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上岗 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
上岗shànggǎngto take up one's postHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #21165, Very Hard
上岗shànggǎngto be given a jobHSK 7, unknown, 10 strokes, rank #21165, Very Hard
shànggǎng(shang4gang3)shang gang T4
  1. 1to take up one's post
  2. 2to be given a job
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March 24, 2026

上岗(上崗)shànggǎng(shang4gang3)

上岗 (shang4 gang3) means to take up one's post or to be assigned a job. It is commonly used in professional contexts when someone is starting work at a new position or returning to their duties. This term emphasizes the action of beginning one's responsibilities, particularly in a formal workplace setting.

Strokes10Frequency#21165DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In China, the concept of 上岗 is often associated with formal job assignments and training processes that are common in many workplaces, reflecting the importance of hierarchy and proper onboarding. It is not uncommon for new employees to undergo a '岗前培训' (pre-job training) before officially starting their roles.

Memory tip

Imagine a person climbing up (上) to a high platform (岗) where they will start their job. The visual of ascending to a new role helps to remember that 上岗 is about starting work or taking on responsibilities.

Meanings of 上岗

shànggǎng(shang4gang3)
1to take up one's post
2to be given a job
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About 上岗

上岗Simplified
上崗Traditional
10Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2

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Podcast: 上岗

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AI study notes for 上岗

Quick Contrast

上班 (shàngbān) vs 上岗 (shànggǎng): use 上班 when referring to the act of going to work, while 上岗 emphasizes taking up a specific post or position.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 上岗, as the fourth tone (上) and the third tone (岗) can be tricky. This term is more formal and is typically used in professional settings, often in phrases like '上岗培训' (training before taking up a post). Avoid using it in casual contexts.

HSK Study Tips

Although 上岗 is not specifically listed in HSK levels, it is relevant for learners preparing for HSK 4 and above, as it relates to workplace vocabulary. Students should focus on understanding how it fits into discussions about jobs and responsibilities, linking it with terms like '工作' (work) and '职位' (position).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 上岗 with similar terms like '上班' (shang4 ban1, to go to work). For instance, saying '我上班了' (I have taken up a post) is incorrect; instead, use '我上岗了' for starting a new job.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 上岗

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Component characters

上shàngon top
HSK 13 strokes一
View full entry
岗gǎngmound
7 strokes山
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How to say to take up one's post in Chinese

“to take up one's post” in Chinese is上岗shànggǎng

上岗 (shang4 gang3) means to take up one's post or to be assigned a job. It is commonly used in professional contexts when someone is starting work at a new position or returning to their duties. This term emphasizes the action of beginning one's responsibilities, particularly in a formal workplace setting.

When to use 上岗

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 上岗, as the fourth tone (上) and the third tone (岗) can be tricky. This term is more formal and is typically used in professional settings, often in phrases like '上岗培训' (training before taking up a post). Avoid using it in casual contexts.

上岗 or something close to it

上班 (shàngbān) vs 上岗 (shànggǎng): use 上班 when referring to the act of going to work, while 上岗 emphasizes taking up a specific post or position.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 上岗 with similar terms like '上班' (shang4 ban1, to go to work). For instance, saying '我上班了' (I have taken up a post) is incorrect; instead, use '我上岗了' for starting a new job.

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上
岗

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Frequently asked questions about 上岗

You can say '他上岗了' (He has taken up his post) to indicate that someone has begun their job.

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