Meanings of 下班
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Podcast: 下班
Podcast: 下班
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AI Study Notes for 下班
下课 (xiàkè) - refers specifically to finishing class, while 下班 (xiàbān) is used for finishing work.
Think of '下' (down) as you 'leave' work, and '班' (class/shift) as the shift you were in. Imagine you are 'moving down' in a classroom as the bell rings, indicating it's time to leave for the day.
Be careful not to confuse 下班 with 上班 (shàngbān), which means to start work. This phrase is often used in casual conversations among colleagues, but can also be appropriate in more formal settings when discussing work hours.
Although 下班 is not in the official HSK vocabulary lists, it is relevant for learners at HSK Level 2 and above, as it connects with other work-related vocabulary. Focus on usage in sentences about daily routines.
In many Chinese workplaces, a clear distinction is made between work and personal time, and the phrase 下班 signifies the end of a workday when employees often socialize or relax.
Learners often confuse 下班 with 上班, leading to mistakes like saying '我下班时候去上班' (I will go to work when I finish work) instead of '我下班时候去家' (I will go home when I finish work).
Pronunciation of 下班
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Component Characters
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Cultural Notes for 下班
In many Chinese workplaces, a clear distinction is made between work and personal time, and the phrase 下班 signifies the end of a workday when employees often socialize or relax.
Frequently Asked Questions about 下班
No, 下班 specifically refers to finishing work or a work shift. For school, you would use 放学 (fàngxué) to mean finishing classes.