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March 24, 2026
上班shàngbān(shang4ban1)
The term '上班' (shàngbān) means 'to go to work' or 'to be on duty.' It is commonly used in everyday conversations to refer to the action of starting or going to one's job, typically during regular work hours. This phrase can apply to both office settings and other workplaces.
Strokes13Frequency#1294DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, punctuality in going to work is highly valued, and many companies have strict rules about starting times. This reflects the importance placed on work ethics and discipline in the workplace.
Memory Tip
Imagine a worker (上) climbing (班) up a ladder to reach their workplace. The character 上 (shàng) looks like a person standing above, and 班 (bān) can remind you of a 'band' of workers. Together, they create a vivid image of going to work.
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AI Study Notes for 上班
Quick Contrast
上班 (shàngbān) vs 上课 (shàngkè) — use 上班 when referring to going to work, while 上课 specifically refers to attending class.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the tones when pronouncing '上班' (shàngbān) as incorrect tones can change meanings. This phrase is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's typically used in a professional setting. Common collocations include '准时上班' (zhǔnshí shàngbān) meaning 'to go to work on time.'
HSK Study Tips
'上班' is a useful vocabulary word in HSK Level 2, connecting with other verbs related to daily activities. Students should practice using it in sentences about their routines, such as '我每天八点上班' (I go to work at 8 o'clock every day).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '上班' with '上课' (shàngkè, to attend class). A common mistake is saying '我上课' when they mean '我上班' for work. Ensure to use the correct term based on the context.
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Pronunciation of 上班
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The term '上班' (shàngbān) means 'to go to work' or 'to be on duty.' It is commonly used in everyday conversations to refer to the action of starting or going to one's job, typically during regular work hours. This phrase can apply to both office settings and other workplaces.
When to use 上班
Be mindful of the tones when pronouncing '上班' (shàngbān) as incorrect tones can change meanings. This phrase is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's typically used in a professional setting. Common collocations include '准时上班' (zhǔnshí shàngbān) meaning 'to go to work on time.'
上班 or something close to it
上班 (shàngbān) vs 上课 (shàngkè) — use 上班 when referring to going to work, while 上课 specifically refers to attending class.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '上班' with '上课' (shàngkè, to attend class). A common mistake is saying '我上课' when they mean '我上班' for work. Ensure to use the correct term based on the context.
Write 上班
上
班
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Grammar Patterns of 上班
上班 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 4 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
