Karyoi

Karyoi is a term historically used in China to refer to people of mixed ethnicity, particularly those with one Han Chinese parent and one non-Han parent. The term originated during imperial China and carried various connotations depending on the historical period and social context. It was often used in official records and by the ruling elite to categorize individuals and groups within the vast empire.

The application and meaning of karyoi were not static. In some instances, it denoted a distinct social status, sometimes implying a position between the dominant Han culture and other ethnic groups. In other contexts, it could be a neutral descriptor of parentage. Over time, as China's demographic landscape evolved and national identities shifted, the relevance and usage of the term karyoi have diminished significantly. Modern China generally emphasizes a unified national identity, and terms that explicitly highlight mixed ethnicity are less common in everyday discourse. The concept reflects historical approaches to ethnicity and identity in a multi-ethnic state.