华裔
huá yì
Ancestry china · trad. 華裔
华裔 (huáyì) refers to a person of Chinese descent, often implying someone whose ancestors originated from China and who may live outside of mainland China. It's a common way to describe one's Chinese heritage or ancestry.
When to use it
Neutral and widely used to describe ethnic background. For a broader term for 'ethnic Chinese person' (including citizens of China or overseas Chinese), 华人 (huárén) is often used. If you want to specifically ask about someone's ancestral hometown, use 祖籍 (zǔjí).
How to pronounce it
Sounds like 'HWAH-ee.' The first syllable 'HWAH' is a rising tone, and the second 'ee' is a falling tone.
Other ways to say it
- 华人huá rénethnic Chinese person
- 祖籍zǔ jíancestral home/place of origin
- 中国血统zhōng guó xuè tǒngChinese bloodline/descent
Examples
他是华裔美国人。
tā shì huá yì měi guó rén 。
He is a Chinese American (person of Chinese descent).
很多海外华人都是华裔。
hěn duō hǎi wài huá rén dōu shì huá yì 。
Many overseas Chinese people are of Chinese descent.
她的华裔身份让她对中国文化很感兴趣。
tā de huá yì shēn fèn ràng tā duì zhōng guó wén huà hěn gǎn xìng qù 。
Her Chinese ancestry makes her very interested in Chinese culture.
Pro tip: 华裔 (huáyì) specifically emphasizes being a 'descendant' of Chinese people. 华人 (huárén) is a more general term for 'ethnic Chinese person,' which can include citizens of China or people of Chinese ethnicity living abroad. 祖籍 (zǔjí) refers to one's ancestral hometown.
Related phrases
和平 · Peace钱 · Money闭嘴 · Shut up
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