当 (dāng): This character's primary meaning here is “to act as,” “to work as,” or “to serve as.” Think of it as taking on a role, like in 当老师 (dāng lǎoshī), “to be a teacher.”
兵 (bīng): This character means “soldier” or, more broadly, “military” or “arms/weapons.” Its ancient form depicted a person holding an axe, representing a soldier.
When combined, 当兵 (dāng bīng) literally means “to act as a soldier,” a straightforward and logical combination that perfectly captures its meaning.
In China, 当兵 (dāng bīng) carries significant cultural weight, often viewed differently than military service in the West.
While military service in a country like the United States is a respected choice, often driven by patriotism, career goals, or educational benefits (like the G.I. Bill), in China it's frequently seen as a powerful tool for social mobility and character building. For many young people, especially from rural or less privileged backgrounds, serving in the People's Liberation Army (解放军, Jiěfàngjūn) is a prestigious opportunity.
Key cultural points:
Path to a Better Future: A successful military stint can lead to valuable benefits after discharge (退伍, tuìwǔ), such as preference for government jobs, easier entry into the Communist Party, and a lump sum of money. It's often seen as a way to “get ahead” in a competitive society.
Source of Family Pride: Having a child 当兵 is a great source of honor for a family. It signals that their child is disciplined, patriotic, and making a noble sacrifice for the country (保家卫国, bǎo jiā wèi guó).
“Eating Bitterness” (吃苦, chī kǔ): Military service is synonymous with enduring hardship to build resilience and strength of character. Parents might encourage a son to 当兵 to “make him a man.” This value of stoically enduring difficulty is highly esteemed in Chinese culture.
Therefore, 当兵 is not just a career; it's a transformative experience that shapes one's identity and social standing.