In China, committees (委员会, wěiyuánkuài) are fundamental to the operation of almost every major organization, from the highest levels of government to corporations and academic institutions. The concept is deeply embedded in a collectivist culture where group consensus and deliberation are highly valued. A 委员 (wěiyuán) is therefore not just a “member” in the casual Western sense, like being a member of a gym. It's a formal position of power and influence. For example, a 全国政协委员 (Quánguó Zhèngxié Wěiyuán), a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, is a prestigious political appointment. In a corporate setting, a member of the board of directors (董事会委员, dǒngshìhuì wěiyuán) holds significant authority over the company's direction. Compared to the Western term “committee member,” 委员 (wěiyuán) often implies a more formal, hierarchical, and appointed status rather than a voluntary or elected one, especially in political contexts. It reflects a structure where authority is delegated to a select group entrusted to act on behalf of a larger body.
委员 (wěiyuán) is almost exclusively used in formal or official settings. You will encounter it frequently in the news, in business meetings, and in any discussion related to organizational governance.
The most common mistake for learners is confusing 委员 (wěiyuán) with 成员 (chéngyuán).
Think of it this way: a sports club has many 成员 (chéngyuán), but only a few of them are on the club's governing committee, and those few are the 委员 (wěiyuán).