招聘
zhao pin
To recruit
Literally: 招 (zhāo) - to beckon/attract; 聘 (pìn) - to engage/hire
In 15 Seconds
- The standard term for professional recruiting and hiring.
- Used by companies of all sizes, from tech giants to cafes.
- Commonly seen on job boards, posters, and LinkedIn profiles.
Meaning
This is the go-to word for when a company is looking for new people to join their team. It literally means 'inviting talents to apply' for a job.
Key Examples
3 of 6Seeing a sign at a cafe
这家咖啡店在招聘服务员。
This cafe is hiring waiters.
Discussing company news
我们的公司下个月开始招聘。
Our company will start recruiting next month.
Asking a friend about their job
你们公司最近有招聘计划吗？
Does your company have any hiring plans lately?
Cultural Background
The character `聘` historically referred to a formal betrothal or an emperor inviting a scholar to serve. Today, it reflects the high value Chinese culture places on formal employment and the 'invitation' of talent into a collective group.
The 'Short' Version
In casual conversation, Chinese people often drop the second character and just say `招人` (zhāorén), which literally means 'attracting people.'
Don't confuse with 应聘
If you are the one applying for the job, use `应聘` (yìngpìn). `招聘` is for the boss; `应聘` is for the candidate!
In 15 Seconds
- The standard term for professional recruiting and hiring.
- Used by companies of all sizes, from tech giants to cafes.
- Commonly seen on job boards, posters, and LinkedIn profiles.
What It Means
招聘 is the standard way to say 'recruiting' or 'hiring.' Think of it as the 'Help Wanted' sign you see in windows. It is the process where a boss looks for new employees. It covers everything from posting the ad to the final interview.
How To Use It
You usually see it as a verb or a noun. You can say a company is 招聘 (hiring). You can also talk about a 招聘 event (job fair). It is very versatile. Just put the company name before it. For example, 'Apple 招聘.' It is that simple.
When To Use It
Use it when you are talking about business. Use it when searching for jobs on apps like Boss Zhipin. It is perfect for professional networking. You will see it on posters outside milk tea shops too. It is the most common word for hiring anyone.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for casual favors. If you need a friend to help you move, don't use 招聘. That sounds like you are starting a moving company! Also, don't use it for 'hiring' a taxi or a bike. For those, use 打 or 租 instead. Keep 招聘 for professional roles and jobs.
Cultural Background
In China, 招聘 is a huge deal. Competition is very fierce. You will see 'Massive 招聘' signs during 'Golden September and Silver October.' These are the peak hiring seasons in China. Companies often set up booths at universities with huge 招聘 banners. It is a symbol of growth and opportunity.
Common Variations
You might see 诚聘 (chéngpìn) on shop doors. This means 'sincerely hiring.' It adds a touch of politeness and urgency. There is also 校招 (xiàozhāo) for campus recruiting. If you see 社招 (shèzhāo), that is for people already in the workforce. These shortcuts are used everywhere in the professional world.
Usage Notes
Use `招聘` as a verb (to recruit) or a noun (recruitment). It is universally understood and safe for all professional and semi-professional settings.
The 'Short' Version
In casual conversation, Chinese people often drop the second character and just say `招人` (zhāorén), which literally means 'attracting people.'
Don't confuse with 应聘
If you are the one applying for the job, use `应聘` (yìngpìn). `招聘` is for the boss; `应聘` is for the candidate!
The Sincerity Factor
If you see `诚聘` (Sincere Recruitment) on a sign, it often implies the boss is nice or the position is urgent. It's a psychological tactic to attract better workers.
Examples
6这家咖啡店在招聘服务员。
This cafe is hiring waiters.
A very common sight on street-level shop windows.
我们的公司下个月开始招聘。
Our company will start recruiting next month.
Used to describe internal company timelines.
你们公司最近有招聘计划吗？
Does your company have any hiring plans lately?
A polite way to ask for a referral.
我在网上看到了你的招聘信息。
I saw your job posting online.
Formal opening for a job application or inquiry.
我想招聘一个男朋友，有人报名吗？
I want to 'recruit' a boyfriend, anyone signing up?
Using professional language for personal life is a common joke.
招聘了三个月，还是没找到合适的人。
I've been recruiting for three months and still haven't found the right person.
Expresses frustration over the hiring process.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a job search.
这家公司正在___高级工程师。
Companies 'recruit' (招聘) employees; they don't 'buy' or 'call' them in a professional hiring context.
Which word fits a 'Help Wanted' sign?
门口贴着一张___海报。
A poster (海报) on a door is usually for 'recruiting' (招聘) rather than 'playing' or 'eating'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Hiring Terms
Used in casual speech
招人 (zhāorén)
Standard for all contexts
招聘 (zhàopìn)
Used in official ads
诚聘 (chéngpìn)
Where you will see 招聘
Office Building
HR department hiring
Retail Store
Window 'Help Wanted' sign
Mobile App
Job searching platforms
University
Campus career fairs
Practice Bank
2 exercises这家公司正在___高级工程师。
Companies 'recruit' (招聘) employees; they don't 'buy' or 'call' them in a professional hiring context.
门口贴着一张___海报。
A poster (海报) on a door is usually for 'recruiting' (招聘) rather than 'playing' or 'eating'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt means to recruit or hire. It is used when a company or employer is looking for new staff, like 公司正在招聘.
It is neutral. You can use it in a business meeting or when talking to a friend about a shop window sign.
Yes, it works for any professional engagement where someone is being 'hired' for a role.
招聘 is the process of looking for someone. 雇佣 (gùyōng) is the act of employing or the state of being employed.
You don't use 招聘 for yourself. You say 我在找工作 (I am looking for work).
It means a 'Job Fair' or 'Recruitment Fair.' It's an event where many companies 招聘 at once.
It's a bit formal for a babysitter. For domestic help, people often just say 请 (qǐng - to invite/hire) or 找 (zhǎo - to find).
This is 'Campus Recruiting.' It is often shortened to 校招 (xiàozhāo) and is a major event for graduating students.
Not exactly slang, but 招人 is the common, everyday way to say it among friends.
诚聘 means 'Sincerely hiring.' It's a more polite and welcoming version often used in advertisements.
Related Phrases
面试
Job interview
简历
Resume / CV
应聘
To apply for a job
录用
To hire / To admit
