personal sense of national trauma. In China, 帝国主义 is not an abstract concept; it is a direct accusation and a core part of the national narrative of victimhood and rejuvenation. It underpins modern Chinese nationalism and the government's emphasis on sovereignty (主权, zhǔquán) and non-interference. To understand 帝国主义 is to understand the historical grievance that fuels China's modern ambition to reclaim its status as a strong, respected global power.

帝国主义 is a formal and serious term, rarely used in casual, everyday chat. Its usage is concentrated in specific domains:

• Official Government Discourse: The Chinese government and state media (like Xinhua and People's Daily) frequently use 帝国主义 to criticize the foreign policy of the United States and its allies. It is often used alongside 霸权主义 (bàquán zhǔyì), or “hegemonism.”
• Education and History: The term is central to the teaching of modern Chinese history in schools and is featured prominently in museums and historical dramas. It is used to frame the narrative of China's struggle against foreign aggressors.
• Online Nationalist Discussions: On social media platforms like Weibo, netizens use the term to voice patriotic sentiment and criticize any perceived foreign action that disrespects China or infringes on its sovereignty.

The connotation is overwhelmingly negative. It is a word of condemnation, implying aggression, exploitation, and bullying on an international scale.

• Example 1:
  • 历史课上，我们学习了中国人民反抗帝国主义侵略的斗争。
  • Pinyin: Lìshǐ kè shàng, wǒmen xuéxíle Zhōngguó rénmín fǎnkàng dìguó zhǔyì qīnlüè de dòuzhēng.
  • English: In history class, we studied the Chinese people's struggle against imperialist aggression.
  • Analysis: A standard, educational context. Here, the term is used to describe a historical period.
• Example 2:
  • 这位发言人谴责了某些国家的文化帝国主义行径。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi fāyánrén qiǎnzéle mǒuxiē guójiā de wénhuà dìguó zhǔyì xíngjìng.
  • English: The spokesperson condemned the cultural imperialism of certain countries.
  • Analysis: This shows how the term can be modified, as in “cultural imperialism,” a common accusation in political rhetoric.
• Example 3:
  • 我们坚决反对任何形式的帝国主义和霸权主义。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen jiānjué fǎnduì rènhé xíngshì de dìguó zhǔyì hé bàquán zhǔyì.
  • English: We resolutely oppose all forms of imperialism and hegemonism.
  • Analysis: A classic phrase from Chinese foreign policy statements, demonstrating its formal and political nature.
• Example 4:
  • 许多发展中国家都曾深受帝国主义之害。
  • Pinyin: Xǔduō fāzhǎnzhōng guójiā dōu céng shēn shòu dìguó zhǔyì zhī hài.
  • English: Many developing countries have suffered deeply from the harm of imperialism.
  • Analysis: This sentence highlights the concept of shared victimhood among nations that were formerly colonized or dominated.
• Example 5:
  • 电影描绘了20世纪初帝国主义列强瓜分中国的历史。
  • Pinyin: Diànyǐng miáohuìle èrshí shìjì chū dìguó zhǔyì lièqiáng guāfēn Zhōngguó de lìshǐ.
  • English: The movie depicts the history of the imperialist powers carving up China in the early 20th century.
  • Analysis: “列强 (lièqiáng)” means “great powers” and is often paired with 帝国主义 to refer to the specific countries involved.
• Example 6:
  • 他的文章充满了对新帝国主义的批判。
  • Pinyin: Tā de wénzhāng chōngmǎnle duì xīn dìguó zhǔyì de pīpàn.
  • English: His article is full of criticism of neo-imperialism.
  • Analysis: The term can be updated to “新 (xīn)” or “new” to describe modern forms of perceived economic or political domination.
• Example 7:
  • 经济帝国主义通过不平等的贸易关系来剥削弱小国家。
  • Pinyin: Jīngjì dìguó zhǔyì tōngguò bù píngděng de màoyì guānxì lái bōxuē ruòxiǎo guójiā.
  • English: Economic imperialism exploits weaker nations through unequal trade relations.
  • Analysis: Another specific form, focusing on economic control rather than direct territorial conquest.
• Example 8:
  • 维护国家主权是反抗帝国主义的核心。
  • Pinyin: Wéihù guójiā zhǔquán shì fǎnkàng dìguó zhǔyì de héxīn.
  • English: Safeguarding national sovereignty is the core of resisting imperialism.
  • Analysis: This sentence connects 帝国主义 directly to its opposite value: 主权 (zhǔquán), or sovereignty.
• Example 9:
  • 网上有些人认为，任何对中国内政的干涉都是帝国主义的体现。
  • Pinyin: Wǎngshàng yǒuxiē rén rènwéi, rènhé duì Zhōngguó nèizhèng de gānshè dōu shì dìguó zhǔyì de tǐxiàn.
  • English: Some people online believe that any interference in China's internal affairs is a manifestation of imperialism.
  • Analysis: This shows how the term is used in modern, nationalistic online discussions, often with a very broad definition.
• Example 10:
  • “打倒帝国主义！”是过去革命时期的一个响亮口号。
  • Pinyin: “Dǎdǎo dìguó zhǔyì!” shì guòqù gémìng shíqī de yí ge xiǎngliàng kǒuhào.
  • English: “Down with imperialism!” was a resounding slogan during the past revolutionary period.
  • Analysis: This historical slogan shows the term's role in mobilizing popular sentiment and revolutionary fervor.

• Not a Neutral Term: Unlike in English where “empire” can sometimes be used neutrally (e.g., “a business empire”), 帝国主义 is always negative and accusatory. Using it in a neutral or positive way is impossible in Chinese.
• False Friend Alert - “Imperial”: Be careful when translating “imperial” from English. If you mean “related to an emperor” (e.g., “imperial palace”), you should use words like 皇家的 (huángjiā de) or 宫廷的 (gōngtíng de). Using 帝国主义 would be completely wrong and nonsensical.
• The “China as Imperialist” Accusation: Foreign critics sometimes accuse modern China of practicing its own form of “imperialism” (e.g., through the Belt and Road Initiative). This is an extremely sensitive and offensive topic in China. The official and popular view is that China is a victim of imperialism and, as a socialist country, is fundamentally opposed to it. Applying the term 帝国主义 to China itself will be met with strong denial and anger. It is a critical mistake for a learner to make.

• 殖民主义 (zhímín zhǔyì) - Colonialism. The practice of settling and ruling a foreign land. It is the practical application of the ideology of 帝国主义.
• 霸权主义 (bàquán zhǔyì) - Hegemonism. The domination of one state over others. Often used together with 帝国主义 to criticize US foreign policy.
• 百年国耻 (bǎinián guóchǐ) - The Century of Humiliation. The historical period of foreign domination that gives 帝国主义 its deep emotional power in China.
• 侵略 (qīnlüè) - Aggression, invasion. The primary action carried out by imperialist powers.
• 主权 (zhǔquán) - Sovereignty. The principle of national self-rule that 帝国主义 violates.
• 半殖民地半封建社会 (bànzhímíndì bànfēngjiàn shèhuì) - Semi-colonial, semi-feudal society. The official historical term for China's status under imperialist pressure.
• 反帝 (fǎndì) - Anti-imperialism. A common abbreviation for 反对帝国主义 (fǎnduì dìguó zhǔyì).
• 帝国 (dìguó) - Empire. The noun form. More neutral than 帝国主义, it can refer to historical empires like the Roman Empire (罗马帝国) or the British Empire (大英帝国).