kàng rì zhànzhēng: 抗日战争 - War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression

• Keywords: kàng rì zhànzhēng, kang ri zhanzheng, 抗日战争, Second Sino-Japanese War, War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, Anti-Japanese War, WWII in China, Chinese history, China Japan War, 1937-1945
• Summary: 抗日战争 (kàng rì zhànzhēng) is the official Chinese name for the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). More than just a historical term, it represents a foundational event in modern Chinese history, shaping national identity, patriotism, and contemporary politics. Understanding this term is crucial for comprehending modern China's worldview, its relationship with Japan, and the immense sense of national struggle and resilience that defines the country's narrative of the 20th century.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): kàng rì zhànzhēng
• Part of Speech: Proper Noun
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: The War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, also known internationally as the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945).
• In a Nutshell: This isn't just a neutral name for a war. The term 抗日战争 frames the conflict from a specifically Chinese perspective, emphasizing the act of “resisting” (抗) a foreign aggressor. It carries a heavy emotional weight, evoking themes of national trauma, heroic sacrifice, and ultimate victory through perseverance. It is the cornerstone of modern Chinese patriotism and a deeply significant period in the collective memory of the Chinese people.

• 抗 (kàng): To resist; to fight against; to oppose. This character sets the entire tone of the phrase, focusing on defiance rather than just conflict.
• 日 (rì): Sun or day. In many contexts, including this one, it is a common abbreviation for 日本 (Rìběn), or Japan.
• 战 (zhàn): War; battle; to fight.
• 争 (zhēng): To struggle; to contend; to dispute.

The last two characters, 战争 (zhànzhēng), form the standard modern Chinese word for “war.” When combined, the whole phrase literally means “Resist Japan War,” a powerful and direct statement of the conflict's nature from the Chinese viewpoint.

The 抗日战争 is arguably the single most important event of the 20th century for China. It is remembered as a time of immense suffering and loss, but also as the moment the Chinese nation, after a “Century of Humiliation” (百年国耻 bǎinián guóchǐ), stood up to fight for its survival and sovereignty. A useful Western comparison is the cultural and political significance of “The Holocaust” in Jewish and Western identity, or “World War II” in the American and British psyche. Like those events, the 抗日战争 is not merely a subject for history books. It is a living memory that is:

• A Source of National Trauma: Events like the Nanjing Massacre (南京大屠杀) are seared into the national consciousness.
• A Foundation for Patriotism: The narrative of resisting and ultimately defeating a technologically superior invader is a primary source of national pride and a cornerstone of patriotic education (爱国主义教育 àiguózhǔyì jiàoyù).
• A Political Tool: The Chinese Communist Party draws significant legitimacy from its narrative of leading the resistance effort.
• A Lens for International Relations: The war continues to be a major, often sensitive, point in Sino-Japanese relations.

Unlike a term like the “American Civil War,” which was an internal conflict, 抗日战争 was a fight against a foreign invader. This distinction is key, as it fostered a powerful, unified sense of nationalism centered on defending the homeland, a sentiment that remains potent today.

This term is used frequently, but almost always in serious and formal contexts.

• In Education and Media: It is a mandatory topic in all Chinese history classes. It is also the subject of countless films, television dramas, documentaries, and books. The “Anti-Japan War Drama” (抗日神剧 kàngrì shénjù) is a well-known, sometimes over-the-top, genre of television.
• On Holidays and Commemorations: The term is central to “Victory over Japan Day” (September 3rd), a national holiday in China. You will hear it in speeches by political leaders and in news reports on this day.
• In Conversation: While not light conversation, people might refer to the 抗日战争 when discussing their family history (e.g., “my grandfather fought in the war”), visiting historical sites, or discussing current events related to Japan. The tone is always one of gravity and respect.

The term carries an inherently solemn connotation. It is positive when praising the spirit of resistance but deeply negative when referring to the aggression and suffering it entailed.

• Example 1:
• 我爷爷参加过抗日战争。
• Pinyin: Wǒ yéye cānjiā guo kàng rì zhànzhēng.
• English: My grandfather participated in the War of Resistance Against Japan.
• Analysis: A common way for individuals to connect their family history to this major national event. The particle `过 (guo)` indicates past experience.
• Example 2:
• 这部电影是关于抗日战争的。
• Pinyin: Zhè bù diànyǐng shì guānyú kàng rì zhànzhēng de.
• English: This movie is about the War of Resistance Against Japan.
• Analysis: A very common sentence you might use when discussing media. `关于 (guānyú)` means “about” or “concerning.”
• Example 3:
• 抗日战争对中国现代史影响深远。
• Pinyin: Kàng rì zhànzhēng duì Zhōngguó xiàndài shǐ yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn.
• English: The War of Resistance Against Japan has had a profound influence on modern Chinese history.
• Analysis: This sentence uses a formal structure `对…影响深远 (duì… yǐngxiǎng shēnyuǎn)`, meaning “to have a profound influence on…”
• Example 4:
• 我们永远不能忘记抗日战争的历史。
• Pinyin: Wǒmen yǒngyuǎn bù néng wàngjì kàng rì zhànzhēng de lìshǐ.
• English: We can never forget the history of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
• Analysis: This reflects the common official and educational stance on the war, emphasizing remembrance.
• Example 5:
• 抗日战争从1937年持续到1945年。
• Pinyin: Kàng rì zhànzhēng cóng yī jiǔ sān qī nián chíxù dào yī jiǔ sì wǔ nián.
• English: The War of Resistance Against Japan lasted from 1937 to 1945.
• Analysis: A straightforward, factual statement about the war's timeline. `从…到… (cóng…dào…)` means “from…to…”
• Example 6:
• 这个纪念馆是为了纪念在抗日战争中牺牲的英雄们。
• Pinyin: Zhège jìniànguǎn shì wèile jìniàn zài kàng rì zhànzhēng zhōng xīshēng de yīngxióngmen.
• English: This memorial hall is to commemorate the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the War of Resistance Against Japan.
• Analysis: `牺牲 (xīshēng)` means “to sacrifice” and is the standard term for dying in battle for one's country.
• Example 7:
• 很多老人还清楚地记得抗日战争时期的生活。
• Pinyin: Hěn duō lǎorén hái qīngchu de jìde kàng rì zhànzhēng shíqī de shēnghuó.
• English: Many elderly people still clearly remember life during the period of the War of Resistance Against Japan.
• Analysis: Highlights the war as a living memory for the older generation. `时期 (shíqī)` means “period.”
• Example 8:
• 抗日战争的胜利，是中华民族伟大的胜利。
• Pinyin: Kàng rì zhànzhēng de shènglì, shì Zhōnghuá mínzú wěidà de shènglì.
• English: The victory in the War of Resistance Against Japan was a great victory for the Chinese nation.
• Analysis: This phrasing is common in official speeches and patriotic contexts. `中华民族 (Zhōnghuá mínzú)` refers to the entire Chinese nation/people.
• Example 9:
• 他正在研究抗日战争期间的经济政策。
• Pinyin: Tā zhèngzài yánjiū kàng rì zhànzhēng qījiān de jīngjì zhèngcè.
• English: He is researching economic policy during the War of Resistance Against Japan.
• Analysis: Shows how the term is used in an academic or research context. `期间 (qījiān)` means “during the period of.”
• Example 10:
• 电视剧里，抗日战争的故事总是很受欢迎。
• Pinyin: Diànshìjù lǐ, kàng rì zhànzhēng de gùshi zǒngshì hěn shòu huānyíng.
• English: In TV dramas, stories about the War of Resistance Against Japan are always very popular.
• Analysis: A comment on the popular culture surrounding the war. `受欢迎 (shòu huānyíng)` means “popular” or “well-received.”

• Mistake 1: Confusing it with the First Sino-Japanese War. English speakers often lump historical conflicts together. 抗日战争 refers *exclusively* to the 1937-1945 war (WWII). The earlier war (1894-1895) is called the 甲午战争 (jiǎwǔ zhànzhēng). Using the wrong term is a significant historical error.
• Mistake 2: Using the term too casually. This is not a topic for jokes or light-hearted discussion. Bringing it up without a serious reason can be seen as insensitive or ignorant, particularly with older Chinese people or in formal settings.
• “Second Sino-Japanese War” vs. “抗日战争”. While they refer to the same event, they are not perfect substitutes. “Second Sino-Japanese War” is the neutral, international historical term. 抗日战争 is the Chinese term, loaded with the cultural and political significance of resistance, suffering, and patriotic struggle. When speaking in Chinese, or to Chinese people about the war, 抗日战争 is the standard and expected term.

• 第二次世界大战 (dì'èr cì shìjiè dàzhàn) - World War II. The 抗日战争 is considered the Pacific theater of WWII from the Chinese perspective.
• 日本侵华 (rìběn qīnhuá) - The Japanese Invasion of China. A more direct phrase focusing on the act of aggression itself.
• 南京大屠杀 (nánjīng dà túshā) - The Nanjing Massacre. The most infamous atrocity committed by the Japanese army during the war.
• 甲午战争 (jiǎwǔ zhànzhēng) - The First Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). The preceding major conflict with Japan, which resulted in a humiliating defeat for China.
• 八年抗战 (bā nián kàngzhàn) - Eight-Year War of Resistance. A common synonym for 抗日战争, referring to the main period from 1937 to 1945.
• 国耻 (guóchǐ) - National humiliation. A concept referring to the period of foreign subjugation of China from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, of which this war is a core component.
• 爱国主义 (àiguó zhǔyì) - Patriotism. The story of the 抗日战争 is the primary vehicle for patriotic education in modern China.
• 烈士 (lièshì) - Martyr. A term of high honor for those who died for the country, especially during this war. You will see it at many memorials.