Esta página en tu idioma

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A1 verb #300 más común 13 min de lectura

下班

xiàbān Top 300

At the A1 level, '下班' (xiàbān) is taught as a basic daily routine verb. Learners should focus on its literal meaning: 'to get off work.' At this stage, you mainly use it to state the time you finish your job. The most important grammatical rule to remember is that the time comes before the verb. For example, 'I get off work at 5:00' is '我五点下班' (Wǒ wǔ diǎn xiàbān). You will also learn to use it with '了' (le) to say 'I've finished work' (我下班了). This is a vital survival phrase for anyone working in a Chinese-speaking environment or making plans with friends. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just treat it as a single action that happens at the end of the day. It is often paired with '上班' (shàngbān - to go to work) as a pair of opposites. You might also see it in simple questions like '你几点下班？' (What time do you get off work?). Focus on the pronunciation, especially the fourth tone on 'xià' and the first tone on 'bān.' Mastery at this level means being able to tell someone your work schedule and understand when others say they are finished for the day.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '下班' (xiàbān) in more complex sentence structures, particularly those involving sequences of events. You will frequently use the pattern '下班以后' (xiàbān yǐhòu), which means 'after getting off work.' This allows you to describe your evening plans, such as '下班以后我去超市' (After work, I go to the supermarket). You will also start using adverbs like '想' (xiǎng - want to) or '要' (yào - will/need to) with '下班,' such as '我想早点下班' (I want to get off work a bit early). At this level, you should also be comfortable using '下班' with the negative '还没' (hái méi - not yet), as in '我还没下班' (I haven't finished work yet). You are also introduced to the concept of '加班' (jiābān - to work overtime) as the logical opposite of getting off on time. Understanding the difference between 'xiàbān' (the act of leaving) and '做完工作' (finishing the tasks) becomes more important here. You might also start to see '下班' used in phrases like '下班时间' (xiàbān shíjiān - off-work time). Your goal at A2 is to be able to coordinate social activities around work schedules and describe a typical workday in more detail.

By the B1 level, you should have a solid grasp of '下班' (xiàbān) as a 'separable verb' (离合词). While '下班' is not as frequently separated as some other verbs, you will learn how to insert duration or aspect markers. For example, '下过班' (have finished work before) or '下班两个小时了' (have been off work for two hours). You will also use '下班' in conditional sentences, such as '如果我不加班，我就五点下班' (If I don't work overtime, I'll get off at five). At this stage, you will encounter '下班' in more professional contexts, such as discussing office policies or labor rights. You'll learn related terms like '准时下班' (getting off on time) and '提早下班' (leaving early). You should also be able to use the '得' (de) construction to describe the manner of getting off work, such as '他每天下班都下得很晚' (He gets off work very late every day). B1 learners should also be aware of the cultural implications of 'xiàbān' in Chinese society, such as the social expectation to stay until the boss leaves in some traditional companies. You can now participate in discussions about work-life balance and the '996' work culture.

At the B2 level, '下班' (xiàbān) is used fluently in abstract and nuanced discussions. You will use it to talk about societal trends, such as the 'lying flat' (tǎng píng) movement or the stress of modern urban life. You'll understand and use more formal alternatives like '退勤' (tuìqín) in administrative contexts or '收工' (shōugōng) in creative industries. You can discuss the psychological transition of 'xiàbān,' such as '心理下班' (mentally clocking out), where one is physically away from the office but still thinking about work. Your vocabulary will expand to include idioms and set phrases related to work cycles. You can handle complex scenarios, like negotiating a change in work hours or discussing the impact of remote work on the concept of '下班.' At this level, you should be able to write an essay or give a presentation on the evolution of Chinese work culture, using '下班' as a key thematic anchor. You will also be sensitive to the register, knowing when to use '下班' versus more colloquial or formal terms. You can understand jokes or wordplay involving 'xiàbān' in TV shows and social media.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '下班' (xiàbān) extends to its deep cultural and sociological roots. You can analyze the etymology of the character '班' (originally referring to the dividing of jade, later to shifts or groups) and how it relates to the organization of labor in Chinese history. You will encounter '下班' in literature and high-level journalism, where it might be used metaphorically to describe the end of an era or the conclusion of a major public service. You can discuss the legalities of '下班' in the context of Chinese labor law, including debates over 'invisible overtime' (yǐnxíng jiābān) where employees are expected to answer WeChat messages after hours. You will be able to appreciate the nuance in different regional dialects' versions of 'xiàbān' and the subtle social cues involved in leaving the office in different corporate environments. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the ability to use it in sarcastic or highly idiomatic ways. You can engage in deep conversations about the philosophy of work and leisure, using '下班' as a point of departure for discussing the human condition in a capitalist society.

At the C2 level, '下班' (xiàbān) is a tool for sophisticated linguistic expression. You can use it in creative writing, academic research, or high-level professional negotiations with absolute precision. You understand the most obscure historical uses of the term and its evolution through the planned economy era to the modern market economy. You can interpret the use of '下班' in classical-style modern poetry or complex satirical works. You are aware of the minute differences in how '下班' is perceived across different generations in China—from the 'iron rice bowl' era where 'xiàbān' was strictly regulated, to the modern era of extreme flexibility and extreme pressure. You can lead seminars on Chinese corporate culture, providing deep insights into the 'xiàbān' rituals of different industries. Your mastery includes the ability to manipulate the word for rhetorical effect, using it to create puns, metaphors, or cultural critiques that resonate with a native-speaking audience. At this level, '下班' is not just a word you know; it is a concept you can deconstruct and reconstruct to serve any communicative purpose.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

下班 en 30 segundos

下班 (xiàbān) means 'to get off work' or 'finish a shift.'
It is the opposite of 上班 (shàngbān), which means 'to go to work.'
In a sentence, the time usually comes before the word: '我五点下班.'
It is a 'separable verb,' meaning it's a complete action and doesn't take an object.

The Chinese term 下班 (xiàbān) is a fundamental vocabulary word that every learner encounters early in their journey. At its core, it translates to "to get off work" or "to finish one's shift." However, its usage extends beyond a simple temporal marker; it encapsulates the transition from professional obligations to personal freedom. In Chinese culture, where work ethic is highly valued, the moment of xiàbān is a significant daily milestone. The word is composed of two characters: 下 (xià), meaning 'down,' 'below,' or 'to finish/exit,' and 班 (班), which refers to a 'shift,' 'duty,' or 'class.' Together, they literally describe the act of stepping down from one's assigned shift.

Daily Routine: People use this word to describe the specific time they leave their workplace. For example, 'I get off work at six' is expressed as '我六点下班'. It is the most common way to signal the end of the business day.

你什么时候下班？ (Nǐ shénme shíhou xiàbān? - When do you get off work?)

In a broader social context, 下班 is often used as a prerequisite for making plans. If you want to invite a colleague for dinner or a friend for a movie, the conversation almost always revolves around their xiàbān time. It serves as the boundary between the public self (the employee) and the private self (the individual). Interestingly, the term is also used in the gig economy and for shift workers, not just office employees. Whether you are a doctor finishing a hospital rotation or a barista closing a coffee shop, you are 'xiàbān-ing.'

Social Planning: When friends ask '下班了吗？' (Have you finished work?), they are checking your availability for social interaction. It is a polite way to see if someone is free to talk or meet up.

我刚下班，现在在回家的路上。 (Wǒ gāng xiàbān, xiànzài zài huí jiā de lùshàng. - I just got off work; I am on my way home now.)

Furthermore, the concept of 下班 has evolved with modern work culture. In the era of '996' (working from 9 AM to 9 PM, six days a week) in some Chinese tech companies, xiàbān has become a luxury. You might hear people talk about '准时下班' (zhǔnshí xiàbān), which means 'getting off work on time,' often spoken with a sense of pride or relief. Conversely, '加班' (jiābān) is the antonym, meaning to work overtime. Understanding the weight of 下班 helps you understand the rhythm of life in Chinese-speaking urban environments.

Work-Life Balance: The phrase '下班生活' (xiàbān shēnghuó) refers to one's life after work hours, emphasizing the importance of hobbies and relaxation outside of the professional sphere.

他每天都很晚才下班。 (Tā měitiān dōu hěn wǎn cái xiàbān. - He gets off work very late every day.)

我们下班以后去吃火锅吧！ (Wǒmen xiàbān yǐhòu qù chī huǒguō ba! - Let's go eat hotpot after we get off work!)

In summary, 下班 is more than just a verb; it is a gateway to personal time. It marks the end of a period of productivity and the beginning of rest, socialization, or family time. Whether you are discussing your schedule, making plans, or complaining about long hours, 下班 is the essential term to describe the conclusion of the workday.

Using 下班 (xiàbān) correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of its grammatical structure as a verb-object compound (离合词 - líhécí). While it often functions as a single unit meaning 'to get off work,' the two characters can occasionally be separated by other words, such as duration or aspect markers, though this is less common for xiàbān than for its counterpart shàngbān. The most common patterns involve specifying time, frequency, or the state of being finished with work.

Basic Subject-Verb Structure: The simplest way to use the word is [Subject] + [Time] + 下班. For example, 'I get off work at 5 PM' is '我下午五点下班'. Note that the time always comes before the verb in Chinese.

经理已经下班了。 (Jīnglǐ yǐjīng xiàbān le. - The manager has already gotten off work.)

When you want to describe the act of finishing work and then doing something else, you use the structure [下班] + [以后/后] + [Activity]. This is extremely common when making plans. For instance, 'After work, I go to the gym' would be '下班以后，我去健身房'. The word '以后' (yǐhòu) acts as a temporal marker indicating 'after'.

Using Aspect Markers: The particle '了' (le) is frequently used with 下班 to indicate a change of state or completion. '我下班了' means 'I have finished work' or 'I am off duty now'.

你还没下班吗？ (Nǐ hái méi xiàbān ma? - Haven't you finished work yet?)

Another important usage is with the word '快' (kuài) to mean 'about to'. '我快下班了' (Wǒ kuài xiàbān le) means 'I am about to get off work.' This is a very useful phrase when you are wrapping up your tasks and getting ready to head out. You can also use adverbs of frequency like '经常' (jīngcháng - often) or '总是' (zǒngshì - always) to describe your work habits.

Describing Manner: You can use the structural particle '得' (de) to describe how one gets off work. For example, '他下班下得很晚' (He gets off work very late).

我今天想早点下班去接孩子。 (Wǒ jīntiān xiǎng zǎodiǎn xiàbān qù jiē háizi. - I want to get off work a bit early today to pick up the kids.)

因为下雨，大家都提早下班了。 (Yīnwèi xiàyǔ, dàjiā dōu tízǎo xiàbān le. - Because of the rain, everyone got off work early.)

In more formal or written contexts, you might see 下班 used as a noun-like entity, such as in '下班时间' (xiàbān shíjiān - off-work time/closing time). However, in daily speech, its verbal function is dominant. Mastering these patterns will allow you to communicate your schedule clearly and effectively in any Chinese-speaking workplace or social setting.

The word 下班 (xiàbān) is ubiquitous in Chinese daily life, echoing through office corridors, subway stations, and dinner tables. Its presence is most felt during the 'rush hour,' known in Chinese as '下班高峰' (xiàbān gāofēng). If you are in a major city like Beijing, Shanghai, or Taipei, you will hear this word constantly between 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM as millions of people transition from their professional roles to their personal lives.

In the Office: As the clock nears the end of the day, colleagues will ask each other, '你还不下班吗？' (Aren't you getting off work yet?). It's a way of acknowledging the end of the day or checking if someone needs help finishing up.

大家都下班了，办公室只剩下我一个人。 (Dàjiā dōu xiàbān le, bàngōngshì zhǐ shèngxià wǒ yīgè rén. - Everyone has finished work; I'm the only one left in the office.)

On public transportation, 下班 is the reason for the crowds. Announcements might mention '下班客流' (xiàbān kèliú - the flow of passengers getting off work). You'll hear commuters on their phones saying, '我刚下班，正在地铁上' (I just got off work, I'm on the subway). It is the universal explanation for why someone might be tired, busy, or unavailable.

Service Industry: In restaurants or shops, you might hear a staff member say to another, '我下班了，接下来的交给你' (I'm off work, I'll leave the rest to you). This indicates a shift change.

对不起，厨师已经下班了，我们不再接单。 (Duìbuqǐ, chúshī yǐjīng xiàbān le, wǒmen bù zài jiē dān. - Sorry, the chef has already finished work; we are no longer taking orders.)

In digital spaces, such as WeChat or work-related apps like DingTalk, the term is used to set boundaries. People might set their status to '已下班' (Already off work) to signal that they won't be responding to work messages. In the modern 'always-on' culture, explicitly stating that one has xiàbān-ed is a necessary act of self-care.

Media and Entertainment: TV shows and web series often depict the 'xiàbān' culture, showing characters rushing home to their families or meeting friends at a 'izakaya-style' bar to decompress.

这首歌非常适合在下班回家的路上听。 (Zhè shǒu gē fēicháng shìhé zài xiàbān huí jiā de lùshàng tīng. - This song is very suitable for listening to on the way home from work.)

我一下班就给你打电话。 (Wǒ yī xiàbān jiù gěi nǐ dǎ diànhuà. - I will call you as soon as I get off work.)

Ultimately, 下班 is a word that marks the rhythm of the city. It is the collective sigh of relief at the end of a long day and the catalyst for the vibrant nightlife and family gatherings that define Chinese society. Whether spoken in a weary tone after a long shift or an excited one before a weekend, it is a word that resonates with everyone who works.

While 下班 (xiàbān) seems straightforward, English speakers often make several common errors when integrating it into their Chinese. These mistakes usually stem from direct translation or a misunderstanding of the word's grammatical category as a 'separable verb' (离合词).

Confusing 'Finish Work' with 'Finish a Task': In English, 'I finished my work' can mean you completed a specific project. In Chinese, 下班 only means you are leaving your shift. If you mean you finished a task, use '做完' (zuòwán) or '完成' (wánchéng).

错误: 我下班了我的报告。 (Incorrect: I 'off-work'ed my report.)
正确: 我写完报告了。 (Correct: I finished writing the report.)

Another frequent mistake is trying to place an object after 下班. Because xiàbān is an intransitive verb-object compound (where 'bān' is already the object of 'xià'), it cannot take another object. You cannot say '下班公司' (get off work the company). You simply say '下班'.

Incorrect Placement of Time: English speakers often say 'I get off work at five,' and might try to translate it as '我下班在五点'. In Chinese, the time must come before the verb: '我五点下班'.

错误: 我下班六点。 (Incorrect: I get off work six.)
正确: 我六点下班。 (Correct: I get off work at six.)

Using '了' (le) incorrectly is also common. While '我下班了' is perfect for 'I've finished work,' beginners sometimes forget that '了' indicates a change of state. If you are describing a general routine, like 'I usually get off at 5,' you should not use '了'.

Misunderstanding 'Separability': While 下班 is less commonly separated than '睡觉' or '吃饭', you might still see things like '下过班' (have finished work before). Beginners often struggle with where to put these markers.

错误: 我已经下班了两个小时。 (Incorrect for duration: I have been off work for two hours.)
正确: 我下班两个小时了。 (Correct: I have been off work for two hours.)

错误: 谁下班？ (Who finishes work? - ambiguous)
正确: 谁今天值班？ (Who is on duty today? - often what people actually mean to ask.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls—specifically the object-placement error and the time-word order—you will sound much more natural and fluent when discussing your work schedule in Chinese.

To truly master the vocabulary surrounding work and time, it is essential to understand how 下班 (xiàbān) compares to similar terms. While xiàbān is the most common way to say 'get off work,' other words offer more specific nuances depending on the context of the job or the nature of the departure.

下班 vs. 离职 (lízhi): This is a crucial distinction. 下班 means finishing your day's work, while 离职 means quitting your job or resigning. Confusing these can lead to major misunderstandings!

他下班了。 (He finished work for the day.)
他离职了。 (He quit his job.)

Another pair often confused is 下班 and 放假 (fàngjià). Xiàbān is a daily occurrence, whereas fàngjià refers to going on holiday or having a day off (like a weekend or a public holiday). If it's Friday afternoon and you are leaving for a week-long vacation, you are both xiàbān-ing and starting your fàngjià.

下班 vs. 歇班 (xiēbān): In some northern dialects of China, you might hear 歇班. While xiàbān is the act of leaving work, xiēbān often refers to being on one's rostered day off, especially for those who work in shifts (like nurses or factory workers).

我今天歇班，不用去公司。 (I'm off shift today; I don't need to go to the company.)

For more formal situations, such as an official announcement that a business is closing for the day, you might see 停止营业 (tíngzhǐ yíngyè - stop business/closed). While the employees are xiàbān-ing, the establishment itself is tíngzhǐ yíngyè. Similarly, 收工 (shōugōng) is a more colloquial or industry-specific term (often used in film or construction) meaning 'to wrap up work for the day.'

Summary Table

下班: General term for getting off work.
放学: Getting out of school.
离职: Quitting a job permanently.
收工: 'Wrapping up' (colloquial/manual labor).
退勤 (tuìqín): Very formal/administrative term for clocking out.

导演说：“好，今天收工！” (The director said, "Okay, that's a wrap for today!")

他已经离职了，不再是我们的员工。 (He has already resigned; he is no longer our employee.)

Understanding these synonyms and alternatives allows you to choose the word that best fits the specific 'work' situation you are describing, making your Chinese sound more precise and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"全体员工将于今日下午四时提早下班。"

Neutral

"我五点下班，你呢？"

Informal

"下班啦！走，去喝一杯！"

Child friendly

"爸爸下班就会带礼物回来哦。"

Jerga

"溜了溜了，下班大吉！"

Dato curioso

In ancient China, government officials didn't 'xiàbān' in the modern sense; they often lived in their offices or had very different cycles of duty based on the emperor's schedule.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ʃjɑː bæn/

US /ʃjɑ bæn/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'xià', which carries the forceful falling tone.

Rima con

下 (xià): 话 (huà), 画 (huà), 怕 (pà) 班 (bān): 山 (shān), 天 (tiān - partial), 关 (guān), 蓝 (lán) Other rhymes: 穿 (chuān), 船 (chuán), 慢 (màn), 站 (zhàn)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'xi' as 'zi' or 'si'.
Failing to make the fourth tone on 'xià' sharp enough.
Pronouncing 'bān' with a falling tone instead of a high level tone.
Making the 'a' in 'ban' too much like 'father' instead of 'apple'.
Mixing up the tones, which can lead to confusion with other words.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

The characters are simple and frequently encountered in early lessons.

Escritura 2/5

The character '班' has a few more strokes but is very regular.

Expresión oral 1/5

The tones are distinct and the word is easy to pronounce.

Escucha 1/5

It is a very high-frequency word that is easy to recognize in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

下 (xià) 上班 (shàngbān) 工作 (gōngzuò) 时间 (shíjiān) 点 (diǎn)

Aprende después

加班 (jiābān) 放假 (fàngjià) 休息 (xiūxi) 以后 (yǐhòu) 回家 (huíjiā)

Avanzado

离职 (lízhi) 退休 (tuìxiū) 兼职 (jiānzhí) 辞职 (cízhí) 失业 (shīyè)

Gramática que debes saber

Time-When

我[五点]下班。 (Time comes before the verb.)

Separable Verbs (离合词)

下[了]班 (Completed), 下[过]班 (Experience).

Duration with Separable Verbs

我下班[两个小时]了。 (Duration follows the verb.)

The 'After' Structure

下班[以后/后]... (After finishing work...)

Manner Complement

他下班下得[很晚]。 (He gets off work very late.)

Ejemplos por nivel

我下午五点下班。

I get off work at 5 PM.

Time (下午五点) comes before the verb (下班).

你几点下班？

What time do you get off work?

Question word '几点' (what time) is used to ask about the schedule.

我下班了。

I have finished work.

The particle '了' indicates the completion of the action.

老师还没下班。

The teacher hasn't finished work yet.

'还没' (not yet) is used for negative completion.

爸爸六点半下班。

Dad gets off work at 6:30.

Simple Subject + Time + Verb structure.

下班以后见！

See you after work!

'以后' means 'after' and follows the verb.

我们要下班了。

We are about to get off work.

'要...了' indicates an action about to happen.

今天我不下班。

I am not getting off work today (e.g., working a double shift).

'不' is used for general negation.

下班以后，我想去买水果。

After work, I want to go buy some fruit.

Using '以后' to connect two actions.

他每天都很晚下班。

He gets off work very late every day.

'很晚' is an adverbial phrase modifying the verb.

你下班了吗？我们去吃饭吧。

Have you finished work? Let's go eat.

Using '了' to check if an action is completed.

我快下班了，等我十分钟。

I'm almost off work, wait for me for ten minutes.

'快...了' means 'almost' or 'soon'.

因为今天有事，我提早下班了。

Because I had something to do today, I left work early.

'提早' means 'in advance' or 'early'.

医生下班以后去运动。

The doctor goes to exercise after work.

Subject + Action 1 + 以后 + Action 2.

你什么时候下班？我来接你。

When do you get off work? I'll come pick you up.

'来接你' means 'come to pick you up'.

公司五点半准时下班。

The company finishes work at 5:30 sharp.

'准时' means 'on time' or 'punctually'.

他下班下得很晚，因为工作太多了。

He gets off work very late because there is too much work.

Using the '得' construction to describe the manner of the action.

我下班两个小时了，还在回家的路上。

I've been off work for two hours and I'm still on my way home.

Duration (两个小时) follows the verb in a separable verb structure.

虽然已经下班了，但他还在想公司的事。

Although he has already finished work, he is still thinking about company matters.

'虽然...但是...' (although... but...) structure.

如果你能准时下班，我们就去听音乐会。

If you can get off work on time, we will go to the concert.

Conditional '如果...就...' structure.

经理还没下班，大家都不敢走。

The manager hasn't left yet, so no one dares to leave.

Reflects a specific cultural workplace dynamic.

我喜欢下班以后在公园散步。

I like to take a walk in the park after work.

Describing a habit or preference.

今天下班高峰期，地铁非常挤。

It's the after-work rush hour today; the subway is very crowded.

'下班高峰期' is a common compound noun.

他一下班就给妈妈打电话。

As soon as he gets off work, he calls his mother.

'一...就...' means 'as soon as'.

现代人的下班时间变得越来越不固定。

Modern people's off-work times are becoming more and more irregular.

'越来越' indicates a progressive change.

即使下班了，他也要处理微信上的工作消息。

Even after getting off work, he still has to handle work messages on WeChat.

'即使...也...' (even if... still...) structure.

为了提高效率，老板要求大家必须准时下班。

In order to improve efficiency, the boss requires everyone to get off work on time.

'为了' (in order to) indicates purpose.

下班后的生活质量对身心健康至关重要。

The quality of life after work is crucial for physical and mental health.

'至关重要' is a formal idiom for 'crucial'.

他正在考虑是否应该为了家庭而提早下班。

He is considering whether he should leave work earlier for the sake of his family.

'是否' (whether) and '为了' (for the sake of).

随着远程办公的普及，下班的概念变得模糊了。

With the popularization of remote work, the concept of 'getting off work' has become blurred.

'随着' (along with/as) indicates a simultaneous development.

他希望能找一份能准时下班的工作。

He hopes to find a job where he can get off work on time.

Relative clause modifying '工作'.

下班高峰的交通堵塞让人感到非常疲惫。

The traffic congestion during the after-work rush makes people feel very exhausted.

Complex subject phrase.

这种“隐形加班”让员工即便下班也无法获得真正的休息。

This kind of 'invisible overtime' prevents employees from getting real rest even after they get off work.

Uses sophisticated vocabulary like '隐形加班' and '即便'.

在某些企业文化中，准时下班被视为缺乏进取心的表现。

In certain corporate cultures, getting off work on time is seen as a sign of a lack of ambition.

'被视为' (is regarded as) passive construction.

他享受那种下班后独自漫步在城市街头的静谧感。

He enjoys that sense of tranquility from wandering alone on the city streets after work.

Uses evocative language like '静谧感' (sense of tranquility).

法律应当明确界定下班后的“离线权”，以保障劳动者权益。

The law should clearly define the 'right to disconnect' after work to protect workers' rights.

Formal legal/policy discussion vocabulary.

由于长期无法按时下班，他的家庭关系出现了裂痕。

Due to being unable to get off work on time for a long period, cracks appeared in his family relationships.

'由于' (due to) and '裂痕' (cracks/fissures).

下班不仅是物理空间的转换，更是心理状态的重塑。

Getting off work is not just a change of physical space, but also a reshaping of one's psychological state.

'不仅是...更是...' (not only... but even more...) structure.

他在下班的路上，偶然发现了那家隐藏在巷子里的书店。

On his way home from work, he accidentally discovered that bookstore hidden in the alley.

Narrative style with descriptive modifiers.

对于许多职场新人来说，如何得体地提出下班是一个难题。

For many workplace newcomers, how to gracefully propose leaving work is a difficult problem.

Discussing social etiquette and soft skills.

在工业化进程中，“下班”这一概念的诞生标志着劳动时间的标准化。

In the process of industrialization, the birth of the concept of 'getting off work' marked the standardization of labor time.

Academic/Historical register.

这种无休止的待命状态，实际上消解了下班与上班之间的界限。

This endless state of being on call actually dissolves the boundary between being off work and being on work.

Uses abstract verbs like '消解' (dissolve/neutralize).

文学作品常以下班后的落寞身影来隐喻都市人的疏离感。

Literary works often use the lonely figure after work as a metaphor for the alienation of urban dwellers.

Literary analysis register.

我们需要重新审视下班的社会学意义，探讨其对社区建构的影响。

We need to re-examine the sociological significance of getting off work and explore its impact on community building.

Sociological research register.

他那副急于下班的神态，在严肃的会议室里显得格外突兀。

His expression of being eager to get off work appeared particularly out of place in the serious conference room.

Uses precise descriptors like '神态' and '突兀'.

下班后的喧嚣与办公室的沉闷形成了鲜明的对比。

The hustle and bustle after work formed a sharp contrast with the gloom of the office.

Comparative structure with high-level adjectives.

劳动者对“准时下班”的追求，反映了权利意识的觉醒。

The pursuit of 'getting off work on time' by workers reflects the awakening of rights consciousness.

Political/Social commentary register.

在数字化生存的今天，真正的下班或许已成为一种奢望。

In today's digital existence, truly getting off work may have become a luxury.

Philosophical reflection.

Colocaciones comunes

准时下班

下班高峰

刚下班

下班时间

提早下班

下班以后

还没下班

下班回家

晚下班

快下班了

Frases Comunes

下班了没？

等我下班

下班快乐

下班生活

下班路上的风景

准点下班

下班打卡

下班聚餐

还没到下班时间

下班后的第一件事

Se confunde a menudo con

下班 vs 做完

Means 'to finish doing' a task. '下班' means finishing the workday.

下班 vs 离职

Means 'to quit a job'. '下班' is just for the day.

下班 vs 放假

Means 'to have a holiday'. '下班' happens every day.

Modismos y expresiones

"朝九晚五"

Literally 'start at nine, finish at five.' Refers to a standard, stable office job.

他过着朝九晚五的生活。

Neutral

"披星戴月"

Literally 'clothed in stars and wearing the moon.' Describes working very early and finishing very late.

他每天披星戴月地工作，非常辛苦。

Literary

"日出而作，日落而息"

Work at sunrise and rest at sunset. Describes a traditional agrarian lifestyle.

农民们过着日出而作，日落而息的生活。

Classic/Literary

"废寝忘食"

To forget to eat and sleep. Describes being so focused on work that one doesn't 'xiàbān' mentally or physically.

他为了这个项目废寝忘食。

Commendatory

"忙忙碌碌"

Very busy and bustling, often used to describe the feeling of the workday.

他整天忙忙碌碌，直到下班。

Neutral

"按部就班"

To follow the prescribed order. While not directly about 'xiàbān,' it describes a routine work style.

他做事总是按部就班。

Neutral

"事半功倍"

Half the effort, twice the result. Often used to encourage efficient work so one can 'xiàbān' earlier.

掌握了方法，就能事半功倍。

Commendatory

"劳逸结合"

To strike a balance between work and rest. The philosophy of knowing when to 'xiàbān.'

要注意劳逸结合，不要太累了。

Neutral

"夜以继日"

Day and night. Describes working without stopping for 'xiàbān.'

他们夜以继日地抢修电路。

Neutral

"马不停蹄"

Without a pause. Describes a very hectic schedule.

他下班后又马不停蹄地去参加聚会。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

下班 vs 下课

Both start with '下' and mean 'to finish'.

'下课' is specifically for students and teachers finishing a class. '下班' is for workers finishing a shift.

学生们三点下课，老师四点下班。

下班 vs 完成

Both imply completion.

'完成' is for tasks, projects, or goals. '下班' is for the temporal end of a work shift.

我完成了任务，所以可以下班了。

下班 vs 收工

Both mean finishing work for the day.

'收工' is more colloquial and often used for manual labor or specific projects. '下班' is more general and used for office work.

导演喊了收工，演员们都下班了。

下班 vs 休息

Getting off work is a form of rest.

'休息' means to rest or take a break. You can '休息' during work, but '下班' means the work day is over.

下班以后，我回家休息。

下班 vs 离岗

Both involve leaving a workplace.

'离岗' is a formal term for leaving one's post, often used in security or safety contexts. '下班' is the standard term for ending a shift.

保安不能随意离岗，直到下班时间。

Patrones de oraciones

Subject + Time + 下班

我六点下班。

Subject + 下班 + 了

他下班了。

下班 + 以后 + Activity

下班以后去运动。

快 + 下班 + 了

快下班了，真开心。

Subject + 一 + 下班 + 就 + Activity

他一下班就回家。

Subject + 下班 + 下得 + Adjective

我今天下班下得很早。

虽然...但是...下班

虽然已经下班了，但是他还在忙。

下班 + 不仅是...更是...

下班不仅是休息，更是生活的开始。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely High (Daily use)

Errores comunes

我下班五点。 → 我五点下班。
In Chinese, time expressions must come before the verb, not after it.
我下班了我的工作。 → 我做完工作了。
'下班' is an intransitive verb meaning 'to finish the shift'. It cannot take an object like 'work'.
他下班在办公室。 → 他在办公室下班。
Location phrases (在...) should generally come before the verb in Chinese.
我已经下班了三个小时。 → 我下班三个小时了。
For duration of a state resulting from an action, the duration follows the verb and the '了' is often moved to the end.
你几点下课？ (to a colleague) → 你几点下班？
'下课' is only for school classes. For professional work, always use '下班'.

Consejos

Time Placement

Always remember to put the time before '下班'. For example: '我五点下班' (I get off at 5). This is a core rule of Chinese sentence structure.

Wait for the Boss

In some traditional Chinese companies, it's polite to wait for your manager to leave before you '下班'. Observe your colleagues to see the local office culture.

Learn the Pair

Always learn '下班' (finish work) together with '上班' (start work). They are a perfect pair of opposites that you will use daily.

Using '了'

Say '我下班了' (I'm off work) to announce you're done. The '了' shows a change of state from working to being free.

Making Plans

Use '下班以后' (after work) as a bridge to invite people out. '下班以后有空吗？' is the perfect conversation starter.

Internet Terms

Look out for terms like '996' or '打工人' (dǎgōngrén - worker) in discussions about '下班' on social media to understand modern work life.

Tone Clarity

Make sure the fourth tone on 'xià' is sharp and distinct. If it's too flat, it might be harder for native speakers to catch quickly.

Character '班'

The character '班' has two '王' (king/jade) parts with a '刂' (knife) in the middle. Think of it as dividing work among people.

Not for Tasks

Don't use '下班' to mean 'I finished the report.' Use '做完' for that. '下班' is only for the end of the shift.

Rush Hour

When you hear '高峰' (gāofēng) paired with '下班', it always refers to the busy traffic when everyone leaves work.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Xià' as an arrow pointing DOWN (the end of the day) and 'Bān' as the 'BAnner' of your company. When the arrow points down, you put down the banner and go home.

Asociación visual

Imagine a worker walking DOWN a staircase (下) away from a group of desks (班).

Word Web

上班 (Start) 加班 (Extra) 值班 (Duty) 下班 (Finish) 班车 (Bus) 班长 (Leader) 换班 (Change) 早班 (Morning shift)

Desafío

Try to use '下班' in three different sentences today: one about your time, one about your plans, and one asking a friend.

Origen de la palabra

The character '下' (xià) is an ancient ideogram representing something below a line, evolving to mean 'down' or 'to exit.' The character '班' (bān) originally depicted two pieces of jade being divided by a knife, symbolizing 'distribution' or 'division.'

Significado original: In a military or organizational context, '班' came to mean a group or a shift. '下班' thus literally means 'to step down from one's shift.'

Sino-Tibetan

Contexto cultural

Be careful when asking superiors '你什么时候下班？' as it might sound like you are rushing them or monitoring them. It's better to wait for them to mention it.

In the West, 'getting off work' is often a hard boundary. In Chinese culture, the boundary is often more fluid due to social media (WeChat).

The song '下班' by various artists often depicts the relief of the end of the day. Social media hashtags like #终于下班了 (Finally off work) are extremely popular. The '996.ICU' movement on GitHub highlighted the dark side of not being able to 'xiàbān'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Office Environment

你几点下班？
我还没下班。
今天准时下班吗？
下班以后开个会。

Social Planning

下班以后去吃饭吧。
等我下班再联系。
你下班了吗？
我一下班就过去。

Commuting

下班高峰太堵了。
我在下班回家的路上。
地铁里全是下班的人。
下班路上顺便买点菜。

Family Life

爸爸还没下班。
你下班能顺便接孩子吗？
我下班就回家做饭。
等老公下班再吃。

Customer Service

我们快下班了。
厨师已经下班了。
下班前请关灯。
对不起，现在是下班时间。

Inicios de conversación

"你平时几点下班？ (What time do you usually get off work?)"

"你下班以后喜欢做什么？ (What do you like to do after work?)"

"今天你能准时下班吗？ (Can you get off work on time today?)"

"下班回家的路远吗？ (Is the commute home from work long?)"

"你们公司下班以后有聚餐吗？ (Does your company have dinners after work?)"

Temas para diario

描述你今天下班后的心情。 (Describe your mood after getting off work today.)

如果你可以提早两小时下班，你会做什么？ (If you could leave work two hours early, what would you do?)

谈谈你对“准时下班”的看法。 (Talk about your views on 'getting off work on time'.)

你最喜欢的下班后的放松方式是什么？ (What is your favorite way to relax after work?)

写一段关于下班高峰期地铁里的场景。 (Write a paragraph about the scene in the subway during rush hour.)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you cannot. '下班' is an intransitive verb-object compound. You should say '我做完工作了' (I finished my work) or simply '我下班了' (I finished work for the day).

'下班' is what you do at the end of every workday (e.g., at 5 PM). '放假' refers to having a holiday or a vacation (e.g., for Chinese New Year or a weekend).

You can say '我今天要加班' (I have to work overtime today) or '我今天会很晚下班' (I will get off work very late today).

No. Students use '下课' (xiàkè) for finishing a class and '放学' (fàngxué) for finishing the school day.

Yes, in compounds like '下班时间' (off-work time) or '下班高峰' (rush hour), but it is primarily used as a verb.

Usually, yes. It implies you have finished your duties and are free to leave or have already left.

You say '我刚下班' (Wǒ gāng xiàbān).

The direct opposite is '上班' (shàngbān), which means to go to work or start a shift.

Yes, this is a very common and natural way to say 'See you after work!'

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from talking to your boss to chatting with friends.