Meaning and Usage
"民族" (みんぞく) refers to an ethnic group or people sharing common cultural, historical, or racial characteristics. It is often used in academic, social, and cultural contexts to discuss groups distinguished by language, traditions, or ancestry.
Common Contexts
You will see "民族" used when talking about ethnic minorities, cultural traditions, or social coexistence of different peoples within a country. It is a formal term and appears frequently in news, history, and anthropology.
Collocations and Patterns
- 民族の伝統 (みんぞくのでんとう): ethnic traditions, emphasizing cultural heritage.
- 民族衣装 (みんぞくいしょう): traditional ethnic clothing, often worn during festivals.
- 民族問題 (みんぞくもんだい): ethnic issues or conflicts, used in political or social discussions.
Nuances and Tips
When using "民族," speakers imply a sense of identity and shared heritage beyond just nationality. It is more specific than just "people" (人々) and highlights cultural or racial commonality. Avoid confusing it with "国民" (こくみん), which means citizens of a country regardless of ethnicity.
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"民族" is a formal and academic word, suitable for written and formal spoken Japanese rather than casual conversation.