Meaning
文明 refers to civilization in both the concrete sense (a society with organized culture, technology, and institutions) and the abstract sense (being civilized, cultured, or refined in behavior). It combines 文 (culture, writing) and 明 (bright, enlightened) to suggest an enlightened or cultured state of human society.
Usage
As a noun, 文明 describes human civilizations or cultural achievements. As an adjective, it describes civilized, polite, or refined behavior. Commonly used in formal contexts, news, and discussions of social behavior. The phrase 文明礼貌 (civilized and polite) is frequently used to describe proper conduct.
Examples
- 01中华文明有五千多年的历史。.Chinese civilization has over five thousand years of history.
- 02我们要做文明的游客，不要乱扔垃圾。, .We should be civilized tourists and not litter.
Characters
Measure words
- 个一个文明
- 种一种文明
Common collocations
- 文明礼貌civilized and polite
- 精神文明spiritual/cultural civilization
- 物质文明material civilization
- 古代文明ancient civilization
Antonyms
Origin
The compound combines 文 (culture, refinement) with 明 (brightness, clarity), suggesting the idea of an enlightened or cultured state. The term gained its modern meaning of 'civilization' through Japanese usage in the late 19th century and was reintroduced to Chinese.