The combined meaning, “民族复兴,” literally translates to the “nation's rejuvenation,” a powerful image of a great nation rising once again to a state of prosperity and strength.
The soul of “民族复兴” lies in its historical context. For over a century, from the mid-19th to mid-20th century, China suffered a series of military defeats, unequal treaties, and foreign invasions, a period known as the 百年国耻 (bǎinián guóchǐ) - the Century of Humiliation. This collective historical trauma is the direct emotional and political backdrop for “民族复兴.” The goal is not just to be a modern country, but to erase this painful memory by becoming so strong—militarily, economically, and culturally—that such humiliation can never happen again. A Western comparison might be “Manifest Destiny,” but the two concepts have crucial differences. “Manifest Destiny” was a 19th-century American belief in a divinely ordained, future-oriented mission to expand across the continent. It was about creating something new. In contrast, “民族复兴” is fundamentally restorative. It looks back to a perceived golden age of Chinese centrality and preeminence and aims to re-achieve that status. It is fueled by a narrative of overcoming victimhood, whereas Manifest Destiny was fueled by a sense of providential superiority. Today, “民族复兴” is the ultimate goal of the “中国梦 (Zhōngguó Mèng) - Chinese Dream,” a term popularized by Xi Jinping.
“民族复兴” is a highly formal and politically charged term. You will almost never hear it in casual, everyday conversation.