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Han Chinese

Definition

The Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in China, making up about 92% of the population. They are named after the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD), which was a period of great cultural and technological advancement.

Analogy

Think of the Han Chinese as a giant pizza with many slices. Each slice represents different dialects, customs, and traditions within this ethnic group, but they all come together to form one large, cohesive pizza - or in this case, ethnicity.

Related terms

Mandarin: This is the official language of China and is primarily spoken by the Han Chinese. It's like the cheese on our pizza analogy - it's what most people think of when they consider what makes up a pizza (or in this case, Chinese culture).

Confucianism: A system of philosophical and ethical teachings founded by Confucius and developed by Mencius. It's like the tomato sauce on our pizza - it underlies much of Chinese society and adds depth to its flavor.

Han Dynasty: An ancient Chinese dynasty that ruled from 206 BC to 220 AD. It's like the crust on our pizza - it forms a base for much of what we know as modern China.