氏族

氏族 (shì zú) refers to a clan or family group, often with historical or cultural significance. It emphasizes lineage and shared ancestry, typically found in traditional Chinese society before the rise of modern individualism.

The character 氏 (shì) originally meant 'clan' or 'family name,' while 族 (zú) means 'people' or 'group.' Together, they form a term that denotes a collective of people bound by common descent or cultural heritage.

氏族 is often used in historical contexts, such as discussing ancient Chinese social structures or the role of clans in local governance. It may also appear in literature or discussions about traditional values and community identity.