A general term for commuters and office employees who follow a structured work schedule.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Refers to regular full-time employees in an office.
- Describes the lifestyle of people commuting daily.
- Often used to discuss workplace challenges or habits.
Overview
- 1概览：上班族是一个集合名词，泛指所有拥有固定工作、需要按时上下班的雇员。这个词不仅指代职业身份，更隐含了一种社会群体的生活状态，即在忙碌的节奏中维持生计。2) 使用模式：在汉语中，我们常说“上班族的生活”、“上班族的压力”或“上班族通勤”。它通常作为主语或定语使用，用来概括特定人群的共同特征。3) 常见语境：该词常出现在新闻报道、职场讨论或社会调查中，特别是在讨论城市生活成本、交通拥堵或工作与生活平衡（work-life balance）时。例如，媒体常分析上班族在高峰期的通勤困境。4) 近义词辨析：与“职员”相比，“上班族”更具生活化和群体感，强调的是一种普遍的社会角色；“打工人”则带有自嘲和调侃意味，强调劳动者的辛苦程度；“白领”则特指从事脑力劳动的专业人士，社会地位和收入水平通常被认为较高。
Examples
很多上班族喜欢在早晨买一杯咖啡。
everydayMany office workers like to buy a cup of coffee in the morning.
针对上班族的调查显示，压力主要来自加班。
formalSurveys of office workers show that stress mainly comes from overtime.
我们这些上班族，每天都忙得不可开交。
informalWe office workers are busy all the time every day.
城市规划应考虑上班族的通勤效率。
academicUrban planning should consider the commuting efficiency of office workers.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
早高峰上班族
Morning rush-hour commuters
上班族福利
Benefits for office workers
Often Confused With
White-collar specifically refers to professional or clerical staff. Office worker is a broader term.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
This term is neutral and widely used in both spoken and written Chinese. It is appropriate for formal reports as well as casual chats. Avoid using it for self-employed individuals or those without a fixed workplace.
Common Mistakes
Some learners confuse it with 'boss' or 'entrepreneur'. Remember it only refers to employees. Do not use it for people who do not work in an office or similar setting.
Tips
Use it to describe social groups
Use this word when talking about general office workers. It helps you sound more natural when discussing urban life.
Do not use for freelancers
Avoid using this for people who work from home without a fixed schedule. It implies a routine commute.
Reflects modern urban lifestyle
The term highlights the fast-paced nature of modern city life in China. It is deeply connected to the concept of the '9-to-5' routine.
Word Origin
The term combines the verb-object phrase '上班' (to go to work) with the suffix '族' (group/clan). It gained popularity as urban employment became the standard for city dwellers.
Cultural Context
The term reflects the rapid urbanization of China. It highlights the shared identity of millions of people navigating the challenges of modern city transport and work culture.
Memory Tip
Think of '上班' (go to work) + '族' (tribe/group). It's the 'tribe of people who go to work'.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“上班族”是一个中性词，指代所有固定工作的群体；“打工人”是近年来的网络流行语，带有自嘲色彩，侧重表达工作的辛苦和无奈。
不可以。上班族必须有固定的工作和收入来源，而学生的主要身份是求学。
非常常用。人们经常用它来描述自己的身份，或者讨论职场相关的话题。
没有，该词既可以指男性也可以指女性，是一个中性且通用的称呼。
Test Yourself
作为一名___，他每天早上八点都要挤地铁去公司。
只有上班族需要每天按时通勤去公司工作。
Score: /1
Summary
A general term for commuters and office employees who follow a structured work schedule.
- Refers to regular full-time employees in an office.
- Describes the lifestyle of people commuting daily.
- Often used to discuss workplace challenges or habits.
Use it to describe social groups
Use this word when talking about general office workers. It helps you sound more natural when discussing urban life.
Do not use for freelancers
Avoid using this for people who work from home without a fixed schedule. It implies a routine commute.
Reflects modern urban lifestyle
The term highlights the fast-paced nature of modern city life in China. It is deeply connected to the concept of the '9-to-5' routine.
Examples
4 of 4很多上班族喜欢在早晨买一杯咖啡。
Many office workers like to buy a cup of coffee in the morning.
针对上班族的调查显示，压力主要来自加班。
Surveys of office workers show that stress mainly comes from overtime.
我们这些上班族，每天都忙得不可开交。
We office workers are busy all the time every day.
城市规划应考虑上班族的通勤效率。
Urban planning should consider the commuting efficiency of office workers.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
