Definition
土人 has two quite different meanings. The more common one refers to indigenous or native people ('aborigines'), but in modern Chinese this term is often considered dated or even derogatory — you'll more often hear 土著 or 原住民. The second meaning, much less common, is a clay figurine or mud doll (literally 'earth person'). The context usually makes it clear which sense is intended.
n.
native peopleaborigines (can carry a dismissive or outdated connotation)clay figurinemud doll
Examples
- 土人。Zhèxiē tǔ rén yǒu zìjǐ de yǔyán hé wénhuà.These native people have their own language and culture.
- 土人。Bówùguǎn lǐ chénliè zhe gǔdài de tǔ rén.The museum displays ancient clay figurines.
- ,土人。Lìshǐ shàng, zhímínzhě cháng bǎ dāngdì tǔ rén shì wéi yěmán rén.Historically, colonizers often viewed the local natives as savages.
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