Definition
良民 literally means 'good people' and historically referred to loyal subjects of the emperor — citizens who obeyed the law and supported the ruler. In modern usage it can mean a law-abiding citizen, but it often carries a slightly ironic or mocking tone when used to describe someone who is overly compliant or docile. Be aware of the context: in historical texts it's neutral, but in everyday speech it can imply a 'sheeple' undertone.
n.
law-abiding citizengood member of society(historical) loyal subjectobedient subject of the emperor
Examples
- 良民，。Tā shì ge liáng mín, cóng bù zuò wéifǎ de shì.He is a law-abiding citizen and never does anything illegal.
- 良民。Gǔdài huángdì xīwàng suǒyǒu chénmín dōu zuò liáng mín.In ancient times, emperors hoped all subjects would be loyal citizens.
- 良民，。Bié kàn tā biǎomiàn xiàng ge liáng mín, qíshí xīnlǐ zhǔyì duō zhe ne.Don't be fooled by his appearance of a docile citizen; he actually has plenty of his own ideas.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.