辞职 in 30 Seconds
- 辞职 (cízhí) means to resign or quit a job.
- It's a formal way to leave employment.
- Used when an employee decides to leave their position.
- Essential for professional communication in China.
The term 辞职 (cízhí) is a verb that means to voluntarily leave a job or office; to give up one's position. It is a formal and standard way to express that someone has decided to stop working at a particular company or in a specific role. Unlike simply 'quitting' which can sometimes be abrupt, 辞职 often implies a more considered decision and a process of informing one's employer, often with a notice period.
- Usage Contexts
- This word is used in various professional settings, including: - When an employee submits a resignation letter.- During discussions about career changes or retirement.- In news reports about company leadership changes.- When someone decides to pursue further education or start their own business.- When an individual is seeking better opportunities elsewhere.
- Nuance
- While 辞职 is the most common and neutral term, the specific circumstances might influence the choice of words. For instance, if someone is forced to leave, different phrasing would be used. However, for a voluntary departure, 辞职 is the go-to term. It's important to understand that in many cultures, including Chinese business culture, resigning is a significant event that often involves formal procedures and respectful communication.
他决定辞职，去追求自己的创业梦想。
Imagine you've been working hard at a company for several years, and you've decided it's time for a change. Perhaps you want to start your own business, go back to school, or move to a different city for a new opportunity. In such a situation, you would use the word 辞职 to formally announce your departure. For example, a colleague might say, “我下个月要辞职了” (Wǒ xià ge yuè yào cízhí le), meaning “I am going to resign next month.” This indicates a planned and voluntary exit from the company. It’s not just a casual statement; it often involves writing a formal resignation letter and discussing the transition with your manager.
- Formal vs. Informal
- While 辞职 is the standard term, in very informal settings among close friends, someone might say they are 'quitting' in a more casual way. However, when communicating with employers or in professional contexts, 辞职 is the correct and expected term. It signifies respect for the employer and the professional relationship.
- Reasons for Resignation
- People 辞职 for a multitude of reasons: better job offers with higher salaries or more responsibility, a desire for a better work-life balance, dissatisfaction with the work environment, health issues, family commitments, or pursuing personal passions. Regardless of the reason, the act of leaving one's position is encapsulated by 辞职.
由于家庭原因，她不得不辞职回家照顾孩子。
Using 辞职 correctly in sentences is crucial for clear communication in professional settings. It functions as a verb and typically follows the subject of the sentence. Here are various ways to incorporate it:
- Basic Structure: Subject + 辞职
- The simplest form is when the subject performs the action of resigning. For example: 我辞职了。 (Wǒ cízhí le.) - I resigned. 他辞职了。 (Tā cízhí le.) - He resigned. 她辞职了。 (Tā cízhí le.) - She resigned. The particle '了' (le) is often used to indicate the completion of the action.
- Adding a Time Frame: Subject + [Time] + 辞职
- You can specify when the resignation will happen or happened. 我辞职下个月。 (Wǒ cízhí xià ge yuè.) - I will resign next month. (More common: 我下个月辞职。) 他辞职去年。 (Tā cízhí qùnián.) - He resigned last year. (More common: 他去年辞职。) In natural Chinese, the time phrase often precedes the verb: 我下个月辞职。 (Wǒ xià ge yuè cízhí.) - I will resign next month. 他去年辞职。 (Tā qùnián cízhí.) - He resigned last year.
- Stating the Reason: Subject + 因为 + [Reason] + 辞职
- Explaining the cause behind the resignation is common. 因为身体不适，他辞职了。 (Yīnwèi shēntǐ bùshì, tā cízhí le.) - Because of poor health, he resigned. 她因为想照顾家人，辞职了。 (Tā yīnwèi xiǎng zhàogù jiārén, cízhí le.) - She resigned because she wanted to take care of her family.
- Indicating the Position: Subject + 辞职 + [Position]
- Specifying which role is being resigned from. 他辞职经理。 (Tā cízhí jīnglǐ.) - He resigned as manager. (More common: 他辞职了经理的职位。) 她辞职了市场部主管。 (Tā cízhí le shìchǎng bù zhǔguǎn.) - She resigned as the head of the marketing department.
- Using Modal Verbs: Subject + [Modal Verb] + 辞职
- Expressing intention or possibility. 我想辞职。 (Wǒ xiǎng cízhí.) - I want to resign. 他可能会辞职。 (Tā kěnéng huì cízhí.) - He might resign.
考虑到职业发展，她决定辞职去一家更大的公司。
Let's look at a more complex sentence. If someone is considering leaving their job because they've received a better offer, they might say: “我收到了一个更好的工作机会，所以我在考虑辞职。” (Wǒ shōudào le yī ge gèng hǎo de gōngzuò jīhuì, suǒyǐ wǒ zài kǎolǜ cízhí.) This translates to “I received a better job offer, so I am considering resigning.” Here, 辞职 is used in conjunction with '考虑' (kǎolǜ - to consider), indicating a potential future action. The word '所以' (suǒyǐ - so/therefore) connects the reason (better offer) to the consideration of resignation.
- Formal Resignation
- In a formal resignation letter, you might write: “我在此正式辞职，感谢公司提供的机会。” (Wǒ zài cǐ zhèngshì cízhí, gǎnxiè gōngsī tígōng de jīhuì.) - “I hereby formally resign, and thank the company for the opportunities provided.” The word '正式' (zhèngshì - formally) emphasizes the official nature of the act.
The term 辞职 (cízhí) is frequently encountered in various real-life scenarios, particularly within the professional and public spheres. Understanding these contexts will help you grasp its practical usage.
- Workplace Conversations
- This is perhaps the most common place to hear 辞职. Colleagues might discuss someone's departure, saying things like: - “听说王经理辞职了。” (Tīngshuō Wáng jīnglǐ cízhí le.) - “I heard Manager Wang resigned.”- “他为什么辞职？我以为他在这里工作得很好。” (Tā wèi shénme cízhí? Wǒ yǐwéi tā zài zhèlǐ gōngzuò de hěn hǎo.) - “Why did he resign? I thought he was doing well here.” Employees might also discuss their own intentions: - “我打算辞职，去找一份更有挑战性的工作。” (Wǒ dǎsuàn cízhí, qù zhǎo yī fèn gèng yǒu tiǎozhàn xìng de gōngzuò.) - “I plan to resign and look for a more challenging job.”
- News and Media
- News reports about changes in company leadership, government positions, or prominent figures often use 辞职. For example: - “该公司CEO辞职，原因不明。” (Gāi gōngsī CEO cízhí, yuányīn bù míng.) - “The CEO of the company resigned, the reason is unknown.”- “一位高级官员因健康原因辞职。” (Yī wèi gāojí guānyuán yīn jiànkāng yuányīn cízhí.) - “A high-ranking official resigned due to health reasons.”
- Formal Announcements
- When someone officially leaves a position, especially a public or leadership role, the announcement will likely use 辞职. This could be in an official press release or a public statement.
- Academic and Professional Discussions
- In discussions about labor laws, employment trends, or human resources, 辞职 is a standard term. For instance, a seminar might be titled “如何有效地辞职” (Rúhé yǒuxiào de cízhí) - “How to Resign Effectively.”
小李辞职后，他的工作一直没有人接手。
Consider a scenario where you're watching a Chinese drama or movie set in an office. A character might be shown handing over their resignation letter to their boss, and the dialogue would likely include 辞职. For example, the boss might say, “我收到了你的辞职信。” (Wǒ shōudào le nǐ de cízhí xìn.) - “I have received your resignation letter.” The term '辞职信' (cízhí xìn) directly translates to 'resignation letter,' reinforcing the formal nature of the act.
- Job Search Websites
- When people are looking for new jobs after leaving their previous ones, they might use 辞职 in their search criteria or when explaining their situation to recruiters. For example, a resume might state: “已于2023年10月辞职。” (Yǐ yú 2023 nián 10 yuè cízhí.) - “Resigned in October 2023.”
When learning to use 辞职, learners might make a few common errors. Being aware of these can help you avoid them.
- Confusing with 'Leave' (离开)
- The verb 离开 (líkāi) simply means 'to leave' or 'to depart'. While you can 离开 a company, 辞职 specifically refers to the act of voluntarily ending your employment. Incorrect: 我离开了我的工作。(Wǒ líkāi le wǒ de gōngzuò.) - This is grammatically correct but lacks the specific meaning of resignation. It could mean you just left the office for the day.Correct: 我辞职了。(Wǒ cízhí le.) - I resigned.Correct: 我离开了公司。(Wǒ líkāi le gōngsī.) - I left the company. (This is general and doesn't imply resignation).
- Using it for Firing or Layoffs
- 辞职 implies a voluntary act by the employee. If an employee is fired or laid off, different terms are used, such as 解雇 (jiěgù - to fire) or 裁员 (cáiyuán - to lay off). Incorrect: 老板辞职了他。(Lǎobǎn cízhí le tā.) - This sounds like the boss resigned him, which is nonsensical. The boss fired him.Correct: 老板解雇了他。(Lǎobǎn jiěgù le tā.) - The boss fired him.
- Incorrect Tone or Pronunciation
- As mentioned in the pronunciation section, mispronouncing the tones or the 'zh' sound can lead to misunderstandings. For example, confusing the tones could potentially lead to a different word altogether, although in this specific case, the tones are quite distinct.
- Overuse in Casual Contexts
- While 辞职 is the correct term for resigning, using it for very casual departures from, say, a social gathering might sound overly formal or even humorous. For leaving a party, you would use 离开 (líkāi) or 走 (zǒu).
他不是辞职，而是被公司解雇了。
While 辞职 is the primary term for resigning, several other words and phrases can be used to express related concepts, each with its own nuances. Comparing them helps in choosing the most appropriate word.
- 辞职 (cízhí) vs. 离开 (líkāi)
- 辞职: Specifically means to voluntarily resign from a job or position. It implies a formal act of leaving employment. 离开: A general term meaning 'to leave' or 'to depart'. It can be used for leaving a place, a situation, or a job, but it doesn't inherently imply resignation. Example: 他辞职了经理的职位。(Tā cízhí le jīnglǐ de zhíwèi.) - He resigned from the manager's position. 他离开了公司。(Tā líkāi le gōngsī.) - He left the company. (This could be resignation, termination, or simply leaving for the day.)
- 辞职 (cízhí) vs. 退休 (tuìxiū)
- 辞职: Resigning, usually before retirement age, for various reasons like career change, dissatisfaction, or new opportunities.退休: To retire, typically upon reaching a certain age and having worked for a specified period. It's a planned cessation of work due to age.Example: 他辞职了，还没有到退休年龄。(Tā cízhí le, hái méiyǒu dào tuìxiū niánlíng.) - He resigned; he hasn't reached retirement age yet. 他退休了，终于可以享受生活了。(Tā tuìxiū le, zhōngyú kěyǐ xiǎngshòu shēnghuó le.) - He retired and can finally enjoy life.
- 辞职 (cízhí) vs. 被解雇 (bèi jiěgù)
- 辞职: Voluntary resignation.被解雇: To be fired or dismissed (passive voice). This is involuntary.Example: 他辞职了，因为他找到了更好的工作。(Tā cízhí le, yīnwèi tā zhǎodào le gèng hǎo de gōngzuò.) - He resigned because he found a better job. 他被解雇了，因为他经常迟到。(Tā bèi jiěgù le, yīnwèi tā jīngcháng chídào.) - He was fired because he was often late.
- 辞职 (cízhí) vs. 告退 (gàotuì)
- 辞职: Formal resignation from a job.告退: To take leave or excuse oneself from a gathering, meeting, or audience, especially from a superior. It's more about politely leaving a situation than ending employment.Example: 会议结束了，大家纷纷告退。(Huìyì jiéshù le, dàjiā fēnfēn gàotuì.) - The meeting ended, and everyone politely excused themselves. 我要辞职了。 (Wǒ yào cízhí le.) - I am going to resign. (This is about ending employment.)
他辞职不是因为不满意工作，而是为了追求个人爱好。
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The concept of resignation has existed in Chinese bureaucracy for centuries. Officials would often '辞官' (cíguān), which is a more specific term for resigning from an official post. The widespread use of 辞职 for general employment is a more modern development, reflecting changes in the labor market.
Pronunciation Guide
- Mispronouncing the 'zh' sound in '职' (zhí). It should be a soft, unaspirated sound.
- Incorrectly applying English stress patterns to Chinese words.
- Not distinguishing between the tones, which can change the meaning of words.
Difficulty Rating
At the B1 CEFR level, understanding 辞职 in written contexts like emails, news articles, or formal documents is expected. Learners should be able to comprehend the core meaning and its implications in professional settings.
Learners at the B1 level should be able to use 辞职 correctly in their own writing, such as in simple essays or emails, expressing their intentions or explaining situations involving resignation.
Speaking about resignation, either their own or someone else's, is achievable at the B1 level. Learners should be able to form basic sentences and express reasons for leaving a job.
Understanding 辞职 when spoken in conversations, news reports, or dramas is expected at the B1 level, provided the context is clear and the speech is not too rapid or colloquial.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Using '了' (le) to indicate completed action.
我辞职了。(Wǒ cízhí le.) - I resigned. (The action is completed.)
Using time phrases before the verb.
他明年辞职。(Tā míngnián cízhí.) - He will resign next year.
Using conjunctions like '因为' (yīnwèi - because) and '所以' (suǒyǐ - so) to express cause and effect.
他因为想学习辞职，所以他现在很忙。(Tā yīnwèi xiǎng xuéxí cízhí, suǒyǐ tā xiànzài hěn máng.) - He resigned because he wanted to study, so he is very busy now.
Using modal verbs like '想' (xiǎng - want to), '打算' (dǎsuàn - plan to), '考虑' (kǎolǜ - consider) before 辞职.
我想辞职。(Wǒ xiǎng cízhí.) - I want to resign.
Using passive voice with '被' (bèi) when someone is forced to resign or is fired.
他被迫辞职。(Tā bèipò cízhí.) - He was forced to resign.
Examples by Level
我辞职了。
I resigned.
Simple past tense, indicating completion.
他辞职。
He resigns. (or He is resigning)
Present tense, stating a fact or intention.
她辞职了。
She resigned.
Past tense, indicating completion.
爸爸辞职。
Dad resigns.
Present tense, stating a fact.
老师辞职了。
The teacher resigned.
Past tense, indicating completion.
我不想辞职。
I don't want to resign.
Expressing negation of desire.
他要辞职。
He wants to resign. / He is going to resign.
Expressing intention or future plan.
妈妈辞职了。
Mom resigned.
Past tense, indicating completion.
我下个月要辞职。
I am going to resign next month.
Using a time phrase with '要' (yào) to indicate future intention.
他为什么辞职？
Why did he resign?
Using '为什么' (wèishénme) to ask for a reason.
她辞职了，去找新工作。
She resigned to look for a new job.
Using a comma to connect two clauses, implying purpose.
我不想辞职，但是工作太难了。
I don't want to resign, but the job is too difficult.
Using '但是' (dànshì - but) to connect contrasting ideas.
他辞职了，因为他想休息。
He resigned because he wanted to rest.
Using '因为' (yīnwèi - because) to state the reason.
这是我的辞职信。
This is my resignation letter.
Noun phrase: '辞职信' (resignation letter).
你觉得他会辞职吗？
Do you think he will resign?
Using '吗' (ma) for a yes/no question.
他辞职后，我们很难找到新人。
After he resigned, it was hard for us to find a new person.
Using '后' (hòu - after) to indicate sequence of events.
考虑到职业发展，她决定辞职去一家更大的公司。
Considering her career development, she decided to resign to join a larger company.
Using participial phrases ('考虑到...') and purpose clauses ('去一家更大的公司').
由于家庭原因，他不得不辞职回家照顾孩子。
Due to family reasons, he had to resign and go home to take care of his children.
Using '由于' (yóuyú - due to) to state the cause and '不得不' (bùdébù - have to) to express obligation.
他提交了辞职信，并告知了公司他将在两周后离开。
He submitted his resignation letter and informed the company that he would leave in two weeks.
Using '并' (bìng - and) to connect two actions and specifying a notice period.
许多员工选择辞职，是为了追求更高的薪资和更好的福利。
Many employees choose to resign in order to pursue higher salaries and better benefits.
Using '是为了' (shì wèile - in order to) to state the purpose.
尽管工作稳定，但他对目前的职位感到厌倦，所以他选择了辞职。
Although the job was stable, he felt bored with his current position, so he chose to resign.
Using '尽管...但是...' (jǐnguǎn...dànshì... - although...but...) and '所以' (suǒyǐ - so) to structure a complex sentence.
公司鼓励员工在辞职前进行一次正式的离职面谈。
The company encourages employees to have a formal exit interview before resigning.
Using '在...前' (zài...qián - before) and specifying a formal process.
他突然辞职的消息让整个团队都感到惊讶。
The news of his sudden resignation surprised the entire team.
Using '的消息' (de xiāoxi - the news of) to refer to an event.
如果你想辞职，最好提前通知你的上司。
If you want to resign, it's best to notify your supervisor in advance.
Using '如果你...' (rúguǒ nǐ... - if you...) for conditional statements and '最好' (zuìhǎo - it's best) for advice.
在当前的市场环境下，许多有才华的员工选择辞职创业，寻求更大的自主权。
In the current market environment, many talented employees choose to resign to start their own businesses, seeking greater autonomy.
Using sophisticated vocabulary ('市场环境', '有才华', '自主权') and complex sentence structure.
他声称辞职是为了追求个人兴趣，但外界普遍认为他与公司高层存在矛盾。
He claimed his resignation was to pursue personal interests, but it is widely believed externally that he had conflicts with the company's senior management.
Using reported speech ('声称'), passive voice ('被普遍认为'), and complex causal relationships ('但...认为').
公司的裁员政策导致了相当一部分员工的辞职意愿增强。
The company's layoff policy led to an increased willingness to resign among a considerable portion of employees.
Using nominalizations ('辞职意愿') and formal vocabulary ('裁员政策', '相当一部分').
作为一名管理者，理解员工辞职的深层原因对于优化人力资源管理至关重要。
As a manager, understanding the deep-seated reasons for employee resignations is crucial for optimizing human resource management.
Using abstract nouns ('深层原因', '人力资源管理') and formal sentence construction.
即使面临着诱人的提议，她还是决定辞职，因为她对公司的文化理念无法认同。
Even though she was facing tempting offers, she still decided to resign because she could not identify with the company's corporate philosophy.
Using concessive clauses ('即使...') and expressing disagreement with abstract concepts ('文化理念无法认同').
该高管的突然辞职引发了市场对其继任者及其未来战略的猜测。
The sudden resignation of the executive sparked speculation in the market about his successor and future strategy.
Using sophisticated vocabulary ('高管', '引发', '继任者', '战略', '猜测') and formal sentence structure.
为了避免不必要的麻烦，许多员工在辞职前会选择与公司达成协议。
To avoid unnecessary trouble, many employees choose to reach an agreement with the company before resigning.
Using '为了避免...' (wèile bìmiǎn... - in order to avoid...) and formal phrasing ('达成协议').
他辞职后，公司不得不重新招聘，这无疑增加了运营成本。
After he resigned, the company had to re-hire, which undoubtedly increased operational costs.
Using a subordinate clause ('这无疑增加了...') to describe the consequence.
面对日益严峻的行业挑战，他审慎评估后决定辞职，以期在新的领域开辟一番天地。
Facing increasingly severe industry challenges, he prudently decided to resign after careful evaluation, hoping to forge a path in a new field.
Employing advanced vocabulary ('日益严峻', '审慎评估', '以期', '开辟一番天地') and complex sentence structures indicating a thoughtful decision-making process.
这位备受尊敬的教授辞职，引发了关于学术自由和大学行政干预的广泛讨论。
The resignation of this highly respected professor has sparked widespread discussion about academic freedom and university administrative interference.
Using formal and abstract nouns ('学术自由', '行政干预', '广泛讨论') and connecting the resignation to broader societal issues.
尽管公司提供了丰厚的离职补偿方案，但许多员工仍选择坚守岗位，而非辞职。
Despite the company offering a generous severance package, many employees still chose to stay at their posts rather than resign.
Using concessive clauses ('尽管...但...'), contrasting phrases ('而非'), and formal vocabulary ('丰厚', '离职补偿', '坚守岗位').
他的辞职并非出于个人恩怨，而是对公司发展方向的根本性分歧。
His resignation was not out of personal grievances, but due to fundamental disagreements with the company's strategic direction.
Employing sophisticated negation ('并非出于...而是...'), abstract concepts ('个人恩怨', '根本性分歧'), and formal phrasing.
在信息高度透明的时代，任何不当行为都可能导致高管的辞职，并对其声誉造成不可逆转的损害。
In an era of high information transparency, any misconduct can lead to the resignation of executives and cause irreversible damage to their reputation.
Using formal vocabulary ('信息高度透明', '不当行为', '不可逆转的损害'), and expressing cause-and-effect relationships with advanced structures.
她深思熟虑后，认为继续留任只会阻碍个人成长，因此毅然辞职，迎接新的挑战。
After deep consideration, she believed that continuing to stay would only hinder her personal growth, so she resolutely resigned to embrace new challenges.
Using idiomatic expressions ('深思熟虑', '毅然'), abstract reasoning ('阻碍个人成长'), and strong verbs ('迎接').
为了避免舆论的进一步发酵，公司决定接受这位明星员工的辞职请求。
To prevent further escalation of public opinion, the company decided to accept the resignation request of this star employee.
Using formal vocabulary related to public relations and media ('舆论', '进一步发酵', '接受...请求') and complex sentence structure.
他辞职并非意味着放弃，而是为了重新整合资源，以更强的姿态回归。
His resignation does not mean giving up, but rather to reintegrate resources and return with a stronger stance.
Using negation and contrast ('并非意味着...而是为了...') to explain a strategic move, employing sophisticated phrasing ('重新整合资源', '更强的姿态').
在后现代语境下，个体对职业生涯的定义日益多元化，传统意义上的“辞职”概念已显陈旧，取而代之的是对自我实现和意义追寻的不断探索。
In a postmodern context, individuals' definitions of career paths are increasingly diversified; the traditional concept of 'resignation' appears outdated, replaced by a continuous exploration of self-realization and meaning-seeking.
Utilizing highly abstract and philosophical language ('后现代语境', '个体', '职业生涯', '多元化', '自我实现', '意义追寻') and complex sentence structures that challenge conventional interpretations.
该企业面临的结构性困境，使得部分核心成员的辞职成为一种必然的组织演变，而非单纯的个体选择。
The structural predicament faced by the enterprise makes the resignation of some core members an inevitable organizational evolution, rather than a mere individual choice.
Employing precise and academic terminology ('结构性困境', '核心成员', '必然的组织演变', '单纯的个体选择') to convey a nuanced understanding of systemic organizational dynamics.
其辞职的背后，与其说是对公司政策的不满，不如说是对自身价值实现平台的焦虑，促使其寻求更为契合的生态位。
Behind his resignation, it is less about dissatisfaction with company policy and more about anxiety regarding his own value realization platform, prompting him to seek a more suitable niche.
Using sophisticated comparative structures ('与其说是...不如说是...'), abstract psychological concepts ('自身价值实现平台的焦虑'), and precise metaphorical language ('契合的生态位').
在信息爆炸的时代，关于高管辞职的动机分析，往往需要超越表面信息，深入剖析其职业轨迹、人际网络及宏观经济因素。
In the age of information explosion, the analysis of executives' resignation motives often requires transcending superficial information to deeply dissect their career trajectory, interpersonal networks, and macroeconomic factors.
Employing advanced analytical vocabulary ('信息爆炸', '动机分析', '超越表面信息', '深入剖析', '职业轨迹', '人际网络', '宏观经济因素') and complex sentence structures that demand critical thinking.
这位资深外交官的辞职，不仅标志着其个人职业生涯的转折，更可能预示着国际关系格局的微妙调整。
The resignation of this senior diplomat not only marks a turning point in his personal career but may also foreshadow subtle adjustments in the international relations landscape.
Using elevated and precise language ('资深外交官', '职业生涯的转折', '预示着', '国际关系格局', '微妙调整') to convey significant implications beyond the immediate event.
在市场经济的浪潮中，个体选择辞职往往是权衡利弊、优化资源配置的结果，而非简单的冲动行为。
In the wave of the market economy, individuals choosing to resign is often the result of weighing pros and cons and optimizing resource allocation, rather than a simple impulsive act.
Employing formal economic and strategic terminology ('市场经济的浪潮', '权衡利弊', '优化资源配置', '冲动行为') to describe a calculated decision-making process.
其辞职的决定，是长期职业规划与短期市场机遇相互作用的产物，体现了其对未来发展的审慎考量。
His decision to resign is the product of the interaction between long-term career planning and short-term market opportunities, reflecting his prudent consideration of future development.
Utilizing abstract concepts ('长期职业规划', '短期市场机遇', '相互作用的产物', '审慎考量') to describe a complex interplay of factors leading to a decision.
在企业文化日益强调个体价值的当下，辞职已不再仅仅是职业的终结，更可能是一种自我赋权和价值重塑的开端。
In the current era where corporate culture increasingly emphasizes individual value, resignation is no longer merely the end of a career, but rather the beginning of self-empowerment and value reshaping.
Employing modern sociological and psychological terms ('企业文化', '个体价值', '自我赋权', '价值重塑') to redefine a traditional concept in a contemporary context.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This is the most direct and common way to say 'I resigned.' It indicates a completed action.
我今天早上告诉老板，我辞职了。
— This phrase means 'He is going to resign' or 'He wants to resign.' It expresses a future intention or plan.
听说了吗？他要辞职了，要去创业。
— This refers to a 'resignation letter,' a formal document submitted to an employer when one decides to leave their job.
请把你的辞职信交给人力资源部。
— This means 'reason for resignation.' It's often asked during exit interviews or when discussing someone's departure.
你能告诉我你辞职原因吗？
— This means 'to consider resigning.' It implies that someone is thinking about leaving their job but hasn't made a final decision yet.
最近工作压力很大，我正在考虑辞职。
— This means 'to resign in advance' or 'to quit early.' It usually refers to leaving a job before the agreed-upon notice period is over.
他想提前辞职，但是公司不同意。
— This means 'to be forced to resign.' It implies that the resignation was not voluntary but due to pressure or circumstances.
由于公司重组，他被迫辞职。
— This is an informal and emphatic phrase meaning 'to quit and stop working altogether.' It suggests a decisive and perhaps abrupt departure.
他实在受不了了，直接辞职不干了。
— This means 'after resigning.' It refers to the period following one's departure from a job.
辞职后，他计划去旅行。
— This structure means 'to resign due to...' It's used to state the reason for resignation.
她因家庭原因辞职。
Often Confused With
离开 is a general term for 'to leave.' While you can 离开 your job, 辞职 specifically implies a voluntary resignation from employment. You can 离开 a room, but you 辞职 from a position.
退休 means 'to retire,' which is a specific type of leaving a job due to age or completion of service. 辞职 can happen at any age for various reasons and isn't necessarily tied to retirement.
被解雇 means 'to be fired,' which is involuntary. 辞职 is always voluntary, meaning the employee chooses to leave.
Idioms & Expressions
— To retire after achieving success or completing one's mission. While not directly 'resigning,' it implies a voluntary departure after accomplishment, often used for high-ranking officials or successful individuals.
这位将军功成身退，受到人民的爱戴。
Formal— Literally 'to hang up the seal and leave.' It's an idiom for an official to resign their post, often implying a dignified departure due to principle or dissatisfaction.
因与皇帝意见不合，他选择挂印而去。
Formal/Archaic— To seek a better position elsewhere. This often implies that one will resign from their current post to find a new, potentially superior, job.
他觉得现在的职位发展空间不大，准备另谋高就。
Neutral— To wash one's hands and stop doing something, often implying to retire from a profession or business, especially one considered illicit or morally questionable. It's a stronger form of retiring from work.
他赚够了钱，决定洗手不干，过安稳的日子。
Informal/Figurative— Literally 'to start a new stove.' It means to start anew, often by forming a new group or business, which typically involves leaving one's current position.
他对公司管理层不满，决定另起炉灶。
Neutral/Figurative— When the birds are gone, the bow is put away. It means that once someone's usefulness is over, they are discarded or no longer needed. This can lead to a feeling of wanting to resign.
他为公司立下汗马功劳，最后却鸟尽弓藏，令人心寒。
Formal/Figurative— To withdraw from public life or a position, often after achieving success or when one's influence wanes. Similar to功成身退 but can also imply leaving due to external pressure.
在争议声中，他选择身退。
Formal— Literally 'wash hands in a golden basin.' It's a more dramatic version of 洗手不干, often used for people leaving criminal or risky professions.
他年轻时做过一些不法的事，后来金盆洗手，成了一名商人。
Informal/Figurative— To complete one's virtuous deeds or mission successfully. While spiritual, it can metaphorically apply to someone feeling their work is done and they can now depart.
他觉得已经把公司带到了一个新的高度，功德圆满，可以安心退休了。
Formal/Figurative— To leave indignantly, often by flicking one's sleeves. This implies a strong emotional reaction leading to departure, which could be a form of resignation.
听到不公平的指责，他拂袖而去。
Formal/FigurativeEasily Confused
Both 辞职 and 离职 mean to leave a job. 离职 is a more general term for departure from employment, while 辞职 specifically emphasizes the voluntary act of resignation.
辞职 (cízhí) strongly implies a voluntary decision made by the employee to end their employment. It's the act of 'resigning.' 离职 (lízhí) is a broader term meaning 'to leave one's post' or 'to be off duty.' It can encompass resignation, termination, or even a temporary absence. In many contexts, they are interchangeable, but 辞职 highlights the employee's agency in leaving.
他<b>辞职</b>了，因为他想创业。 (Tā cízhí le, yīnwèi tā xiǎng chuàngyè.) He resigned because he wanted to start a business. 他<b>离职</b>了，公司为他举办了欢送会。 (Tā lízhí le, gōngsī wèi tā jǔbàn le huānsònghuì.) He left the company, and the company held a farewell party for him. (This could be resignation, termination, etc.)
Both 辞职 and 跳槽 involve leaving a job, but they focus on different aspects. 辞职 is the act of leaving, while 跳槽 is about moving to a new, often better, job.
辞职 (cízhí) simply means to resign or quit one's job. It's the act of departure. 跳槽 (tiáocáo) specifically refers to 'job-hopping,' meaning to leave one job and move to another, usually for better pay, position, or opportunities. One often 辞职s in order to 跳槽, but 跳槽 emphasizes the transition to a new role, whereas 辞职 focuses on the act of leaving the old one.
他<b>辞职</b><b>了</b>，<b>准备</b><b>跳槽</b><b>到</b><b>一家</b><b>外企</b>。 (Tā cízhí le, zhǔnbèi tiáocáo dào yī jiā wàiqǐ.) He resigned and is preparing to switch jobs to a foreign company. <b>频繁</b><b>跳槽</b><b>可能</b><b>会</b><b>让</b><b>人</b><b>觉得</b><b>你</b><b>不</b><b>稳定</b>。 (Pínfán tiáocáo kěnéng huì ràng rén juéde nǐ bù wěndìng.) Frequent job-hopping might make people think you are unstable.
Both 辞职 and 退休 mean ending employment, but 退休 is specifically retirement due to age, while 辞职 is a voluntary departure for other reasons.
辞职 (cízhí) is the act of voluntarily resigning from a job, typically before reaching retirement age, for reasons such as career change, dissatisfaction, or personal circumstances. 退休 (tuìxiū) specifically means to retire, which is a planned cessation of work upon reaching a certain age, usually after a long career. You 辞职 to pursue other opportunities or due to issues, while you 退休 because your working life has reached its natural conclusion.
他<b>辞职</b><b>了</b>，<b>因为</b><b>他</b><b>想</b><b>创业</b>。 (Tā cízhí le, yīnwèi tā xiǎng chuàngyè.) He resigned because he wanted to start a business. <b>他</b><b>工作</b><b>了</b><b>四十年</b>，<b>终于</b><b>退休</b><b>了</b>。 (Tā gōngzuò le sì shí nián, zhōngyú tuìxiū le.) He worked for forty years and finally retired.
Both involve leaving employment, but 辞职 is voluntary, while 解雇 is involuntary (being fired).
辞职 (cízhí) is when an employee chooses to leave their job. It is a voluntary act. 解雇 (jiěgù) means to be fired or dismissed by the employer. It is an involuntary termination of employment initiated by the company. The key difference lies in who initiates the departure: the employee (辞职) or the employer (解雇).
她<b>主动</b><b>辞职</b><b>了</b>。 (Tā zhǔdòng cízhí le.) She voluntarily resigned. <b>他</b><b>因为</b><b>经常</b><b>迟到</b><b>被</b><b>公司</b><b>解雇</b><b>了</b>。 (Tā yīnwèi jīngcháng chídào bèi gōngsī jiěgù le.) He was fired by the company for being late frequently.
Both involve leaving, but 辞职 is about ending employment, while 告退 is about politely leaving a social or formal gathering.
辞职 (cízhí) refers to the formal act of resigning from a job or position. It signifies the end of one's employment. 告退 (gàotuì) is a polite way to excuse oneself from a meeting, gathering, or audience, especially when leaving before others or when addressing a superior. It is about taking leave from a situation, not terminating employment.
会议<b>结束</b><b>了</b>，<b>我</b><b>先</b><b>告退</b>。 (Huìyì jiéshù le, wǒ xiān gàotuì.) The meeting is over, I will excuse myself first. <b>他</b><b>递交</b><b>了</b><b>辞职</b><b>信</b>。 (Tā dìjiāo le cízhí xìn.) He submitted his resignation letter.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 辞职 + 了。
我<b>辞职</b><b>了</b>。
Subject + [Time] + 辞职。
他<b>下周</b><b>辞职</b>。
Subject + 因为 + [Reason] + 辞职。
她<b>因为</b><b>想休息</b><b>辞职</b>。
Subject + 考虑/打算 + 辞职。
我<b>打算</b><b>辞职</b>。
Subject + 即使/虽然 + [Situation] + 还是/但 + 辞职。
<b>虽然</b><b>工作很好</b>，<b>但</b>他<b>还是</b><b>辞职</b><b>了</b>。
Subject + [Advanced Reason] + 导致/使得 + 辞职。
<b>行业</b><b>下滑</b><b>导致</b><b>多名员工</b><b>辞职</b>。
Subject + 并非/不是 + [Reason A] + 而是 + [Reason B] + 辞职。
他<b>辞职</b><b>不是因为</b><b>薪水低</b>，<b>而是</b><b>因为</b><b>想换个行业</b>。
在 + [Context] + 下，Subject + 审慎/毅然 + 辞职。
<b>在</b><b>压力</b><b>下</b>，<b>他</b><b>毅然</b><b>辞职</b>。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 辞职 for involuntary job loss.
→
被解雇 (bèi jiěgù) or 裁员 (cáiyuán)
辞职 means to resign voluntarily. If an employee is fired or laid off, other terms must be used. For example, 'He was fired' is '他被解雇了', not '他辞职了'.
-
Confusing 辞职 with 离开.
→
辞职 for voluntary resignation, 离开 for general leaving.
离开 (líkāi) is a general term for 'to leave.' You can 离开 a place or a job without necessarily resigning. 辞职 specifically means to voluntarily end employment.
-
Incorrect tones or pronunciation of 'zh'.
→
Pronounce 'cí' (rising tone) and 'zhí' (rising tone) clearly, with the 'zh' sound being unaspirated and soft.
Mispronouncing the tones or the 'zh' sound can lead to misunderstandings or make the word unrecognizable. Practice the 'zh' sound and the two rising tones.
-
Using 辞职 in very informal contexts where 'quit' is implied.
→
Use more casual terms like '走人' (zǒu rén) or simply state the action informally.
While 辞职 is standard, using it for casual departures from a party or a non-work situation sounds overly formal and out of place. Use 离开 or 走 for general leaving.
-
Not differentiating between 辞职 and 退休.
→
辞职 for voluntary departure, 退休 for retirement due to age.
辞职 is about leaving a job for various reasons, often before retirement. 退休 is specifically retiring after a full career. Using 辞职 when someone is clearly retiring can be confusing.
Tips
Mastering the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones of 辞 (cí - 2nd tone, rising) and 职 (zhí - 2nd tone, rising). Mispronouncing tones can change the meaning of words. Practice saying 'cí zhí' with a clear rising tone for both syllables.
Sentence Structure
The basic structure is Subject + 辞职. You can add '了' (le) to indicate a completed action (e.g., 我辞职了 - I resigned). Time phrases usually come before the verb (e.g., 我下个月辞职 - I will resign next month).
Professional Etiquette
In China, it's customary to submit a formal resignation letter (辞职信) and serve a notice period when you 辞职. Maintaining good relationships is important, so aim to leave on professional terms.
Visual Association
Imagine someone declining (辞) their office duty (职) by walking away. This visual can help link the characters to the meaning of resigning.
Use it in Sentences
Try creating your own sentences using 辞职. For example, 'He decided to 辞职 to start his own business.' or 'She is considering 辞职 due to health reasons.'
Listen for Context
When you hear 辞职 in conversations or media, pay attention to the surrounding words to understand the reason and implications of the resignation.
Distinguish from Similar Words
Understand the difference between 辞职 (voluntarily resign), 退休 (retire), and 被解雇 (be fired). Each has a distinct meaning and context.
Expressing Intent
Practice saying '我要辞职' (Wǒ yào cízhí - I want to resign) or '我辞职了' (Wǒ cízhí le - I resigned) clearly and confidently.
Read Professional Texts
Read news articles or company announcements in Chinese that discuss employment changes. This will expose you to 辞职 in authentic contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing at a crossroads. One path is labeled 'Continue Working' and the other is labeled 'Quit Job.' The person is holding a sign that says 'I choose to **辞 (cí)** - I decline this path, and **职 (zhí)** - my duty here.' The image of declining one's duty helps remember the meaning.
Visual Association
Picture an employee packing their desk and walking out of an office building with a determined look. They are 'declining' their 'duty' by leaving. The two characters can be visualized as 'declining' (辞) the 'office' (职).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 辞职 in three different sentences describing hypothetical situations where someone might leave their job. For example, 'My friend is considering 辞职 because he wants to start a business.' or 'The CEO announced his 辞职 due to health reasons.'
Word Origin
The character 辞 (cí) originally meant 'to decline' or 'to refuse.' In ancient China, it was used in contexts related to rejecting official appointments or duties. The character 职 (zhí) refers to 'duty,' 'office,' or 'position.' Together, 辞职 literally means 'to decline one's duty' or 'to refuse one's office,' which evolved into the modern meaning of resigning from a job.
Original meaning: To decline one's duty or office.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
When discussing someone's resignation, it's generally polite to inquire about the reasons if appropriate and if the person is willing to share. Avoid making assumptions or judging their decision. In a professional context, formal procedures should always be followed.
In English-speaking countries, resignation is also a formal process, but the emphasis might differ. While loyalty is valued, career mobility and personal growth are often more openly encouraged, leading to more frequent job changes. The term 'quit' is more informal than 'resign.'
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing career changes with friends.
- 我最近在考虑辞职。
- 你觉得我应该辞职吗？
- 他辞职后去了哪里？
- 辞职后打算做什么？
Formal communication within a company (e.g., resignation letter).
- 我在此正式辞职。
- 提交辞职信。
- 感谢公司提供的机会。
- 请批准我的辞职申请。
News reports about company leadership.
- CEO宣布辞职。
- 高管辞职引发市场震荡。
- 因健康原因辞职。
- 他辞职的原因是什么？
Explaining reasons for leaving a job.
- 我辞职是为了追求更好的发展。
- 因为家庭原因我不得不辞职。
- 我对目前的工作不满意，所以辞职了。
- 他辞职是为了创业。
Job interviews (discussing past employment).
- 我之前是因为什么原因辞职的？
- 您为什么辞职？
- 您辞职后做了什么？
- 您对辞职有什么看法？
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever thought about what your ideal job would be like?"
"If you had the chance to change careers, what would you choose?"
"What are some common reasons people resign from their jobs in your country?"
"Imagine you've decided to resign. What would be the first thing you do?"
"What's the difference between quitting a job and being fired?"
Journal Prompts
Write about a time you or someone you know considered resigning from a job. What were the circumstances and the outcome?
If you were to resign tomorrow, what would be your primary reason? Describe your ideal next step.
Imagine you are writing a resignation letter. What key points would you include? What tone would you adopt?
Reflect on the concept of 'career change.' How does the act of resigning fit into a broader career path?
What are the potential pros and cons of resigning from a job versus staying in a less-than-ideal situation?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most common and standard term for 'to resign' in Chinese is 辞职 (cízhí). It is used in both formal and informal contexts when an employee voluntarily leaves their job. Other related terms like 离职 (lízhí) are also used, but 辞职 specifically emphasizes the voluntary act of quitting.
You should use 辞职 (cízhí) when you want to specifically convey that someone is voluntarily leaving their job or position. 离开 (líkāi) is a more general term meaning 'to leave' or 'to depart' and can be used in many contexts, such as leaving a room, a city, or even a company, but it doesn't inherently imply resignation. For instance, 'He left the company' could be 离开公司, but 'He resigned from the company' is best expressed as 他辞职了公司.
Yes, there is a significant difference. 辞职 (cízhí) means to resign, which is a voluntary departure from a job for reasons such as career change, dissatisfaction, or personal circumstances, often before retirement age. 退休 (tuìxiū) specifically means to retire, which is the cessation of work upon reaching a certain age, typically after a full career. You 辞职 to pursue other opportunities or due to issues, while you 退休 because your working life has reached its natural conclusion.
Common reasons for resignation in China are similar to those in many other countries. These include seeking better career development opportunities, higher salaries and benefits, a desire for better work-life balance, dissatisfaction with the work environment or management, family reasons, or pursuing personal interests like starting a business. The emphasis on career progression and personal growth is increasingly prominent among younger generations.
In most professional settings in China, it is customary and often required to submit a formal resignation letter (辞职信 - cízhíxìn) when you 辞职. This letter serves as official notification to your employer and typically includes your intention to resign, your last day of employment, and a brief expression of gratitude. It's considered good practice to maintain a professional relationship.
After someone 辞职s, there's usually a transition period. The employee might continue working for a notice period (often two weeks to a month, depending on the contract and company policy) to complete tasks and train a replacement. The company will then process the resignation, handle final payments, and potentially conduct an exit interview to understand the reasons for departure. The employee then moves on to their next endeavor, whether it's a new job, further studies, or other pursuits.
Yes, 辞职 (cízhí) can be used for leaving any position that involves duties or responsibilities, including volunteer positions, especially if it's a formal role with defined tasks. However, in very casual volunteer settings, simply saying you can't continue or are stepping down might be more appropriate. But if it's a structured volunteer role, 辞职 is a suitable term.
The crucial difference is volition. 辞职 (cízhí) is when the employee decides to leave their job. It is voluntary. 被解雇 (bèi jiěgù) means 'to be fired' or 'to be dismissed,' which is an involuntary termination of employment initiated by the employer. You 辞职 yourself; you are 被解雇 by others.
It depends on the context and your relationship with the person. In a professional setting, it might be appropriate to ask during an exit interview or if you are a close colleague. However, if you are not close, it might be considered too intrusive. Often, people will volunteer the information if they wish to share. It's generally polite to be sensitive about the topic.
Yes, 辞职 can be used for government officials, but the more specific and formal term is 辞官 (cíguān), which means 'to resign from an official post.' While 辞职 is understood, 辞官 carries a more historical and formal weight when referring to officials leaving their government positions.
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Summary
辞职 (cízhí) is the standard term for voluntarily leaving a job or position. It implies a formal process of resignation and is commonly used in workplace contexts.
- 辞职 (cízhí) means to resign or quit a job.
- It's a formal way to leave employment.
- Used when an employee decides to leave their position.
- Essential for professional communication in China.
Mastering the Tones
Pay close attention to the tones of 辞 (cí - 2nd tone, rising) and 职 (zhí - 2nd tone, rising). Mispronouncing tones can change the meaning of words. Practice saying 'cí zhí' with a clear rising tone for both syllables.
Context is Key
Remember that 辞职 implies a voluntary act. If someone is fired, you would use different words like 解雇 (jiěgù). Always consider the context to choose the most appropriate term for leaving a job.
Sentence Structure
The basic structure is Subject + 辞职. You can add '了' (le) to indicate a completed action (e.g., 我辞职了 - I resigned). Time phrases usually come before the verb (e.g., 我下个月辞职 - I will resign next month).
Professional Etiquette
In China, it's customary to submit a formal resignation letter (辞职信) and serve a notice period when you 辞职. Maintaining good relationships is important, so aim to leave on professional terms.
Example
由于个人原因，他决定下个月辞职。
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