Welcome to our guide on how to say “non-binary” in Chinese! As the concept of non-binary gender continues to gain recognition, it’s important to be able to express and discuss it in different languages. In this guide, we will explore various ways to convey “non-binary” in Chinese, including both formal and informal approaches. While Chinese is a vast language with some regional variations, we will mainly focus on the standard Mandarin Chinese terminology. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Non-Binary in Chinese
In formal settings, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal terms you can use to express “non-binary” in Chinese:
1. 中性别 (zhōng xìngbié)
A direct translation of “non-binary” can be expressed as “中性别” in Mandarin Chinese. The term “中” (zhōng) means “middle” or “neutral,” and “性别” (xìngbié) translates to “gender.” This term is widely accepted in formal contexts.
2. 无性别 (wú xìngbié)
Another formal term to describe “non-binary” is “无性别” in Mandarin Chinese. “无” (wú) means “without” or “lacking,” and when combined with “性别” (xìngbié), it conveys the idea of “genderless” or “without gender.”
3. 非二元性别 (fēi èr yuán xìngbié)
If you wish to emphasize the rejection of the traditional binary gender system, you can use the term “非二元性别” in formal contexts. “非” (fēi) means “not” or “non-” and “二元性别” (èr yuán xìngbié) translates to “binary gender.” This term conveys the idea of being “non-binary” by negating the “binary gender.”
Informal Ways to Say Non-Binary in Chinese
In more informal or casual conversations, people may use alternative terms to describe “non-binary” in Chinese. Here are a few examples:
1. 中性 (zhōng xìng)
Informally, people may use “中性” as a shortened version of “中性别.” This term removes the word “gender” and refers directly to “neutral” or “androgynous” characteristics.
2. 无性 (wú xìng)
In casual conversations, “无性” can be used instead of “无性别.” Similar to the formal term, it implies being “genderless.”
Examples and Usage Tips
To better understand the usage of these terms, here are some examples:
Example 1: Ta shi yi ge zhong xìngbié de rén.
Translation: They are a non-binary person.
In this example, “zhong xìngbié” is used to describe a person as non-binary.
Example 2: Wo xiang yao reshe zhong xìngbié de huli fuwu.
Translation: I want to create inclusive healthcare services for non-binary individuals.
Example 2 demonstrates the usage of “zhong xìngbié” to discuss inclusive healthcare services for non-binary individuals.
Remember, it is always important to respect individuals’ gender identities and pronouns. If you are unsure about someone’s gender identity, it is best to ask politely.
Understanding Regional Variations
Chinese is a diverse language with various regional variations and dialects. While the terms mentioned above are widely understood in Mandarin Chinese, it’s worth noting that some regional variations may exist. It is advisable to use the standard Mandarin terms for “non-binary” to ensure clear communication across different Chinese-speaking communities.
Now armed with the formal and informal ways to express “non-binary” in Chinese, you can confidently engage in conversations about gender diversity and inclusivity. Remember to be respectful and open-minded while discussing these topics.
We hope this guide has been insightful and helpful! Happy language learning!
