noun HSK 4
Traditional 群眾
the masses · the public · the common people
Meaning
群众 refers to ordinary people collectively, especially as distinguished from officials, leaders, or experts. It often carries a sense of 'the general population' or 'rank-and-file members' of society. In political contexts, it can mean 'the masses' in a somewhat ideological sense.
Usage
Commonly used in formal contexts, news reports, and political discourse. 群众 emphasizes people as a collective group rather than individuals. You'll often see it in phrases like 群众路线 (mass line), 群众工作 (mass work), or 广大群众 (the broad masses). It's less casual than 老百姓 (common folk).
Examples
- 01这项政策得到了广大群众的支持。.This policy has gained the support of the broad masses.
- 02警察呼吁群众提供线索。.The police are calling on the public to provide leads.
Characters
Common collocations
- 广大群众the broad masses
- 人民群众the masses of the people
- 群众路线mass line (political concept)
- 群众基础mass support, popular base
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters relate to collectivity: 群 originally depicted sheep together, representing a flock or group; 众 shows three people (人), symbolizing many people together.