非二元
fēi'èryuán
The English phrase non-binary is translated into Chinese as 非二元 (fēi'èryuán).
非二元 describes being outside the gender binary. While 非二元 can stand alone, adding 性别 (gender) to form 非二元性别 makes the phrase more precise in formal or academic discussions about identity.
Meaning: outside the gender binary (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 非二元 is composed of 非 (non-/not), 二 (two) and 元 (unit/element/binary system).
How does it change in a sentence?
In many contexts, the term is used as an adjective modifying the noun 性别 (gender) to form the full phrase for 'non-binary gender'.
How do you pronounce it?
fēi'èryuán
Did you know?
- Chinese does not have a gendered pronoun system like 'he' or 'she' in spoken language, as the word 他 (tā) sounds the same regardless of the written character used.
- In online Chinese communities, users may use specific hashtags or coded emojis to discuss 非二元 identities to avoid algorithmic censorship.
- The character 元 in 非二元 refers to the 'element' or 'unit' and is the same character used in the name of the Chinese currency, the 'Yuan'.
Examples in context
- 他认同自己是非二元性别。Tā rèntóng zìjǐ shì fēi èryuán xìngbié.He identifies as non-binary.
- 这个艺术家的性别认同是非二元的。Zhège yìshùjiā de xìngbié rèntóng shì fēi èryuán de.This artist's gender identity is non-binary.
- 非二元的人也会面临很多挑战。Fēi èryuán de rén yě huì miànlín hěnduō tiǎozhàn.Non-binary people also face many challenges.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “non-binary” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
