nationality

[emica21]

when someone asks: what's your nationality?

Is is possiable to say: I'm chinese or I'm a chinese, what's the difference?

[susiedqq]

Yes, it gets confusing. My ancestors are Irish and I have lived in America my entire life.

What is your cultural heritage?
I am Irish

What is your nationality?
I am an American

[Offroad]

I usually say:

I am Brazilian. or
I am a Brazilian man.

[Charlie Bernstein]

When someone asks: "What's your nationality?" is is possible to say: "I'm Chinese" or "I'm a Chinese."? What's the difference?

Interesting question!

Both are correct, but "I'm Chinese" is preferred. "I'm a Chinese" is short for "I'm a Chinese person."

This is an odd one, because some nationalities start with a, and some don't. We often say "a Mexican," "a Greek," "a German," "an American," we always say "a Swede" or "Swedish," but we never say "an English," "a French," "an Irish," "a Dutch."

No one knows why!

=O.

[I edit copy and have tutored college writing.]

[Offroad]

Interesting question!

This is an odd one, because some nationalities start with a, and some don't. We often say "a Mexican," "a Greek," "a German," "an American," we always say "a Swede" or "Swedish," but we never say "an English," "a French," "an Irish," "a Dutch."

I am an Englishman.
she is a French woman.

Does it sound awkward? in my opinion, it doesn't.

Thanks

[Charlie Bernstein]

I am an Englishman.
she is a French woman.

Does it sound awkward? in my opinion, it doesn't.

Thanks

Nope. That sounds great. Much better than an English or a French.

[Offroad]

Nope. That sounds great. Much better than an English or a French.

so, what did you say that?

Either is possible:

I am English.
I am an Englishman.

She is French.
She is a French lady.

[stuartnz]

Mine is one of those nationalities Charlie mentioned that always take the indefinite article in the singular. I am a New Zealander. Informally, I could say either "Ï'm Kiwi" or "I'm a Kiwi". The use of "Kiwi"as the primary choice for designating nationality seems to be on the rise amongst citizens of Aotearoa. Four million people all saving three syllables soon adds up.

[Charlie Bernstein]

so, what did you say that?

Either is possible:

I am English.
I am an Englishman.

She is French.
She is a French lady.

Yup.

I am English: good.
I am an Englishman: good
I am an English: bad