同志
tóngzhì
The Chinese word for comrade is 同志 (tóngzhì).
同志 refers to a mate, companion or associate. While it was historically a standard political term used for members of the Communist Party, in modern mainland China it is often used as a formal or slightly old-fashioned way to address someone in official or political contexts.
Meaning: mate, companion, or associate (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 同 (tóng) meaning 'same' and 志 (zhì) meaning 'will' or 'purpose', so it literally means 'those with the same will'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
同志 is a formal term. In modern casual conversation, using 同志 to address a stranger can feel overly formal or politically charged compared to using more common terms like 你 or more specific titles.
How do you pronounce it?
tóngzhì
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, especially in Hong Kong, the term 同志 has been repurposed as a slang term for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
- The term '志' (zhì) in the phrase can also be found in words related to 'ambition' or 'record', linking the concept of a comrade to one's life goals.
- The meaning of 同志 can change completely depending on whether you are in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
Examples in context
- 向雷锋同志学习。Learn from Comrade Lei Feng.This sentence is useful for showing how to use 同志 when referring to a specific person.Tatoeba #1776725 by sadhen, translation #4895469 by Objectivesea
- 这位同志很热心。zhè wèi tóng zhì hěn rè xīn.This comrade is very enthusiastic.
- 我们要支持革命同志。wǒ men yào zhī chí gé mìng tóng zhì.We must support our revolutionary comrades.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are introducing a new staff member.
- 俊杰 Junjie梓涵，这位是新来的同志。Zǐhán, zhè wèi shì xīn lái de tóngzhì.Zihan, this is the new comrade.
- 梓涵 Zihan你好！很高兴认识你。Nǐ hǎo! Hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ.Hello! Nice to meet you.
- 俊杰 Junjie他以后会和我们一起工作。Tā yǐhòu huì hé wǒmen yīqǐ gōngzuò.He will be working with us from now on.
- 梓涵 Zihan太好了，欢迎这位同志。Tài hǎole, huānyíng zhè wèi tóngzhì.Great, welcome this comrade.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “comrade” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 同志, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
