Nv Han Zi 女汉子 (nǚ hàn zi)

November 29, 2013

Editor: Leo Yin

Nv han zi is a slang term that literally means 'manly woman'. It refers to Chinese women who think and act like men. [Baidu Image]

Nv han zi is a slang term that literally means 'manly woman'. It refers to Chinese women who think and act like men.

Nv han zi is a popular term that many Chinese young ladies now proudly label themselves with. In contrast to the traditional Chinese female image of submissiveness and gentleness, a nv han zi is proud of the fact that she can take care of herself without a man.

The rise of nv han zi in China is no accident. Unlike in rural areas where boys are still favored over girls or during patriarchal times when women were told to follow the orders of their fathers, husbands and sons, China's urban young women were mostly born into one-child homes and raised as 'little empresses.' They do not need to grow up being soft and submissive. Quite the opposite, they are in tough competition with their male counterparts in all areas of life, from play to work.

From high-salaried women who pay their own mortgage to those who run after the bus in high heels on their way to the office, it is evident that a greater number of women, especially in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, are taking control of their lives and solving problems on their own - without the help of men.

(Women of China)

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