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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.
Frequency#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.
Memory Mnemonic
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.
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).
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.
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.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 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.
The underground is ideal for getting to work in Milan.
8
你终于有一次准点上班去了。
nǐ zhōng yú yǒu yī cì zhǔn diǎn shàng bān qù le。
For once you leave bang on time for work.
9
8点钟前我得打卡上班。
8 8 diǎn zhōng qián wǒ dé dǎ kǎ shàng。
I have to clock in by eight.
10
他们到了工厂准备打卡上班，却发现大门没开。
tā mén dào le gōng chǎng zhǔn bèi dǎ kǎ shàng bān， ， què fā xiàn dà mén méi。
They arrived to clock on and found the factory gates locked.
Cultural Notes for 上班
🏮Cultural insight
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about 上班
'上班' can be used in sentences like '我今天要上班' (I have to go to work today).
'上班' is suitable for both formal and informal situations, like talking to colleagues or friends.
'上班' specifically refers to going to work or being on duty, while '工作' (gōngzuò) refers more broadly to work or jobs.
