shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān: 社会主义核心价值观 - Core Socialist Values

• Keywords: Core Socialist Values, Socialist Core Values, shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān, what are the 12 core socialist values, China's core values, Chinese propaganda, Chinese government slogans, 富强 (fùqiáng), 民主 (mínzhǔ), 文明 (wénmíng), 和谐 (héxié), 自由 (zìyóu), 平等 (píngděng), 公正 (gōngzhèng), 法治 (fǎzhì), 爱国 (àiguó), 敬业 (jìngyè), 诚信 (chéngxìn), 友善 (yǒushàn).
• Summary: The 社会主义核心价值观 (shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān), or Core Socialist Values, are a set of 12 official moral principles promoted by the Communist Party of China. Comprising terms like “Prosperity,” “Democracy,” “Harmony,” and “Patriotism,” these values are a ubiquitous sight on posters, billboards, and in schools across China. Understanding them is essential for grasping modern China's political culture, official ideology, and the state's vision for its society and citizens.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān
• Part of Speech: Noun Phrase
• HSK Level: N/A
• Concise Definition: The set of 12 official guiding principles and moral values promoted by the Chinese Communist Party as the “essence of socialist culture.”
• In a Nutshell: Imagine a national mission statement broken down into 12 buzzwords. That's the Core Socialist Values. They are not ancient proverbs but a modern political construct designed to provide a moral compass for the nation. For anyone living in or visiting China, these values are impossible to miss—they are plastered on city walls, taught in schools, and referenced constantly in official media. They represent the government's ideal for the nation, for society, and for individual behavior.

This long phrase is best understood by breaking it into its three core components:

• 社会主义 (shèhuì zhǔyì) - Socialism
  • 社 (shè): Society, group. Originally referred to an altar for an earth god where people gathered.
  • 会 (huì): To meet, to gather.
  • 主 (zhǔ): Main, primary.
  • 义 (yì): Meaning, justice, principle.
  • Combined, `社会` means “society,” and `主义` is the standard suffix for “-ism.” So, `社会主义` is “Social-ism.”
• 核心 (héxīn) - Core, Nucleus
  • 核 (hé): The pit of a fruit, a nucleus.
  • 心 (xīn): The heart, mind, center.
  • Combined, `核心` literally means “nucleus-heart,” giving a strong sense of the absolute center or most essential part of something.
• 价值观 (jiàzhí guān) - Value System
  • 价 (jià): Price, value.
  • 值 (zhí): Worth, value.
  • 观 (guān): Viewpoint, outlook.
  • Combined, `价值` means “value/worth,” and `观` means “outlook.” So, `价值观` is one's “outlook on values,” or value system.

Putting it all together, the term literally translates to “Socialism's Core Value-System.”

The Core Socialist Values were formally unveiled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2012. They are a cornerstone of the ideology under leader Xi Jinping and are central to the concept of the 中国梦 (Zhōngguó mèng) or “Chinese Dream.” They are organized into three distinct levels: 1. National Goals (国家层面):

• 富强 (fùqiáng) - Prosperity and Strength
• 民主 (mínzhǔ) - Democracy
• 文明 (wénmíng) - Civility / Culture
• 和谐 (héxié) - Harmony

2. Social Ideals (社会层面):

• 自由 (zìyóu) - Freedom
• 平等 (píngděng) - Equality
• 公正 (gōngzhèng) - Justice
• 法治 (fǎzhì) - Rule of Law

3. Individual Virtues (个人层面):

• 爱国 (àiguó) - Patriotism
• 敬业 (jìngyè) - Dedication / Professionalism
• 诚信 (chéngxìn) - Integrity / Honesty
• 友善 (yǒushàn) - Friendliness

Comparison with Western Concepts: It is crucial not to equate these terms with their Western counterparts directly. For example:

• “Democracy” (民主) vs. Western Democracy: In the context of the Core Socialist Values, 民主 refers to “socialist democracy” or the “people's democratic dictatorship,” which emphasizes the CCP's leadership representing the will of the people. It does not imply a multi-party system, separation of powers, or direct elections as understood in the West.
• “Freedom” (自由) vs. Western Liberty: 自由 is freedom within the boundaries set by the state and social stability. It prioritizes collective good over individual rights, differing from the Western liberal emphasis on individual liberty as a natural right that governments must not infringe upon.
• “Rule of Law” (法治) vs. Western Rule of Law: 法治 means “rule by law,” where the law is an instrument for the Party to govern effectively. This contrasts with the Western concept of “rule of law,” where all entities, including the government itself, are held accountable to the law.

These values are a top-down ideological project intended to unify public morality and support the Party's long-term goals, blending traditional Chinese virtues (like harmony and integrity) with socialist and nationalist objectives.

You will encounter the 社会主义核心价值观 in almost every public space in China.

• Public Propaganda: They are displayed on large red banners (横幅 - héngfú), electronic billboards, intricately designed posters in subways, and painted on construction site walls. Parks often have stones or signs engraved with the 12 values.
• Education System: From kindergarten onwards, students are taught to memorize, recite, and write about the Core Socialist Values. They are deeply integrated into the national curriculum.
• Official Discourse: Government officials, news anchors, and state-run media frequently use the full phrase or individual values to frame policies and news events.
• Social Media: While often used sincerely, the values can also be used ironically or sarcastically. If a social injustice occurs, a netizen might comment with just “公正 (justice)” or “法治 (rule of law)” to highlight the gap between the ideal and the reality. This is a subtle and common form of online critique.

• Example 1:
  • 学校的墙上挂着宣传社会主义核心价值观的海报。
  • Pinyin: Xuéxiào de qiáng shàng guàzhe xuānchuán shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān de hǎibào.
  • English: There are posters promoting the Core Socialist Values hanging on the school's walls.
  • Analysis: This sentence describes a very common, literal sighting of the term in daily life.
• Example 2:
  • 老师要求我们背诵并理解这十二个社会主义核心价值观。
  • Pinyin: Lǎoshī yāoqiú wǒmen bèisòng bìng lǐjiě zhè shí'èr gè shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān.
  • English: The teacher asked us to memorize and understand these twelve Core Socialist Values.
  • Analysis: This shows its role in the education system. `背诵 (bèisòng)` means “to recite from memory.”
• Example 3:
  • 实现中华民族伟大复兴，必须培育和践行社会主义核心价值观。
  • Pinyin: Shíxiàn Zhōnghuá mínzú wěidà fùxīng, bìxū péiyù hé jiànxíng shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān.
  • English: To realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we must cultivate and practice the Core Socialist Values.
  • Analysis: This is a formal, official-sounding sentence, typical of government reports or speeches. `践行 (jiànxíng)` means “to put into practice.”
• Example 4:
  • 我们公司把“诚信”和“敬业”作为企业文化的一部分，这也符合社会主义核心价值观。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī bǎ “chéngxìn” hé “jìngyè” zuòwéi qǐyè wénhuà de yībùfèn, zhè yě fúhé shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān.
  • English: Our company takes “integrity” and “dedication” as part of our corporate culture, which also aligns with the Core Socialist Values.
  • Analysis: This shows how individual values are adopted by non-government entities to align with the national ideology.
• Example 5:
  • 他认为，一个和谐的社会是社会主义核心价值观的重要体现。
  • Pinyin: Tā rènwéi, yīgè héxié de shèhuì shì shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān de zhòngyào tǐxiàn.
  • English: He believes that a harmonious society is an important embodiment of the Core Socialist Values.
  • Analysis: This links the specific value of `和谐 (héxié)` to the broader concept. `体现 (tǐxiàn)` means “embodiment” or “reflection.”
• Example 6:
  • 这起事件的处理方式，让一些网民对所谓的“公正”和“法治”产生了怀疑。
  • Pinyin: Zhè qǐ shìjiàn de chǔlǐ fāngshì, ràng yīxiē wǎngmín duì suǒwèi de “gōngzhèng” hé “fǎzhì” chǎnshēngle huáiyí.
  • English: The way this incident was handled made some netizens doubt the so-called “justice” and “rule of law.”
  • Analysis: An example of indirect, critical usage. While not using the full term, it references key components ironically. `所谓 (suǒwèi)` means “so-called,” adding a layer of skepticism.
• Example 7:
  • 你看，那个公园的宣传栏上详细解释了社会主义核心价值观的每一个词。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ kàn, nàge gōngyuán de xuānchuán lán shàng xiángxì jiěshìle shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān de měi yīgè cí.
  • English: Look, the propaganda board in that park explains every word of the Core Socialist Values in detail.
  • Analysis: A simple conversational sentence, pointing out the values in a public space.
• Example 8:
  • 在当代中国，爱国是社会主义核心价值观在个人层面的首要要求。
  • Pinyin: Zài dāngdài Zhōngguó, àiguó shì shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān zài gèrén céngmiàn de shǒuyào yāoqiú.
  • English: In contemporary China, patriotism is the primary requirement of the Core Socialist Values at the individual level.
  • Analysis: This sentence explains the hierarchy and importance of a specific value (`爱国 - àiguó`) within the framework.
• Example 9:
  • 社区正在开展活动，鼓励居民用行动来支持社会主义核心价值观。
  • Pinyin: Shèqū zhèngzài kāizhǎn huódòng, gǔlì jūmín yòng xíngdòng lái zhīchí shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān.
  • English: The community is launching an activity to encourage residents to support the Core Socialist Values through their actions.
  • Analysis: Shows how the ideology is promoted at the local, grassroots level through organized activities.
• Example 10:
  • 这篇文章深入探讨了社会主义核心价值观如何融入国民教育全过程。
  • Pinyin: Zhè piān wénzhāng shēnrù tàntǎole shèhuì zhǔyì héxīn jiàzhí guān rúhé róngrù guómín jiàoyù quán guòchéng.
  • English: This article deeply explores how the Core Socialist Values are integrated into the entire process of national education.
  • Analysis: A typical academic or journalistic sentence discussing the policy and implementation of the values.

• False Friends - The Biggest Pitfall: The most significant mistake a learner can make is to assume the 12 values, especially `民主 (democracy)`, `自由 (freedom)`, and `法治 (rule of law)`, have the same meaning and implications as they do in a Western liberal context. They are defined by the Party-state and operate within its framework. Always consider the source and context.
• Top-Down, Not Bottom-Up: Do not mistake these values for a grassroots, organic cultural consensus that evolved over centuries. They are a state-directed ideological project initiated in the 21st century. While they incorporate some traditional elements, their packaging and promotion are political.
• Formality: The full phrase 社会主义核心价值观 is very formal and official. You wouldn't use it in casual conversation unless you are specifically pointing to a poster or discussing politics. However, the individual values like `诚信 (integrity)` or `友善 (friendliness)` are common, everyday words.

• 中国梦 (Zhōngguó mèng) - The “Chinese Dream” of national rejuvenation. The Core Socialist Values are considered the moral foundation needed to achieve this dream.
• 和谐社会 (héxié shèhuì) - “Harmonious Society.” A key political concept from the previous administration, with `和谐 (harmony)` being adopted as one of the 12 core values.
• 精神文明 (jīngshén wénmíng) - “Spiritual Civilization.” A long-standing CCP campaign to improve public morality and socialist culture, of which the Core Values are the latest expression.
• 四个自信 (sì gè zìxìn) - The “Four Confidences” (in our chosen path, guiding theories, political system, and culture). Another key ideological phrase of the Xi Jinping era.
• 依法治国 (yī fǎ zhì guó) - “To govern the country according to law.” This is the practical policy slogan related to the value of `法治 (rule of law)`.
• 正能量 (zhèng néngliàng) - “Positive Energy.” A popular, government-endorsed slang term for promoting uplifting content and a positive outlook, often used to reinforce the Core Socialist Values.
• 爱国主义 (àiguó zhǔyì) - “Patriotism.” The ideology and educational focus behind the individual value of `爱国 (patriotism)`.
• 为人民服务 (wèi rénmín fúwù) - “Serve the People.” A foundational slogan of the CCP, representing a core principle that the values are meant to uphold.