Meaning
祖国 refers to one's ancestral homeland or the country of one's ethnic and cultural origin. It carries emotional and patriotic connotations, emphasizing the deep connection between a person and their native land. The term is commonly used in patriotic contexts and carries a sense of reverence and loyalty.
Usage
This word is frequently used in formal, patriotic, or emotional contexts. It appears often in political speeches, national celebrations, and expressions of loyalty to one's country. Native speakers use it when discussing their relationship with their home country, especially when abroad or when expressing national pride.
Examples
- 01我们应该热爱自己的祖国。.We should love our motherland.
- 02他离开祖国已经十年了。.He has been away from his homeland for ten years.
Characters
Common collocations
- 热爱祖国to love one's motherland
- 报效祖国to render service to one's country
- 为祖国服务to serve the motherland
- 伟大的祖国the great motherland
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 祖 (ancestor) with 国 (country), literally meaning 'ancestral country.' This reflects the Chinese cultural emphasis on ancestry and lineage, viewing one's homeland as the land of one's forebears.