种族
How to Understand
种族 (zhǒng zú) refers to a group of people who share common physical traits, ancestry, or cultural background. It is often used in discussions about human diversity, social identity, and historical contexts.
The character 种 (zhǒng) originally meant 'kind' or 'type,' while 族 (zú) means 'clan' or 'people.' Together, they form a term that emphasizes shared lineage or cultural heritage, often with a focus on biological or social categorization.
In modern usage, 种族 is commonly translated as 'race' in English, though it can carry more specific connotations depending on context. It is frequently used in academic, political, and social discussions, especially in relation to equality, discrimination, and identity politics.