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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Vocabulary

Americans or American people?

How do you say whole people who live in a country?

e.g. Americans or American people? Brazilians or Brazilian people? New Zealands or New Zealand people?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

For example the Term "Russians" refers to every citizen of the country of Russia (ethnic group doesn't matter) while "Russian people" refers only to ethnic Russians. I'm not quite sure about this... so maybe you should wait for more answers But even if I'm right that doesn't explain the difference between "Americans" and "American people" (if there is one), because there aren't any ethnic Americans.

— AlexDeLarge

  • For example the Term "Russians" refers to every citizen of the country of Russia (ethnic group doesn't matter) while "Russian people" refers only to ethnic Russians.
  • I'm not quite sure about this...
  • so maybe you should wait for more answers But even if I'm right that doesn't explain the difference between "Americans" and "American people" (if there is one), because there aren't any ethnic Americans.
  • Except for Native Americans maybe, but i don't think "American people" refers exclusivly to them.
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3 Answers
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For example the Term "Russians" refers to every citizen of the country of Russia (ethnic group doesn't matter) while "Russian people" refers only to ethnic Russians. I'm not quite sure about this... so maybe you should wait for more answers
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As a rule, there is no difference in meaning. You cannot say New Zealands, though, because it would mean that there are several countries called New Zealand. New Zealanders is possible.

CB
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AlexDeLarge, Cool Breeze:

Thank you for your detailed explanations! I really appreciate it. Emotion: smile
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