In 15 Seconds
- To officially register or file information with an authority.
- Commonly used for housing, business, and administrative procedures.
- Implies putting something 'on the record' for future reference.
Meaning
Think of this as putting something 'on the record' or 'filing it away' for future reference. It is the act of officially registering a plan, a document, or even a person's details with an authority so they have it in their system.
Key Examples
3 of 6Renting an apartment
租房合同需要在派出所备案。
The rental contract needs to be filed at the police station.
Starting a website
我的网站终于通过备案了！
My website finally passed the registration process!
A boss talking to an employee
这个项目你先去公司备案一下。
Go and file this project with the company first.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Bei'an' is central to China's administrative culture, ensuring that the state or an organization has a record of activities without necessarily requiring a complex approval process (Pi'zhun). It gained massive public visibility with the rise of the internet, as every website in China must display an 'ICP Bei'an' number to operate legally.
The 'Permission' Myth
Unlike `申请` (apply), `备案` usually implies that you are informing them of a fact, not asking for permission. It's much faster!
Don't forget the number!
In China, if you have a website, the `备案号` (filing number) must be visible at the bottom of the page or you risk being shut down.
In 15 Seconds
- To officially register or file information with an authority.
- Commonly used for housing, business, and administrative procedures.
- Implies putting something 'on the record' for future reference.
What It Means
备案 is all about making things official. It literally means to prepare a file or record. In a modern context, it is the process of submitting information to a government body or a company. You aren't necessarily asking for permission. You are simply saying, "Hey, just so you know, I am doing this." It is like telling your mom you're going out—you aren't asking, you're just putting it on her radar.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb. Usually, you 备案 something with a specific department. For example, you 备案 your lease with the local police station. Or a company 备案 its new website with the ministry. It sounds a bit bureaucratic, but it is a part of daily life in China. You will hear it often when dealing with paperwork, housing, or business.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is a formal trail of breadcrumbs to leave behind.
- When you move into a new apartment.
- When you start a business or a website.
- When a project reaches a stage where the higher-ups need a record of it.
- Even in relationships, if you tell your parents about a partner, you might jokingly say you are 'filing' the relationship with them.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for casual, off-the-record chats. If you are just telling a friend a secret, that is not 备案. It implies a level of permanence and officialdom. If you use it for something trivial, like telling a friend you bought a coffee, you will sound like a robot. Unless you are being funny, keep it for things that actually require a record.
Cultural Background
In China, 'keeping a record' is a deep-rooted concept. Information management is a huge part of how society functions. From the ancient imperial exams to modern-day digital IDs, having your information 'in the system' provides a sense of legitimacy and security. It is not just about control; it is about being 'recognized' by the system. Without 备案, you are often invisible to the law.
Common Variations
You might hear 报备, which is slightly more active. It means 'to report and file.' If your boss asks you to 报备 your travel plans, they want a formal report. 备案号 is the actual registration number you get after the process is done. You will see these numbers at the bottom of every Chinese website!
Usage Notes
Mainly used in formal and professional settings. In casual conversation, it is often used ironically to make a personal update sound 'official.'
The 'Permission' Myth
Unlike `申请` (apply), `备案` usually implies that you are informing them of a fact, not asking for permission. It's much faster!
Don't forget the number!
In China, if you have a website, the `备案号` (filing number) must be visible at the bottom of the page or you risk being shut down.
Relationship Filing
Young people jokingly use `备案` when they tell their parents about a new boyfriend/girlfriend, treating it like an official administrative update.
Examples
6租房合同需要在派出所备案。
The rental contract needs to be filed at the police station.
Standard administrative procedure for foreigners and locals.
我的网站终于通过备案了！
My website finally passed the registration process!
A moment of relief after completing complex paperwork.
这个项目你先去公司备案一下。
Go and file this project with the company first.
Ensuring the project is officially recognized by the firm.
我今晚去聚会，已经向老婆备案了。
I'm going to a party tonight; I've already 'filed' it with my wife.
Using formal language for a domestic situation for humor.
如果没有备案，这个经营活动是非法的。
If there is no record/filing, this business activity is illegal.
Highlighting the serious legal necessity of the term.
因为备案还没下来，我们不能开工。
Because the filing hasn't come through yet, we can't start work.
Using the filing status as a reason for a project delay.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a new business.
新公司成立后，必须去工商局___。
After a company is established, it must be 'filed' or 'registered' with the Industrial and Commercial Bureau.
Complete the sentence regarding a travel plan.
出差前，请把你的行程向人事部___。
Before a business trip, you should 'file' your itinerary with the HR department.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Registering' Words
Just telling someone
打招呼 (dǎ zhāohu)
Reporting information
报备 (bào bèi)
Official filing/record
备案 (bèi àn)
Legal registration
登记 (dēng jì)
When to use 备案
Real Estate
Lease filing
Internet
Website ICP
Corporate
Project records
Legal
Evidence filing
Practice Bank
2 exercises新公司成立后，必须去工商局___。
After a company is established, it must be 'filed' or 'registered' with the Industrial and Commercial Bureau.
出差前，请把你的行程向人事部___。
Before a business trip, you should 'file' your itinerary with the HR department.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. It means the authority has received your information. While it usually allows you to proceed, it is a record-keeping step, not a 'yes/no' approval process like 审批.
Only if you're being funny. If you say you're going to 备案 your lunch choice, people will think you're acting like a government official.
登记 (dēngjì) is a general word for 'registering' (like at a hotel). 备案 is specifically for filing information into an official record or database.
It can be both! You can say 去备案 (to go file) or ask for the 备案 (the record/filing itself).
Every legal website in China must undergo ICP备案. The number at the bottom (e.g., 京ICP备...) proves the site is registered with the government.
Yes, but mostly in work or official contexts. You'll hear it at the bank, the police station, or in the office.
报备 (bàobèi) is more common in the workplace. It's the act of reporting something to your boss so they have it on record.
Yes, frequently. For example, when you stay at a friend's house instead of a hotel, you technically need to 备案 at the local police station.
No, it's just administrative. It’s a routine part of life and business, not necessarily an investigation.
No, that doesn't make sense. 备案 is for public or official records, not private sharing.
Related Phrases
登记
To register (general)
报备
To report and file (workplace)
审批
To examine and approve (higher level)
注册
To sign up/register (an account)
