guóqí: 国旗 - National Flag

• Keywords: 国旗, guoqi, Chinese national flag, flag of China, the Five-star Red Flag, 五星红旗, what is the Chinese flag called, meaning of the Chinese flag, patriotism in China, national symbols.
• Summary: An essential term for understanding modern China, 国旗 (guóqí) is the word for “national flag.” In China, this most often refers to the iconic “Five-star Red Flag” (五星红旗). This guide explores the deep cultural and political symbolism of the 国旗, how its characters are formed, its role in expressing patriotism, and provides practical example sentences to help you use the word correctly. Learn not just a noun, but a powerful symbol of Chinese national identity and pride.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): guóqí
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 3
• Concise Definition: A country's national flag.
• In a Nutshell: 国旗 (guóqí) is the direct and standard word for “national flag.” While it can technically refer to any country's flag, within a Chinese context, it almost always defaults to China's own “Five-star Red Flag” (五星红旗). The term is not just a descriptor; it is imbued with strong feelings of national pride, history, state authority, and collective identity.

• 国 (guó): This character signifies “country,” “nation,” or “state.” The modern character is composed of 玉 (yù) for “jade” (symbolizing treasure and value) inside 囗 (wéi), a radical representing a boundary or enclosure. The combination evokes the idea of a precious entity within defined borders—a nation.
• 旗 (qí): This character means “flag” or “banner.” It is a phono-semantic compound: the top-left part, 㫃 (yǎn), is the radical for a flowing banner on a pole, providing the meaning. The right part, 其 (qí), provides the sound.
• Together, 国 (country) and 旗 (flag) form a clear and literal compound word: “country's flag.”

The 国旗 is one of the most sacred and visible symbols of the People's Republic of China. Its official name is the “Five-star Red Flag” (五星红旗 - Wǔxīng Hóngqí).

• Symbolism: The design is deeply political and historical. The red background symbolizes the communist revolution and the blood of the martyrs who died for it. The large yellow star represents the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), while the four smaller stars represent the four social classes (workers, peasants, urban petty bourgeoisie, and national bourgeoisie) united under the party's guidance.
• National Pride and Unity: The flag is a powerful vehicle for patriotism (爱国 - àiguó). It is raised daily in schools and government buildings, and its presence is overwhelming during national holidays like National Day (国庆节). For many Chinese citizens, the flag represents China's journey from the “century of humiliation” to its current status as a major global power.
• Comparison to Western Culture: In the United States, the “Stars and Stripes” is also a revered symbol of national identity. However, its use can be more personal and varied—it's flown by individuals on their homes, used in political campaigns by all parties, and sometimes even incorporated into fashion. In China, the use of the 国旗 is more formal and state-controlled. The National Flag Law (《中华人民共和国国旗法》) dictates its proper use and strictly prohibits its desecration. It is seen less as a symbol for personal political expression and more as a representation of the unified state and the ruling party.

The 国旗 is a constant presence in Chinese public life.

• Ceremonies: The most famous daily event is the flag-raising ceremony (升旗仪式 - shēngqí yíshì) in Tiananmen Square, Beijing. This solemn, militarized ceremony attracts thousands of tourists and citizens every morning at sunrise. Similar ceremonies occur at schools and government institutions across the country.
• National Holidays and Events: During National Day (国庆节 - Guóqìngjié) on October 1st, streets, buildings, and public squares are decorated with countless national flags.
• International Competitions: At events like the Olympics, the sight of the Chinese 国旗 being raised during a medal ceremony is a moment of immense national pride, often discussed widely on social media and in news reports.
• Digital Patriotism: On Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, users often change their profile pictures to the 国旗 or use the 🇨🇳 emoji during international disputes or moments of national celebration to show solidarity and patriotism.

• Example 1:
  • 每天早上，学生们都看着国旗在操场上升起。
  • Pinyin: Měitiān zǎoshang, xuéshēngmen dōu kànzhe guóqí zài cāochǎng shàng shēngqǐ.
  • English: Every morning, the students watch the national flag rise on the playground.
  • Analysis: This describes a very common routine in Chinese schools, highlighting the role of the flag in daily life and education.
• Example 2:
  • 国庆节快到了，街上挂满了红色的国旗。
  • Pinyin: Guóqìngjié kuài dào le, jiē shàng guà mǎn le hóngsè de guóqí.
  • English: National Day is almost here, and the streets are hung full of red national flags.
  • Analysis: This sentence connects the term directly with a major cultural event.
• Example 3:
  • 看到中国运动员赢得金牌，国旗升起的那一刻，我激动得流下了眼泪。
  • Pinyin: Kàndào Zhōngguó yùndòngyuán yíngdé jīnpái, guóqí shēngqǐ de nà yí kè, wǒ jīdòng de liúxià le yǎnlèi.
  • English: Seeing the Chinese athlete win the gold medal, at the moment the national flag was raised, I was so moved I shed tears.
  • Analysis: This illustrates the powerful emotional connection many people feel towards their national flag.
• Example 4:
  • 这是中国的国旗，也叫“五星红旗”。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì Zhōngguó de guóqí, yě jiào “Wǔxīng Hóngqí”.
  • English: This is China's national flag, also called the “Five-star Red Flag.”
  • Analysis: A simple, introductory sentence perfect for learners.
• Example 5:
  • 你知道美国国旗上有多少颗星星吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào Měiguó guóqí shàng yǒu duōshǎo kē xīngxīng ma?
  • English: Do you know how many stars are on the American national flag?
  • Analysis: This demonstrates that 国旗 can be used for any country's flag, simply by adding the country's name before it.
• Example 6:
  • 士兵们迈着整齐的步伐，护送着国旗。
  • Pinyin: Shìbīngmen màizhe zhěngqí de bùfá, hùsòngzhe guóqí.
  • English: The soldiers marched in neat steps, escorting the national flag.
  • Analysis: This sentence evokes the formality and solemnity of official flag ceremonies.
• Example 7:
  • 法律规定，不能随意损毁国旗。
  • Pinyin: Fǎlǜ guīdìng, bù néng suíyì sǔnhuǐ guóqí.
  • English: The law stipulates that one cannot damage the national flag at will.
  • Analysis: This highlights the legal protection and respect afforded to the flag in China.
• Example 8:
  • 联合国总部门前，飘扬着所有成员国的国旗。
  • Pinyin: Liánhéguó zǒngbù mén qián, piāoyángzhe suǒyǒu chéngyuánguó de guóqí.
  • English: In front of the United Nations Headquarters, the national flags of all member states are flying.
  • Analysis: This shows the plural use of the term in an international context.
• Example 9:
  • 这位华侨在国外生活了很多年，但房间里一直挂着中国的国旗。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi huáqiáo zài guówài shēnghuó le hěn duō nián, dàn fángjiān lǐ yìzhí guàzhe Zhōngguó de guóqí.
  • English: This overseas Chinese person has lived abroad for many years, but has always had China's national flag hanging in his room.
  • Analysis: This shows the flag as a symbol of cultural identity and connection to one's homeland, even when far away.
• Example 10:
  • 小孩子们正在学习画国旗。
  • Pinyin: Xiǎo háizimen zhèngzài xuéxí huà guóqí.
  • English: The little children are learning to draw the national flag.
  • Analysis: A simple, common scenario showing how knowledge of the flag is passed on to the next generation.

• 国旗 (guóqí) vs. 旗子 (qízi): This is a crucial distinction for learners.
  • 国旗 (guóqí) is exclusively for a national flag.
  • 旗子 (qízi) is a general term for any kind of flag, banner, or pennant. This could be a sports team's flag, a signal flag on a ship, or a decorative banner.
  • Common Mistake: Pointing to the flag of a university and saying, “看那个国旗！(Kàn nàge guóqí!)”
  • Correction: “看那个旗子！那是我们学校的校旗。(Kàn nàge qízi! Nà shì wǒmen xuéxiào de xiàoqí.)” - “Look at that flag! That's our school's flag.”
• Political Sensitivity: Be aware that the 国旗 is an official political symbol of the PRC and its government. While learners can and should use the word, it's wise to do so in respectful contexts and avoid using the flag itself in casual or flippant ways that could be misinterpreted as disrespectful.

• 五星红旗 (Wǔxīng Hóngqí) - The specific, official name for the national flag of the People's Republic of China; “Five-star Red Flag.”
• 国歌 (guógē) - National anthem. The “March of the Volunteers” (《义勇军进行曲》) is played during the raising of the 国旗.
• 国徽 (guóhuī) - National emblem. Another primary symbol of the state, often seen on official documents and government buildings.
• 升旗 (shēngqí) - To raise a flag. Often refers to the act within a ceremony (e.g., 升旗仪式, shēngqí yíshì).
• 爱国 (àiguó) - To be patriotic; patriotism. The 国旗 is the foremost symbol of this value.
• 国庆节 (Guóqìngjié) - National Day (October 1st). The most important holiday for displaying the 国旗.
• 天安门 (Tiān'ānmén) - Tiananmen Square. Famous for its grand, daily flag-raising ceremony.
• 旗子 (qízi) - The general, non-specific word for “flag” or “banner.”
• 旗手 (qíshǒu) - A flag-bearer or standard-bearer, the person who carries the flag in a ceremony.