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March 24, 2026
工人gōngrén(gong1ren2)
工人 (gōngrén) refers to a worker, typically one who engages in manual labor or industrial work. This term is commonly used in contexts related to employment, labor rights, and the workforce, and is often associated with blue-collar jobs.
Frequency#3455DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
The term 工人 has historical significance in China, especially post-1949, where workers were celebrated as the backbone of the socialist state. The labor movement and workers' rights are important themes in contemporary Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Think of 工 (gōng) as a tool or a machine, representing work, while 人 (rén) means person. Picture a hardworking person using tools in a factory to create products, making it easier to remember that 工人 means 'worker'.
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AI Study Notes for 工人
Quick Contrast
劳动者 (láodòngzhě) — use 工人 (gōngrén) specifically for manual or industrial workers, while 劳动者 is a broader term that can include all types of workers.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 工 (gōng) as a tool or a machine, representing work, while 人 (rén) means person. Picture a hardworking person using tools in a factory to create products, making it easier to remember that 工人 means 'worker'.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 工人 with other terms for professionals or employees, such as 职员 (zhíyuán) for office workers. It's also important to use the correct measure word 个 (gè) when referring to a worker, as in 一个人工人 (yī gè gōngrén) meaning 'one worker'.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 5, students should connect 工人 with related terms like 劳动 (láodòng, labor) and 职业 (zhíyè, profession) to expand their vocabulary around work and employment. Focus on using these words in context to build fluency.
Cultural Note
The term 工人 has historical significance in China, especially post-1949, where workers were celebrated as the backbone of the socialist state. The labor movement and workers' rights are important themes in contemporary Chinese society.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 工人 to refer to professionals in fields like education or healthcare, which is incorrect. Instead, use 职员 (zhíyuán) for office workers or 教师 (jiàoshī) for teachers.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 工人
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Grammar Patterns of 工人
工人 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 2 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In industry, a worker who is grossly insubordinate is threatened with discharge.
Cultural Notes for 工人
🏮Cultural insight
The term 工人 has historical significance in China, especially post-1949, where workers were celebrated as the backbone of the socialist state. The labor movement and workers' rights are important themes in contemporary Chinese society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 工人
Not necessarily; while it typically refers to manual laborers, it can also include workers in various industries, so context is important.
You can say 一群工人 (yī qún gōngrén) for 'a group of workers'.
It is generally informal and more often used in conversations rather than formal documents or speeches.
