派遣
pài qiǎn
To dispatch
Literally: 派 (pài - to assign/send) + 遣 (qiǎn - to dispatch/send away)
In 15 Seconds
- Sending a person or team for a specific official task.
- Used for business trips, diplomatic missions, or professional assignments.
- Never used for objects; only for people with a mission.
Meaning
It means to officially send someone to a specific place to complete a task or mission. Think of it as 'deploying' someone for a job rather than just asking them to go somewhere.
Key Examples
3 of 6A boss assigning a task
公司派遣他去北京参加会议。
The company dispatched him to Beijing for a conference.
International aid context
政府派遣了医疗队前往灾区。
The government dispatched a medical team to the disaster area.
Texting a colleague about a new guy
他是总部派遣过来的专家。
He is the expert dispatched here from headquarters.
Cultural Background
Historically, this term was linked to imperial decrees and military movements. In modern China, it has shifted toward the corporate world, specifically relating to 'Labor Dispatch' (劳务派遣), a common employment model for temporary or contract work.
The 'Person' Rule
Always remember: `派遣` is for people. If you use it for your phone or a pizza, people will think you're roleplaying as a medieval king.
Don't confuse with 'Send'
Don't use `派遣` for emails. For digital stuff, use `发` (fā). `派遣` requires physical movement of a human being.
In 15 Seconds
- Sending a person or team for a specific official task.
- Used for business trips, diplomatic missions, or professional assignments.
- Never used for objects; only for people with a mission.
What It Means
派遣 is about sending people with a purpose. It is not for sending a package. It is for sending a person or a team. You use it when authority is involved. It feels official and deliberate. It implies the person being sent has a job to do.
How To Use It
You place the sender first, then 派遣, then the person. For example, "The company 派遣 me to Shanghai." You can also use it for groups. It often appears in work or diplomatic contexts. It sounds much more professional than just saying 送 (to send).
When To Use It
Use it in your office for business trips. Use it when discussing international relations or NGOs. It is perfect for formal emails. Use it when a boss sends an assistant on an errand. It works well when describing experts sent to help others. Use it when you want to sound organized and official.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for physical objects. You don't 派遣 a letter or a gift. Don't use it for casual hangouts. You wouldn't 派遣 your friend to buy bubble tea. That would sound like you are his king. It is too heavy for simple, daily favors. Avoid it in very intimate, romantic settings.
Cultural Background
In Chinese history, this word was for imperial orders. The Emperor would 派遣 generals to the borders. Today, it retains that sense of 'official mission.' It reflects the hierarchical nature of Chinese professional life. Being 'dispatched' often implies you are trusted by the organization. It carries a sense of responsibility and duty.
Common Variations
You will often see 外派 (wàipài). This specifically means being sent to work abroad. There is also 派遣员工 (qiǎnpiàn yuángōng). This refers to 'dispatch workers' or temporary agency staff. These terms are very common in modern Chinese HR talk. They help define your specific role in a large company.
Usage Notes
This is a formal, professional term. Use it when there is a clear hierarchy or a specific mission involved. Avoid using it for inanimate objects or casual social invitations.
The 'Person' Rule
Always remember: `派遣` is for people. If you use it for your phone or a pizza, people will think you're roleplaying as a medieval king.
Don't confuse with 'Send'
Don't use `派遣` for emails. For digital stuff, use `发` (fā). `派遣` requires physical movement of a human being.
The 'Wàipài' Dream
In China, being `外派` (dispatched abroad) is often seen as a big career boost and a chance to see the world, usually coming with a nice subsidy!
Examples
6公司派遣他去北京参加会议。
The company dispatched him to Beijing for a conference.
Standard professional usage showing the company as the authority.
政府派遣了医疗队前往灾区。
The government dispatched a medical team to the disaster area.
Used here for a noble, urgent mission.
他是总部派遣过来的专家。
He is the expert dispatched here from headquarters.
Explaining someone's background or authority level.
我派遣我家的猫去抓苍蝇。
I am dispatching my cat to catch flies.
Using a formal word for a silly task creates humor.
我不喜欢被派遣到偏远的地方工作。
I don't like being dispatched to work in remote places.
Expressing feelings about a mandatory work assignment.
经理派遣我去买咖啡，真奇怪。
The manager dispatched me to buy coffee; it's so weird.
Highlights the oddity of using a formal 'mission' word for a snack run.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a business trip.
公司决定___一名工程师去维修机器。
`派遣` is the only choice that refers to sending a person for a professional task.
Which word fits an international context?
联合国___了观察员去监督选举。
`派遣` fits the formal, official nature of the United Nations sending observers.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Sending' in Chinese
Sending a friend or a text
发 (fā)
General sending of things/people
送 (sòng)
Official dispatch of personnel
派遣 (pàiqiǎn)
When to use 派遣
Business Trip
Sending staff to a branch office
Diplomacy
Sending ambassadors abroad
Military/Emergency
Sending rescue teams
Labor
Agency staff assignments
Practice Bank
2 exercises公司决定___一名工程师去维修机器。
`派遣` is the only choice that refers to sending a person for a professional task.
联合国___了观察员去监督选举。
`派遣` fits the formal, official nature of the United Nations sending observers.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you are being funny. It sounds very formal, like you are giving them a state mission to clean their room.
送 is general and can be for gifts or people. 派遣 is strictly for official tasks and missions.
Yes, but mostly when talking about work or news. You won't hear it much at a dinner party unless discussing jobs.
No, it usually requires an external authority like a company, government, or boss to do the dispatching.
Yes! If you are asking to be sent to a seminar, saying 请派遣我... sounds very professional and eager.
It can. Because it's an official 'dispatch,' it often carries the weight of a requirement rather than a suggestion.
It refers to a 'dispatched worker'—someone employed by an agency but sent to work at another company.
Actually, yes. In tech contexts, you can 派遣 a robot or a drone because they are performing a mission.
It is more common in formal writing and news, but used in professional speech frequently.
Not inherently. However, if someone feels 'exiled' to a bad location, they might use it with a sigh.
Related Phrases
委派 (wěipài) - To appoint/delegate
指派 (zhǐpài) - To assign/designate
差遣 (chāiqiǎn) - To send on an errand (slightly old-fashioned)
外派 (wàipài) - To be sent abroad/outstationed
