子弟兵

子弟兵:

Literally means:

army made up of the sons of the people; people's own army

Actually means:

子弟, sons and brothers. It generally refers to young people of the son's generation, or young people in general.

The whole phrase refers to the army of the people, or a community composed of children of one particular type of people. It usually implies that the people's army are from the common civilians and thus closely connected with the people. Commendatory.

子弟，儿子、弟弟小辈等，泛指儿子这一辈的人，或年轻的后辈。

子弟兵，人民自己的军队，也指由某一类人的子弟形成的群体。多指人民的军队来自老百姓，和老百姓有着亲密的关系。具有褒义色彩。