The term 国家 (guójiā) is a cornerstone of Chinese political and social thought. It reflects a collectivist worldview deeply influenced by Confucianism, where the group's well-being is paramount. In Western cultures, there's often a clearer separation between “the state” (a political or administrative entity) and one's personal “home” and family life. One might criticize the government without feeling disloyal to their “country.” In China, the fusion in 国家 (guójiā) creates a much tighter bond. The state and the people are seen as an integrated “state-family.” This leads to the powerful concept of 爱国 (àiguó), or “patriotism,” which is often framed as a duty similar to filial piety—the respect a child owes their parents. The well-known saying “先有国, 后有家” (xiān yǒu guó, hòu yǒu jiā), meaning “First the country, then the family,” encapsulates this priority. It suggests that personal and family prosperity depends on the strength and stability of the nation as a whole.
国家 (guójiā) is a high-frequency word used in a wide range of contexts, from formal news broadcasts to everyday conversations.