When combined, 移民 (yímín) literally translates to “moving people,” a very direct and accurate description of immigration or emigration.
The concept of 移民 holds a profound place in modern Chinese identity. For centuries, China was a nation of emigration, with millions of Chinese moving abroad, forming vast diasporas in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. This historical outflow was often driven by hardship, trade, or political instability. The term 移民 in this context evokes stories of family, struggle, and maintaining cultural identity far from home. In recent decades, the dynamic has shifted. While many Chinese still emigrate (移民) for education, business, or lifestyle changes (a phenomenon often discussed on Chinese social media), China itself has become a destination for immigrants (移民). This is a relatively new cultural phenomenon. Unlike Western nations like the United States with its “melting pot” narrative, or Canada with its official multiculturalism, the idea of non-Chinese people becoming permanent, integrated citizens is still developing in China. A foreigner living in China is more commonly called a `外国人 (wàiguórén)` (foreigner) or `老外 (lǎowài)` (a colloquial term for foreigner), even if they have lived there for years. The term 移民, when applied to a foreigner moving *to* China, implies a much deeper, more permanent commitment that is less common and carries significant legal and social weight. Therefore, while the word is bidirectional, its cultural resonance is still more strongly tied to the experience of Chinese people moving abroad.
移民 is a standard, neutral term used in all contexts, from casual conversation to official government documents.
The connotation is generally neutral, but can be slightly positive, as it often implies wealth or high skills (in the case of investment or skilled migration).