Singaporean Mandarin Database

This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.

cǎo

gēn

grassroots

Culture

文化

Culture

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grassroots

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Culture

文化

Culture

释义

名词

指社会基层、平民。也称基层。

DEFINITION

Noun

Refers to the most basic level and ordinary citizens of society. Also known in Mandarin as “基层”.

由来
  • 英语 “grassroots” 的意译。
  • “草” 和 “根” 用于比喻基层平民的形象。
  • 草根也可指同政府或决策者相对的势力 。
  • “Grassroots” 在新加坡的语境中也被译为基层。例如,人民协 会(People’s Association)的网络拥有 1,800 余个基层组织(Grassroots Organizations,简称 GRO)。这些基层组织由协会任免的义工们管理,旨在促进社会和谐,深化居民之间的关爱,及提高社会凝聚力。
ETYMOLOGY
  • The Mandarin term “草根” is a paraphrase of the English word “grassroots”.
  • The characters “” (grass) and “” (roots) are used as imagery for ordinary citizens.
  • 草根” can also refer to forces in opposition to the government or policymakers.
  • “Grassroots” is also translated as “基层” in the context of Singapore. For example, the People’s Association network is comprised of over 1,800 grassroots organisations (GRO). These grassroots organisations are managed by volunteers appointed by the People’s Association and aim to promote social harmony, foster care between residents and improve social cohesion.

 

例句
民间草根文化,虽属于次文化,却是社会文化重要构成部分,也会提升成为新兴的流行艺术形态,如自美国边缘次文化崛起席卷全球的嘻哈(Hip-hop)文化。(《联合早报》,02/04/2017)
SAMPLE SENTENCE
Folk culture of the grassroots may be a sub-culture, but it is an important part of a society’s culture. It can be developed into a new popular art form, such as the Hip-hop culture which emerged from the American fringe sub-culture and has swept the world. (Lianhe Zaobao, 2/4/2017)
相关资料

  • “草根” 一词可用以形容阶级(草根阶层)与文化(草根文化)。

RELATED INFORMATION

  • The term “草根” may be used to describe a class (grassroots class) and a culture (grassroots culture).

参考资料
REFERENCES