When combined, 中华 (Zhōnghuá) forms a formal and poetic name for “China.” 民族 (mínzú) means “nation” or “ethnic group.” Therefore, 中华民族 (zhōnghuá mínzú) literally translates to the “Chinese nation-group,” a modern concept designed to unify a diverse population under one national identity.
The concept of 中华民族 (zhōnghuá mínzú) is a cornerstone of modern Chinese national identity and politics. It was popularized in the early 20th century as China was dissolving as an empire and struggling to form a modern nation-state capable of resisting foreign encroachment. The goal was to create a single, unified identity that transcended the old imperial, ethnic, and regional loyalties. Today, it is heavily promoted by the government to foster national unity and territorial integrity. The official narrative is that all 56 ethnic groups are equal and indispensable parts of this greater Chinese Nation, working together for a shared future. This idea is central to the political goal of “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation” (中华民族伟大复兴, Zhōnghuá mínzú wěidà fùxīng). A Western parallel might be the American motto “E pluribus unum” (“Out of many, one”). However, there's a key difference in emphasis. The American “melting pot” ideal often implies assimilation into a new, singular American culture. The 中华民族 concept, at least in theory, promotes a “unity in diversity” model, where the 55 minority groups retain their unique languages, customs, and cultures while also being part of the larger Chinese whole. This distinction is a subject of ongoing academic and political debate, but understanding the official concept is key to understanding modern China's self-perception.