Han Chinese
/hɑːn ˈtʃaɪˌniːz/noun
The largest ethnic group in China and a major ethnic group worldwide, traditionally associated with Chinese language and culture.
Did you know?The name Han comes from the Han dynasty, whose cultural and political legacy became so influential that later Chinese people adopted “Han” as an ethnic identity.
Etymological Timeline
Before 206 BCE
Old Chinese
漢 (*hˤan-s)
“The name of the Han River and the surrounding region in ancient China; its deeper word origin is uncertain.”
206 BCE–220 CE
Classical Chinese
漢 (Hàn)
“The name of the Han dynasty, founded by Liu Bang and ruling much of China.”
Medieval period
Chinese
漢人 (Hànrén)
““Han person” or “person of the Han,” increasingly used as an ethnic and cultural designation.”
Middle English
English
Chine / China
“Names for China borrowed through Old French and Latin, ultimately connected to Sanskrit Cīna and the Qin dynasty name.”
Modern English
English
Han Chinese
“The modern English designation for the Han ethnic group, distinguishing it from other ethnic groups in China.”