政治
zhèngzhì
The English word 'politics' is translated into Chinese as 政治 (zhèngzhì).
政治 refers to the methodology and activities associated with running a government.
Meaning: a methodology and activities associated with running a government (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of two parts: 政 (zhèng), meaning administration or government and 治 (zhì), meaning to govern or manage.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the English word 'politics' can be treated as singular or plural, the Chinese noun 政治 is always treated as an uncountable concept in sentence structure.
How do you pronounce it?
zhèngzhì
Did you know?
- The character 治 in 政治 originally referred to managing water and flood control. In ancient China, the ability to control the rivers was considered the ultimate proof of a ruler's legitimacy to govern.
- In modern Chinese, 政治 is often used as a modifier to describe something that is 'calculated' or 'strategic'. For example, a 政治 smile refers to a smile that is fake and intended for a specific social or professional purpose.
- The character 治 in 政治 is the same character used in the word for 'to cure' or 'to treat' a disease, suggesting that governing is seen as a process of bringing order to chaos.
Examples in context
- 政治即生活。Politics are the life.This sentence uses 政治 to express a philosophical view on politics.Tatoeba #2076319 by sadhen, translation #1340063 by notobelieb
- 玛丽对政治感兴趣。Mary is interested in politics.This sentence shows how to express an interest in 政治 using a name.Tatoeba #401026 by GlossaMatik, translation #31763 by CK
- 我對政治很感興趣。I find politics very interesting.This sentence demonstrates expressing interest in 政治 using the first person pronoun.Tatoeba #5809513 by xjjAstrus, translation #5932957 by peterius
- 他对政治问题非常感兴趣。He is very interested in political issues.
- 社会主义是中国的主要政体。Socialism is the main political system in China.
- 他总是说一些关于政治问题的事情。He always talks about things related to political issues.
- 这位政治家在政治场上非常有影响力。This politician has a lot of influence in the political arena.
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a news report at a cafe.
- 伟 Wei你看新闻了吗？Nǐ kàn xīnwén le ma?Did you see the news?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen看了，最近的政治局势很复杂。Kàn le, zuìjìn de zhèngzhì júshì hěn fùzá.I did, the recent political situation is very complex.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你觉得这会影响经济吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ juédé zhè huì yǐngxiǎng jīngjì ma?Xiaowen, do you think this will affect the economy?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen很有可能会。Hěn yǒu kěnéng huì.It is very likely.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “politics” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
