B2 Expression Formal 7 min read

据绩效指标

jù jīxiào zhǐbiāo

According to performance indicators

Literally: According to [据] performance [绩效] indicators [指标]

In 15 Seconds

  • Used for decisions based on measurable data and goals.
  • Highly formal phrase common in corporate and legal contexts.
  • Truncated version of 'gēnjù', sounding more professional and concise.
  • Essential for discussing raises, promotions, and project evaluations.

Meaning

This phrase refers to the cold, hard data used to judge someone's professional output. It is the language of corporate accountability, used when personal opinions are set aside in favor of measurable results and spreadsheet math. It carries a vibe of objective calculation, often used during high-stakes evaluations or strategic planning.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Job interview on Zoom

我们通常`据绩效指标`来评估团队成员的贡献。

We usually evaluate team members' contributions according to performance indicators.

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2

Reading a company email about bonuses

今年的年终奖将`据绩效指标`进行分配。

This year's year-end bonuses will be distributed according to performance indicators.

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3

Complaining to a colleague on WeChat

老板说加薪得`据绩效指标`来,真冷酷。

The boss said the raise has to be based on performance indicators; so cold.

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🌍

Cultural Background

In companies like Alibaba, {绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo} are often ranked on a scale (e.g., 3.25 to 3.75). A low score can lead to immediate termination. While traditionally more relaxed, modern SOEs are increasingly adopting {绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo} to improve efficiency and reduce corruption. The 'Gaokao' (college entrance exam) is the ultimate {绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo} for students, though the term {绩效|jìxiào} is rarely used for individuals in school.

🎯

Sound like an Executive

Use {据|jù} instead of {根据|gēnjù} in emails to sound more senior and decisive.

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

Overusing this phrase in social settings makes you sound like you can't turn off 'work mode'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used for decisions based on measurable data and goals.
  • Highly formal phrase common in corporate and legal contexts.
  • Truncated version of 'gēnjù', sounding more professional and concise.
  • Essential for discussing raises, promotions, and project evaluations.

What It Means

Ever had a boss tell you they 'love your vibe' but then deny your raise? That is when you realize vibes do not pay the bills—据绩效指标 does. This phrase is the corporate way of saying, 'Let’s look at the numbers.' It describes making a judgment or decision based on specific, measurable goals. In the world of Chinese business, this is not just a phrase; it is a lifestyle. It represents the shift from traditional relationship-based work to data-driven meritocracy. When you use this, you are signaling that you are serious about results. It is the linguistic equivalent of opening a perfectly formatted Excel sheet. It suggests that feelings are irrelevant and only the data matters. You are basically saying, 'The numbers don't lie, even if my coffee-deprived eyes do.'

How To Use It

You will mostly find 据绩效指标 acting as a setup for a conclusion. It functions like a prepositional phrase at the start or middle of a sentence. For example, you might say, 'We will distribute bonuses 据绩效指标.' It acts as the 'rulebook' for the action that follows. Think of it as the anchor for your professional arguments. If you want to sound smart in a Zoom meeting, drop this phrase. It sounds much more professional than saying 'because he did a good job.' It provides a logical foundation for rewards, punishments, or changes in strategy. It is like the 'House Rules' in a game of Monopoly, but with higher stakes and fewer tiny plastic hotels. Use it when you need to justify a decision to a group of skeptics. It shifts the 'blame' from you to the objective data.

Formality & Register

This phrase is strictly professional. You would not use this while grabbing street food with your childhood best friend. It belongs in office buildings, LinkedIn posts, and formal reports. It sits comfortably in the 'Formal' to 'Very Formal' range. In a casual setting, using this would make you sound like a robot that accidentally gained consciousness. However, sometimes Gen Z workers in China use it ironically. They might say it while jokingly judging their friend's ability to finish a hot pot meal. But in 99% of cases, keep this for your boss or your clients. It is the 'suit and tie' of Chinese business vocabulary. It commands respect and implies a level of organizational sophistication. If your workplace uses OKRs or KPIs, this phrase will be your best friend. Or perhaps your most intimidating acquaintance.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine a HR manager at a tech giant in Shenzhen reviewing 500 applications. They might tell their team, 'We are filtering candidates 据绩效指标 from their previous roles.' This means they are only looking at the sales numbers and coding speed, not the 'hobbies' section. Another scenario is a company-wide email. 'Bonuses will be calculated 据绩效指标 this quarter.' This is the email that makes everyone suddenly very productive for three days. You might also see it on Red (Xiaohongshu) in a post about career growth. A career coach might post, 'How to negotiate your salary 据绩效指标.' In these cases, it serves as the ultimate proof of value. It is the difference between 'I think I'm great' and 'The graph says I'm great.' It is the language of the modern 'Rat Race' (内卷 nèijuǎn) where everyone is chasing a higher number.

When To Use It

Use this during any formal evaluation process. It is perfect for quarterly reviews, project post-mortems, or budget pitches. If you are a manager, use it to explain why a certain team member is being promoted. It protects you from accusations of favoritism. If you are an employee, use it to highlight your own achievements. 'I have exceeded my targets 据绩效指标.' It makes your request for a raise much harder to refuse. It is also useful in academic contexts when discussing research outcomes or school rankings. Basically, if there is a chart involved, this phrase is invited to the party. It is also great for travel vlogging if you are 'ranking' hotels based on specific data like WiFi speed or breakfast quality. Just don't use it to rank your friends' cooking skills unless you want to eat alone.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this in intimate or highly emotional situations. Do not tell your partner, 'Our relationship is failing 据绩效指标.' That is a one-way ticket to the sofa. Also, don't use it for small, everyday choices. You don't choose a bubble tea flavor 据绩效指标. You choose it because you want sugar and pearls. Using it in casual text messages makes you seem stiff and unapproachable. It is too 'heavy' for light conversation. If you use it at a party, people might start asking you for tax advice or help with their LinkedIn profile. Keep it in the boardroom where it belongs. It is a tool for precision, not for building social warmth. Unless your social circle consists entirely of data scientists, then go ahead and optimize your friendships.

Common Mistakes

我很据绩效指标 (Wǒ hěn jù jìxiào zhǐbiāo) 我根据绩效指标 (Wǒ gēnjù jìxiào zhǐbiāo). You cannot use (very) with . It isn't an adjective. You can't be 'very according to.' Another mistake is forgetting the 指标 (indicator) part. People sometimes just say 据绩效, which is like saying 'according to performance.' While understandable, it sounds unfinished. It is like wearing a tuxedo but forgetting the pants. Also, ensure you don't confuse 绩效 (performance) with 效率 (efficiency). They are related but different. Efficiency is how fast you work; performance is the total value of what you produce. Mixing them up in a meeting might make your CFO tilt their head in confusion. Precision is the name of the game here.

Common Variations

The most common variation is 根据绩效指标 (Gēnjù...). The version with is slightly more complete and common in spoken Chinese. The shortened 据... version is more common in written reports and news headlines. You will also see 按绩效指标 (Àn...), which is a bit more direct and 'by the book.' In a very modern tech environment, people might just say 看KPI (Kàn KPI). KPI is a universal language in Chinese offices now. However, using the full Chinese term 绩效指标 shows a higher level of linguistic mastery. It sounds more 'official.' It is the difference between saying 'it's cool' and 'it is aesthetically pleasing.' Choose the version that fits the level of formality you want to project.

Real Conversations

M

Manager

小王,这次的晋升名单是据绩效指标定的。

(Xiao Wang, this promotion list was decided according to performance indicators.)

W

Wang

我明白了,我会继续努力提升我的KPI。

(I understand, I will continue to work hard to improve my KPIs.)

Colleague A: 你听说没?年终奖要据绩效指标发。

(Did you hear? The year-end bonuses will be sent out based on performance indicators.)

Colleague B: 完蛋了,我上个月天天在办公室摸鱼。

(I'm doomed, I was 'touching fish' (slacking off) in the office every day last month.)

H

HR

请谈谈你是如何据绩效指标管理团队的。

(Please talk about how you manage your team based on performance indicators.)

C

Candidate

我建立了一个实时追踪系统来监控进度。

(I built a real-time tracking system to monitor progress.)

Quick FAQ

Is the same as 根据? Yes, they mean the same thing, but is a more formal, condensed version often used in written contexts. Can I use this for my school grades? Absolutely, you can say your scholarship was awarded 据绩效指标. Is this used in Taiwan? Yes, though they might use slightly different terms for indicators sometimes, the meaning remains clear. Does this phrase sound mean? Not mean, but it is cold. It implies no special treatment. Should I use it in a job interview? Yes, it shows you are data-oriented and professional. It is like wearing a power suit for your mouth. If you want to impress a recruiter, this is a 'high-value' phrase to keep in your back pocket. Just make sure you actually have some indicators to back it up!

Usage Notes

This phrase is high-register and data-focused. It's excellent for professional writing but can sound cold or 'robotic' in social settings. Avoid adding '很' (very) before it, as it is a prepositional structure, not an adjective.

🎯

Sound like an Executive

Use {据|jù} instead of {根据|gēnjù} in emails to sound more senior and decisive.

⚠️

Don't be a Robot

Overusing this phrase in social settings makes you sound like you can't turn off 'work mode'.

Examples

10
#1 Job interview on Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

我们通常`据绩效指标`来评估团队成员的贡献。

We usually evaluate team members' contributions according to performance indicators.

Used here to explain a professional standard to a candidate.

#2 Reading a company email about bonuses
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

今年的年终奖将`据绩效指标`进行分配。

This year's year-end bonuses will be distributed according to performance indicators.

Classic use in written corporate communication.

#3 Complaining to a colleague on WeChat
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老板说加薪得`据绩效指标`来,真冷酷。

The boss said the raise has to be based on performance indicators; so cold.

Using a formal phrase in a casual chat to highlight the 'coldness' of the rule.

#4 LinkedIn post about management
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

优秀的管理者应该`据绩效指标`做决策,而不是凭感觉。

Great managers should make decisions according to performance indicators, not feelings.

Common phrasing for professional social media content.

Discussing a failed project Common Mistake
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✗ 我很据绩效指标认为这个项目失败了 → ✓ 根据绩效指标,我认为这个项目失败了。

✗ I am very according to... → ✓ Based on performance indicators, I think this project failed.

You cannot use 'very' with this phrase; it's a logical connector, not an adjective.

#6 Ordering food via an app (humorous)
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

我选这家餐厅是`据绩效指标`定的,看它评分最高。

I chose this restaurant according to performance indicators, seeing as it has the highest rating.

Using corporate speak for everyday life as a joke.

#7 HR meeting about a termination
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

公司辞退他是`据绩效指标`做出的决定。

The company's decision to dismiss him was made according to performance indicators.

Used to justify a serious action with objective data.

Texting a friend about a breakup Common Mistake
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✗ 我们的感情要据绩效指标来评估 → ✓ 我们的感情不能只看冷冰冰的数据。

✗ Our relationship needs to be evaluated by performance indicators → ✓ Our feelings can't just look at cold data.

Applying this phrase to a relationship is a major social 'fail' unless you're a robot.

#9 Instagram caption for a workout progress photo
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

健身成果也要`据绩效指标`说话,体脂率降了3%!

Fitness results also speak through performance indicators; body fat dropped by 3%!

Applying professional terms to personal goals.

#10 At a café discussing a startup
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

我们目前的融资策略是`据绩效指标`调整的。

Our current fundraising strategy is adjusted according to performance indicators.

Common startup talk over coffee.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.

_____{绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo},{我们|wǒmen}{可以|kěyǐ}{看到|kàndào}{公司|gōngsī}{的|de}{进步|jìnbù}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {据|jù}

{据|jù} (or {根据|gēnjù}) is the correct preposition to mean 'based on' or 'according to'.

Which situation is MOST appropriate for this phrase?

Where would you likely hear '{据|jù}{绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo}'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: During a quarterly business review

This is a formal business term used for professional evaluations.

Complete the dialogue.

A: {为什么|wèishénme}{他|tā}{拿|ná}{不到|búdào}{奖金|jiǎngjīn}? B: {因为|yīnwèi}{他|tā}没有_____。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {达到|dádào}{绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo}

Bonuses are tied to meeting performance indicators.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition. Fill Blank B1

_____{绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo},{我们|wǒmen}{可以|kěyǐ}{看到|kàndào}{公司|gōngsī}{的|de}{进步|jìnbù}。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {据|jù}

{据|jù} (or {根据|gēnjù}) is the correct preposition to mean 'based on' or 'according to'.

Which situation is MOST appropriate for this phrase? Choose B2

Where would you likely hear '{据|jù}{绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo}'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: During a quarterly business review

This is a formal business term used for professional evaluations.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: {为什么|wèishénme}{他|tā}{拿|ná}{不到|búdào}{奖金|jiǎngjīn}? B: {因为|yīnwèi}{他|tā}没有_____。

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: {达到|dádào}{绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo}

Bonuses are tied to meeting performance indicators.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

Yes, it is the formal Chinese translation of 'Performance Indicators'. In many offices, people use the terms interchangeably.

It sounds a bit too formal. For fitness, use {健身|jiànshēn}{目标|mùbiāo} (fitness goals).

Related Phrases

🔗

{关键|guānjiàn}{绩效|jìxiào}{指标|zhǐbiāo}

specialized form

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

🔗

{末位淘汰|mòwèitáotài}

builds on

Eliminating the bottom performers

🔗

{量化|liànghuà}{管理|guǎnlǐ}

similar

Quantitative management

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