What is citizen? Pronunciation and usage in English

citizen means . Learn how to pronounce and use citizen through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of citizen

citizennoun

/ˈsɪtɪz(ə)n/
Definition & pronunciation of citizen

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "citizen" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and explanations:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈsɪtɪzən/

Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • ˈsɪt: This part sounds like "sit." The stress is on this syllable.
    • s: Sounds like the "s" in "sun."
    • i: Sounds like the "ee" in "see."
  • ɪz: This part sounds like "iz."
    • i: Sounds like the "ee" in "see." (Very short)
  • ən: This part sounds like "un."
    • ə: This is a schwa sound – a very weak, neutral vowel sound, like the "a" in "about." It's often taught as a short "uh" sound.
    • n: Sounds like the "n" in "no."

Putting it together – A more descriptive guide:

  1. Start with a clear "sit" sound: Focus on the short "ee" vowel.
  2. Then quickly add "iz": Say "iz" very quickly – almost blending it into the "sit."
  3. Finally, add "un": Say "un" with a very relaxed, weak sound - a schwa sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is strongly on the first syllable ("sit"). Don't say the second syllable ("izen") as clearly.
  • Schwa Sound: The "un" part is crucial. Don't try to pronounce a long "uh" sound. It should be very light and relaxed.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Go to Google Translate, type "citizen," and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/citizen/

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice words to say with this pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word citizen in English

Let's break down how to use the word "citizen" effectively in English. It’s a fairly formal word with specific meanings, so understanding its nuances is key.

1. Core Meaning: Legal Resident & Rights

  • Definition: A citizen is a person who is legally recognized as a member of a particular country or state. This means they have rights and responsibilities associated with being part of that nation.

  • Example: "As a citizen of the United States, she has the right to vote."

  • Example: “He became a citizen after living in Canada for 10 years.”

2. Common Usage – Describing People

  • Simply stating membership: You often use "citizen" to identify someone’s nationality.

    • "He is a British citizen."
    • "They are citizens of France."
    • "I met a citizen from Brazil."

  • Talking about responsibility: "Citizens" are expected to follow laws and contribute to their communities.

    • "We all have a responsibility as citizens to protect our environment."
    • “Good citizens participate in local government.”

3. Figurative Usage (Less Common, More Nuanced)

Sometimes, “citizen” isn’t about legal status but about a shared identity or feeling of belonging. This is less frequent but worth noting.

  • Referring to members of a group: You might use it to describe people who share a particular interest, belief, or problem.

    • "He’s a citizen of the tech industry." (Meaning he's a professional in that field)
    • "She’s a citizen of the scientific community." (Someone who is active and engaged in science)

  • Highlighting a sense of shared values:

    • “We are all citizens of the world, bound together by our shared humanity.” (A philosophical use)

4. Phrases & Related Words

  • Naturalized Citizen: Someone who has become a citizen through a formal process (e.g., taking a citizenship test and meeting residency requirements).
  • Dual Citizen: Someone who is a citizen of two countries.
  • Citizen’s Rights: The legal rights and freedoms that are granted to citizens.
  • Civic Duty: The responsibilities of citizens, such as voting, paying taxes, and obeying laws.
  • Citizen Journalism: Reporting or news gathering by ordinary citizens, often using the internet.

5. Important Notes on Grammar

  • Noun: "Citizen" is a noun. It’s what you call someone.
  • Adjective: You can also use "citizen" as an adjective to describe something related to citizenship.
    • “Citizen service” (Volunteering)
    • "Citizen rights" (referring to the rights of citizens)

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "citizen" in? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, reading a news article?)
  • Are you trying to use it in a specific way? (e.g., emphasizing legal rights, describing someone's nationality, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word citizen

Practice with vocabulary citizen

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A responsible __________ participates actively in community events.
  2. The government introduced a new policy to improve the lives of every __________.
  3. The company hired a new __________ to manage the project efficiently.
  4. As a resident of this city, she felt a strong sense of belonging to her __________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Who is eligible to vote in the upcoming election?
    a) Tourist
    b) Citizen
    c) Visitor
    d) Resident

  2. Which term refers to someone who holds legal membership in a country?
    a) Immigrant
    b) Citizen
    c) Outsider
    d) Alien

  3. What is the best word to describe someone who actively contributes to their community?
    a) Neighbor
    b) Citizen
    c) Worker
    d) Stranger

  4. Which word refers to a person temporarily staying in a foreign country?
    a) Citizen
    b) Traveler
    c) Local
    d) Settler

  5. What term describes someone who lives in a specific area but may not have legal rights there?
    a) Citizen
    b) Resident
    c) Native
    d) Guest

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: A person who lives in this country has certain rights and responsibilities.
    Rewritten: A __________ of this country has certain rights and responsibilities.

  2. Original: The community event was open to all individuals residing in the town.
    Rewritten: The community event was open to every __________ of the town.

  3. Original: She is a legal member of this nation and enjoys full privileges.
    Rewritten: She is a __________ of this nation and enjoys full privileges.

Answers

Exercise 1:

  1. citizen
  2. citizen
  3. manager
  4. community

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Citizen
  2. b) Citizen
  3. b) Citizen
  4. b) Traveler
  5. b) Resident

Exercise 3:

  1. A citizen of this country has certain rights and responsibilities.
  2. The community event was open to every resident of the town.
  3. She is a citizen of this nation and enjoys full privileges.

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