华裔美国人
huáyì měiguórén
The English phrase 'Chinese American' is translated into Chinese as 华裔美国人 (huáyì měiguórén).
This phrase is used to refer to a citizen of the United States who has Chinese ancestry.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 华裔美国人 is composed of 华裔 (Chinese descent), 美国 (America) and 人 (person).
Which one should you use?
While 华裔美国人 specifically refers to people of Chinese descent who are American citizens, the broader term 华人 (Huárén) is used to describe ethnic Chinese people regardless of their nationality.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase 华裔美国人 functions as a noun referring to the person themselves.
How do you pronounce it?
huáyì měiguórén
Did you know?
- The term 美国 (měiguó) literally translates to 'Beautiful Country', a name that is used throughout the Chinese-speaking world for the United States.
- In Chinese, the term 华裔 is used to specifically denote someone born outside of China. Someone born in China who later moves to the US would more likely be called a 华人 or 中国公民.
- The character 华 (huá) in 华裔 is a poetic and formal way to refer to China, often used to evoke a sense of cultural elegance or historical heritage.
Examples in context
- 那位科学家是华裔美国人。That scientist is Chinese American.
- 我有很多朋友是美籍华人。I have many friends who are Chinese Americans.
- 他是华裔美国人。Tā shì Huáyì Měiguórén.He is a Chinese American.
- 很多华裔美国人在这里工作。Hěnduō Huáyì Měiguórén zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò.Many Chinese Americans work here.
- 作为一名华裔美国人，她很了解两种文化。Zuòwéi yī míng Huáyì Měiguórén, tā hěn liǎojiě liǎng zhǒng wénhuà.As a Chinese American, she understands both cultures well.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a new colleague.
- 佳怡 Jiayi新同事是华裔美国人吗？Xīn tóngshì shì huáyì měiguórén ma?Is the new colleague Chinese American?
- 志强 Zhiqiang是的，他在纽约长大。Shì de, tā zài niǔyuē zhǎngdà.Yes, he grew up in New York.
- 佳怡 Jiayi他的中文说得怎么样？Tā de zhōngwén shuō de zěnmeyàng?How is his Chinese?
- 志强 Zhiqiang虽然是华裔美国人，但他说得很好。Suīrán shì huáyì měiguórén, dàn tā shuō de hěn hǎo.Even though he is Chinese American, he speaks it very well.
