In 15 Seconds
- Used for handing in work, reports, or digital forms.
- Commonly found on buttons in apps and websites.
- Implies a task is finished and ready for review.
Meaning
This is the 'send' or 'enter' button of the Chinese world. You use it whenever you finish a task, fill out a form, or hand in work to be reviewed.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a professional meeting
我已经提交了上周的报告。
I have already submitted last week's report.
Filling out an online form
别忘了点击提交按钮。
Don't forget to click the submit button.
Applying for a visa
我需要提交哪些材料？
What materials do I need to submit?
Cultural Background
The term reflects China's rapid digitalization. From 'WeChat' mini-programs to government services, the 'Submit' button is the gateway to daily life. It evolved from a formal administrative term to a universal digital command used by millions every second.
The 'Submit' Button
If you are using a Chinese app and see a big blue or red button with two characters, it is almost certainly `提交`.
Don't use it for gifts
Never use `提交` when giving a present to someone. It makes the gift sound like a tax return!
In 15 Seconds
- Used for handing in work, reports, or digital forms.
- Commonly found on buttons in apps and websites.
- Implies a task is finished and ready for review.
What It Means
提交 is a very common word for finishing a process. Think of it as 'handing over' something you've completed. It is the digital equivalent of putting a paper on a teacher's desk. In the modern world, you see it on every website button. It implies that your part of the work is done. Now, it is someone else's turn to look at it.
How To Use It
You use it like a standard verb. You can say 提交 followed by the thing you are handing in. For example, 提交申请 means to submit an application. It is very common in office settings and online shopping. If you are using an app, the big button at the bottom is usually labeled 提交. Just don't press it until you are actually ready!
When To Use It
Use this in any professional or digital context. It's perfect for sending a report to your boss. Use it when finishing an online quiz or a visa application. It feels very 'official' and organized. If you are telling a colleague you finished your part, this is your word. It shows you are being productive and moving things forward.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 提交 for physical objects in casual settings. If you are handing a phone to a friend, don't say 提交. That would sound like you are filing a formal report on your friendship! Also, don't use it for giving a gift. For casual 'giving,' use 给 or 递. 提交 is strictly for tasks, documents, or digital data.
Cultural Background
In the past, this word had a sense of 'reporting to a superior.' The 提 means to lift up, showing respect to the receiver. Today, that hierarchy is mostly gone, but the sense of 'officialness' remains. It reflects the high-speed, digital nature of modern Chinese life. Everyone is constantly 'submitting' something to an app or a boss.
Common Variations
You might hear 交 for short in casual conversation. 递交 is a slightly more formal version used for physical documents. In software, you might also see 确定 (confirm), but 提交 is the specific action of sending data. If you are a programmer, you'll use 提交 for 'committing' code too!
Usage Notes
Mainly used in professional, academic, and digital contexts. It is neutral but leans toward formal because it involves a process or hierarchy.
The 'Submit' Button
If you are using a Chinese app and see a big blue or red button with two characters, it is almost certainly `提交`.
Don't use it for gifts
Never use `提交` when giving a present to someone. It makes the gift sound like a tax return!
The 'Commit' Culture
In Chinese tech circles, `提交` is the standard word for a Git commit. It's a daily word for millions of developers.
Examples
6我已经提交了上周的报告。
I have already submitted last week's report.
Standard professional use for work tasks.
别忘了点击提交按钮。
Don't forget to click the submit button.
Refers to the literal UI element on a screen.
我需要提交哪些材料？
What materials do I need to submit?
Used for formal administrative processes.
我也要向老婆提交申请吗？
Do I need to submit an application to my wife too?
Using a formal word in a casual setting for humor.
老师，我还没提交作业。
Teacher, I haven't submitted the homework yet.
Common academic context for assignments.
代码提交了吗？
Has the code been committed/submitted?
Specific jargon for developers.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the office task.
请在五点之前___你的工作计划。
You 'submit' (提交) a work plan; you don't eat or sleep it!
Identify the button name for a website form.
如果你填好了表格，就点击“___”。
After filling a form, you click 'Submit' (提交) to send the data.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Handing Things Over
Handing a physical object to a friend
给 (gěi)
Submitting work or digital forms
提交 (tíjiāo)
Official diplomatic or legal delivery
递交 (dìjiāo)
Where will you see 提交?
Mobile Apps
Order confirmation
Office
Weekly reports
School
Online homework
Coding
Git commit
Practice Bank
2 exercises请在五点之前___你的工作计划。
You 'submit' (提交) a work plan; you don't eat or sleep it!
如果你填好了表格，就点击“___”。
After filling a form, you click 'Submit' (提交) to send the data.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can! While common online, it's perfectly fine for physical documents like 提交申请表 (submit an application form).
交 is shorter and more casual. You '交' homework to a teacher, but you '提交' a formal proposal to a board.
Only if you are working together on a project. Otherwise, it sounds too much like an office environment.
Not exactly. 'Send' is 发送. 提交 implies that what you are sending is a completed task or form for review.
Usually, you 发送 (send) an email, but you might 提交 an attachment within that email if it's a report.
Usually, the status changes to 审核中 (under review). 提交 is just the first step of the approval process.
It's primarily a verb, but it can act as a noun in technical contexts, like 'a submission'.
You say 提交Bug. It's very common in the IT industry in China.
Yes, 递交 (dìjiāo) is used for very high-level things, like a diplomat handing over credentials.
The biggest mistake is using it for simple actions like giving someone a glass of water. Use 给 for that.
Related Phrases
发送 (To send)
交作业 (To hand in homework)
确认 (To confirm)
申请 (To apply)
递交 (To formally submit/hand over)
