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B2 verb 9 min read

续签

xùqiān
Examples 续签 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 续签 in your Level:
At the A1 level, '续签' (xùqiān) is a very advanced word that you might not need to produce yourself, but you might hear it if you are living in China. Think of it as 'signing again' to stay longer. You can remember it as 'xù' (continue) + 'qiān' (sign). If you are a student and your teacher says this word, they are probably talking about your visa or your school documents. At this stage, just focus on the idea that '续' means 'more' or 'continue.' If you see '续签' on a form, it usually means you need to sign something to keep your current status, like staying in your apartment or keeping your job. You don't need to worry about the complex grammar; just know it relates to 'more time' and 'signing papers.'
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For A2 learners, '续签' (xùqiān) becomes more relevant if you are handling your own administrative tasks. It is a verb that means 'to renew a contract or visa.' You can use it in simple sentences like '我要续签' (I want to renew). You will mostly use it with two main things: '签证' (qiānzhèng - visa) and '合同' (hétong - contract). At this level, you should start to recognize that '续' is a common prefix for 'renewing' things. If you have a landlord, you might ask, '我们可以续签吗？' (Can we renew the contract?). It is a very useful word for anyone staying in a Chinese-speaking country for more than a few months because it is the key to staying legally and keeping your home.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use '续签' (xùqiān) in more detailed contexts. You should understand that it specifically implies a formal signing process. You should be able to use it with time durations, such as '续签一年' (renew for one year). You should also be able to distinguish it from '续费' (xùfèi), which is for paying a fee to continue a service like a phone plan. B1 learners should be comfortable using '续签' in the context of work and housing. For example, '如果公司不跟我续签，我就得找新工作' (If the company doesn't renew with me, I'll have to find a new job). You are starting to see it as a professional term that carries responsibility and formal agreement.
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At the B2 level, '续签' (xùqiān) is a standard part of your professional and legal vocabulary. You should understand its nuances compared to '续约' (xùyuē) and '延期' (yánqī). You should be able to use formal structures like '办理续签手续' (handle renewal procedures) and '由于...原因，未能续签' (due to... reasons, failed to renew). You should also recognize the word in more complex sentences involving 'right of first refusal' (优先续签权) or 'strategic cooperation' (战略合作续签). At this stage, you should be able to negotiate terms during a '续签' process, discussing rent increases or salary adjustments that come with the new signing. Your usage should be precise and contextually appropriate.
For C1 learners, '续签' (xùqiān) is used with full mastery in legal, diplomatic, and high-level business contexts. You should be able to discuss the implications of '续签' in international relations, such as the renewal of bilateral treaties or trade agreements. You should understand the legal ramifications of not '续签'ing a contract on time, including '违约责任' (breach of contract liability). You can use the term metaphorically or in highly technical discussions about 'renewal rates' (续签率) as a metric for business health. Your understanding includes the subtle differences between '续签', '续订', and '换发' across all possible documents. You can also use it in complex passive structures or as part of formal written reports.
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At the C2 level, '续签' (xùqiān) is handled with the same nuance as a native speaker or a legal professional. You understand the historical evolution of the characters and how the 'signing' aspect has adapted to digital signatures (电子续签). You can interpret the term within the framework of Chinese contract law (合同法) and the specific regulations governing visa renewals for different categories of foreigners. You are able to draft formal letters of intent for '续签' and can navigate the most complex bureaucratic hurdles associated with the term. Your usage is flawless, whether you are discussing the '续签' of a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project or a delicate diplomatic memorandum of understanding.
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Examples

续签 in 30 Seconds

  • 续签 (xùqiān) is a verb meaning 'to renew' specifically by signing, used for visas, contracts, and leases.
  • It combines 'xù' (continue) and 'qiān' (sign), emphasizing the formal administrative process of extension.
  • Commonly used in HR, immigration, and real estate, it often implies negotiating new terms for the next period.
  • Avoid using it for simple payments (use 续费) or just extending time (use 延期).

The Chinese verb 续签 (xùqiān) is a specialized yet ubiquitous term in the realm of administration, law, and daily life. Etymologically, it is composed of two characters: 续 (xù), meaning to continue, extend, or carry on, and 签 (qiān), which means to sign or endorse. Together, they literally translate to 'to continue by signing,' specifically referring to the formal act of renewing a document that requires a signature to remain valid. This isn't just a casual 'extension'; it implies a formal, often legal, process where a new agreement is reached or an old one is officially prolonged. You will encounter this word most frequently when dealing with bureaucracies, employers, or landlords.

Administrative Context
In the context of immigration, 续签 is the standard term for renewing a visa (签证). If your stay in a country is nearing its end and you wish to remain legally, you must undergo the process of visa renewal.

我的签证下个月到期，我得去办理续签。 (My visa expires next month; I need to go handle the renewal.)

Employment Context
When a labor contract (劳动合同) expires, the employer and employee must decide whether to sign a new one. This specific act of signing a follow-up contract to maintain the employment relationship is called 续签.

公司已经决定和我续签三年的合同。 (The company has already decided to renew a three-year contract with me.)

The term carries a weight of formality. It suggests that both parties are satisfied with the previous arrangement and wish to continue it under similar or renegotiated terms. In professional settings, the '续签率' (renewal rate) is a key metric for evaluating satisfaction, whether it's for employees staying at a firm or clients renewing service agreements. Understanding 续签 is essential for anyone living or working in a Chinese-speaking environment, as it governs the legality and continuity of your presence and your livelihood. It implies a mutual consent expressed through the physical or digital act of signing.

房东同意按原价跟我续签租房协议。 (The landlord agreed to renew the rental agreement with me at the original price.)

Commercial Context
In business-to-business (B2B) relationships, renewing a partnership agreement or a supply contract is referred to as 续签. It marks the transition from a trial or initial period into a long-term collaboration.

双方正在就续签战略合作协议进行谈判。 (Both parties are negotiating the renewal of the strategic cooperation agreement.)

Using 续签 correctly requires understanding its role as a transitive verb that typically takes a formal document as its object. The most common structure is 续签 + [Document]. However, it can also be used in the construction 与/和 [Party] 续签 [Document], which specifies who you are signing with. Because 续签 involves a process, it is often preceded by verbs like 办理 (bànlǐ - to handle/process), 申请 (shēnqǐng - to apply for), or 拒绝 (jùjué - to refuse).

由于表现出色，他获得了与球队续签的机会。 (Due to his outstanding performance, he gained the opportunity to renew his contract with the team.)

The 'Visa' Pattern
When talking about visas, 续签 can act as both a verb and a noun (the act of renewal). You 'go to do a renewal' (去办续签) or 'renew the visa' (续签签证).

请确保在签证到期前至少两周提交续签申请。 (Please ensure you submit the renewal application at least two weeks before the visa expires.)

In a corporate environment, the word is often used during performance reviews or end-of-year discussions. It carries a sense of security; if someone is '续签'ed, their position is safe for the next term. Conversely, '不予续签' (not granting a renewal) is the formal way to say a contract will not be extended. This distinction is vital for professional communication.

The 'Contract' Pattern
Common objects include 合同 (hétong - contract), 协议 (xiéyì - agreement), and 租约 (zūyuē - lease). Note that 续签 implies the terms might be the same, but the act of signing is new.

如果我们不续签，我们需要在月底前搬走。 (If we don't renew, we need to move out by the end of the month.)

When discussing the duration of the renewal, use the structure 续签 + [Time Period]. For example, 续签一年 (renew for one year). This is a very efficient way to express the length of the new term without needing extra prepositions like 'for' in English.

学校决定与这位外教续签两年的聘用合同。 (The school decided to renew the employment contract with this foreign teacher for two years.)

Formal Declarations
In legal documents, you might see 优先续签权 (yōuxiān xùqiān quán), which means the 'right of first refusal' or 'priority right to renew'.

根据合同条款，承租人享有优先续签权。 (According to the contract terms, the lessee enjoys the priority right to renew.)

In a Chinese-speaking environment, 续签 is a word that rings through the hallways of government buildings, office towers, and real estate offices. It is a word associated with 'deadlines' and 'stability.' If you are an international student or an expat worker, the 'Entry-Exit Administration Bureau' (出入境管理局) is where you will hear this word most frequently. Officers will ask if you are there for a 续签 or a new application. In this context, it is the heartbeat of your legal status.

At the HR Office
HR managers use 续签 when discussing employee retention. During 'probation' (试用期) or at the end of a 'fixed-term contract' (固定期限合同), the conversation inevitably turns to whether the company will 续签 with the employee. It’s a moment of high stakes.

HR告诉我，下周会跟我谈续签的事。 (HR told me they will talk to me about the renewal next week.)

Another common place is the rental market. In cities like Beijing or Shanghai, where rental turnover is high, the 续签 process involves negotiating the new rent. Landlords might say, '如果你想续签，房租要涨百分之五' (If you want to renew, the rent will increase by 5%). Here, 续签 is the pivot point for financial negotiation. You might also hear it in the context of professional sports, where '续签' describes a star player staying with their team.

这位球星终于决定与俱乐部续签一份为期五年的长约。 (This star player finally decided to renew a five-year long-term contract with the club.)

In Legal/Formal News
Government spokespeople use 续签 when discussing international treaties or trade agreements that have reached their expiration date and require a formal extension to continue governing relations.

两国政府代表在首都续签了关于教育合作的备忘录。 (Representatives of the two governments renewed the memorandum on educational cooperation in the capital.)

While 续签 seems straightforward, learners often make subtle errors by confusing it with other 'extension' words. The most common mistake is using 续签 for things that don't involve a signature or a formal document. For example, you wouldn't '续签' your life or a conversation; those would use 延续 (yánxù) or 继续 (jìxù). Another frequent error is using it for simple payments.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '续费' (xùfèi)
If you are extending your Netflix subscription or your mobile data plan, you are 'paying to continue,' which is 续费. Using 续签 here sounds overly legalistic and strange, as if you are signing a treaty with Netflix.

Wrong: 我要给我的视频会员续签。
Right: 我要给我的视频会员续费。 (I need to renew my video membership fee.)

Mistake 2: Confusing with '延期' (yánqī)
延期 means to postpone a deadline or extend a time limit. While 续签 often results in a time extension, 延期 is broader. You '延期' a meeting or a project deadline. You '续签' a contract. If you say you '续签' a deadline, it makes no sense because you don't 'sign' a deadline.

A third mistake involves the word 续约 (xùyuē). While 续约 and 续签 are often interchangeable when referring to contracts, 续签 emphasizes the physical/formal act of signing, whereas 续约 emphasizes the agreement itself. For visas, 续签 is almost always the correct term, while 续约 would be incorrect because a visa is a permit, not a mutual 'agreement' (约) in the same sense as a contract.

Wrong: 办理签证续约。
Right: 办理签证续签。 (Process a visa renewal.)

Finally, remember that 续签 is a verb-object construction in its origin but functions as a single verb. Don't try to split it by saying '续了一个签' in formal writing; keep it as 续签. Forgetting the object is also a common slip—always clarify what is being renewed unless the context is incredibly obvious (like standing in a visa line).

To truly master 续签, you must understand its neighbors in the semantic field of 'continuation.' Depending on the formality and the specific item being extended, other words might be more appropriate. Below is a comparison of common alternatives.

续签 (xùqiān) vs. 续约 (xùyuē)
续签 emphasizes the act of signing (签) and is used for visas, permits, and contracts. 续约 emphasizes the agreement (约) and is primarily used for contracts, leases, and sports deals. You '续签' a visa, but you can both '续签' or '续约' a labor contract.
续签 (xùqiān) vs. 延期 (yánqī)
延期 means 'to extend the period' or 'to postpone.' It is used for deadlines, meetings, or the validity period of something without necessarily signing a new document. If a library book is due, you '延期' (renew/extend) the due date, you don't '续签' it.
续签 (xùqiān) vs. 续订 (xùdìng)
续订 is used for subscriptions—magazines, newspapers, or software services. It comes from 订阅 (subscribe). You '续订' a magazine for another year.

Example: 他的合同到期了，他想续约，但签证续签出了问题。 (His contract expired and he wanted to renew the agreement, but there was a problem with the visa renewal.)

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter 续盟 (xùmèng), which refers to renewing an alliance or league, though this is rare in daily life. In insurance, the term is 续保 (xùbǎo)—renewing an insurance policy. Each of these words shares the '续' (continue) prefix but specifies the action being continued.

Lastly, consider 换发 (huànfā), which is often used for passports. When a passport expires, you don't '续签' the passport (you '续签' the visa inside it); you '换发' (replace/reissue) the passport itself. Precision in these terms will make you sound like a much more advanced speaker.

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Examples by Level

1

我要续签签证。

I want to renew (my) visa.

Subject + Verb + Object.

2

老师，怎么续签？

Teacher, how to renew?

Interrogative '怎么' before the verb.

3

续签在这里办吗？

Is the renewal handled here?

Using '在...办' for location of action.

4

我明天去续签。

I will go to renew tomorrow.

Time word + 去 + Verb.

5

续签要钱吗？

Does renewal cost money?

Simple subject-verb-object question.

6

他不续签了。

He is not renewing anymore.

Using '了' for change of state.

7

请续签你的名。

Please sign your name for renewal.

This uses '续签' as a request to sign again.

8

续签完成了吗？

Is the renewal finished?

Verb + '完成了' for completion.

1

我和房东续签了合同。

I renewed the contract with the landlord.

A 和 B + Verb + 了 + Object.

2

续签需要什么材料？

What materials are needed for renewal?

Subject (Action) + 需要 + Object.

3

我的合同下周续签。

My contract will be renewed next week.

Passive meaning through context.

4

你想续签几年？

How many years do you want to renew for?

Verb + Number + Measure Word.

5

公司同意和我续签。

The company agreed to renew with me.

Subject + 同意 + 与/和...续签.

6

办续签要等多久？

How long do I have to wait to handle the renewal?

Topic-comment structure.

7

他忘了续签签证。

He forgot to renew the visa.

Verb '忘了' + [Action].

8

续签表格在这里。

The renewal form is here.

Attributive '续签' modifying '表格'.

1

如果你表现好，公司会跟你续签。

If you perform well, the company will renew with you.

If... then... (如果...就...).

2

我刚办完了两年的续签手续。

I just finished the two-year renewal procedures.

Time duration within the verb-object phrase.

3

房东想涨房租，所以我不想续签了。

The landlord wants to raise the rent, so I don't want to renew.

Cause and effect (因为...所以...).

4

请在到期前一个月申请续签。

Please apply for renewal one month before expiration.

Prepositional phrase '在...前'.

5

这份合同可以自动续签吗？

Can this contract be renewed automatically?

Adverb '自动' (automatically).

6

由于签证没能续签，他不得不回国。

Because the visa couldn't be renewed, he had to return home.

Using '由于' (due to) and '不得不' (have to).

7

我们已经续签了三年的租约。

We have already renewed the lease for three years.

Completed action with '已经...了'.

8

你需要带上原件去办理续签。

You need to bring the original documents to handle the renewal.

Verb 1 (带上) + Verb 2 (去办理).

1

双方就续签细节达成了共识。

Both parties reached a consensus on the renewal details.

Preposition '就' (regarding).

2

如果逾期未续签，将面临罚款。

If the renewal is not done after the deadline, you will face a fine.

Formal conditional structure.

3

学校拒绝与表现不佳的教师续签。

The school refuses to renew with teachers who perform poorly.

Verb '拒绝' + [Action].

4

他在续签合同时争取到了更好的待遇。

He negotiated better benefits when renewing the contract.

Time clause '在...时'.

5

续签流程比以前简化了很多。

The renewal process has been simplified a lot compared to before.

Comparison structure '比...简化了'.

6

请确认您是否有优先续签权。

Please confirm whether you have the priority right to renew.

Interrogative phrase '是否' (whether or not).

7

由于政策变动，续签变得更加困难。

Due to policy changes, renewal has become more difficult.

Subject + 变得 + Adjective.

8

他在最后时刻决定与俱乐部续签。

He decided to renew with the club at the last moment.

Time phrase '在最后时刻'.

1

该协议的续签标志着两国关系的进一步深化。

The renewal of this agreement marks the further deepening of relations between the two countries.

Abstract subject + 标志着 (marks/signifies).

2

公司正在评估该项目的续签价值。

The company is evaluating the renewal value of this project.

Continuous action with '正在'.

3

除非另有规定，本合同到期后不自动续签。

Unless otherwise specified, this contract will not automatically renew after expiration.

Conditional '除非' (unless).

4

续签率是衡量客户满意度的重要指标。

Renewal rate is an important metric for measuring customer satisfaction.

Subject + 是 + Predicate.

5

他在处理续签事宜时表现得非常专业。

He acted very professionally when handling renewal matters.

Verb + 得 + Adverbial phrase.

6

关于续签的谈判已经陷入了僵局。

Negotiations regarding the renewal have reached a deadlock.

Metaphorical '陷入僵局' (reach a deadlock).

7

律师建议我们在续签前重新审查所有条款。

The lawyer suggests we re-examine all clauses before renewing.

Verb '建议' + [Clause].

8

续签申请因材料不全而被退回。

The renewal application was returned because the materials were incomplete.

Passive structure with '被'.

1

续签机制的完善对于维护市场稳定至关重要。

The improvement of the renewal mechanism is crucial for maintaining market stability.

Formal topic '...对于...至关重要'.

2

双方在续签备忘录中明确了未来的合作框架。

Both parties clarified the future cooperation framework in the renewed memorandum.

Locative '在...中'.

3

不予续签的决定引发了员工的广泛议论。

The decision not to grant a renewal triggered widespread discussion among employees.

Nominalized phrase '不予续签的决定'.

4

续签不仅是法律程序的延续，更是信任的重申。

Renewal is not only a continuation of legal procedures but also a reaffirmation of trust.

Correlative '不仅是...更是...'.

5

在续签博弈中，信息对称性起到了关键作用。

In the renewal game (negotiation), information symmetry played a key role.

Abstract noun '博弈' (game/negotiation).

6

该项政策的续签旨在促进区域经济一体化。

The renewal of this policy aims to promote regional economic integration.

Verb '旨在' (aims to).

7

针对续签过程中可能出现的法律风险，公司制定了预案。

The company has developed a contingency plan for legal risks that may arise during the renewal process.

Prepositional phrase '针对...' (aimed at/regarding).

8

续签行为的法律效力取决于签署人的授权范围。

The legal validity of the renewal act depends on the scope of the signer's authorization.

Verb '取决于' (depends on).

Common Collocations

办理续签
申请续签
续签合同
续签签证
自动续签
拒绝续签
成功续签
续签手续
优先续签权
续签期限

Common Phrases

续签一年

— To renew for one year. Very common in rentals and work.

我和公司续签了一年。

无法续签

— Unable to renew. Often used for visa issues.

因为政策原因，他无法续签。

续签协议

— To renew an agreement. Used in business contexts.

双方续签了框架协议。

按原条款续签

— To renew based on the original terms. No changes made.

我们决定按原条款续签。

不予续签

— Not granting a renewal. Very formal.

经研究，公司决定对该员工不予续签。

办理签证续签

— To handle a visa renewal. Standard administrative phrase.

他去大使馆办理签证续签了。

续签费

— Renewal fee. The cost associated with the renewal process.

你需要支付一笔续签费。

续签通知

— Renewal notice. A reminder that a contract is ending.

我收到了房东的续签通知。

口头续签

— Verbal renewal. An informal agreement to continue.

虽然只是口头续签，但也算数。

电子续签

— Electronic renewal. Signing via digital platforms.

现在很多合同都可以电子续签。

Idioms & Expressions

"续签前缘"

— Metaphorical: To pick up a previous relationship or destiny. Not for legal documents.

多年后相遇，他们续签前缘。

Literary/Romantic
"一纸续签"

— Referring to a renewal as just a piece of paper, often implying it's a simple fix.

只需一纸续签，问题就解决了。

Informal
"续签生死状"

— Metaphorical: To sign up for something very dangerous again.

他再次上战场，仿佛续签了生死状。

Dramatic
"续签和约"
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