出差
chū chāi HSK 4

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

他明天出差。
Tā míngtiān chūchāi.
He is going on a business trip tomorrow.
我经常出差去北京。
Wǒ jīngcháng chūchāi qù Běijīng.
I often go on business trips to Beijing.
出差很累。
Chūchāi hěn lèi.
Business trips are tiring.
我下周出差。
Wǒ xià zhōu chūchāi.
I go on a business trip next week.
他经常出差。
Tā jīngcháng chūchāi.
He often travels for work.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 出 (chū) means 'to go out' or 'exit,' and 差 (chāi) here means 'assignment' or 'errand.' Think: 'going out on an assignment' = business trip.

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral in formality and commonly used in both spoken and written Chinese across professional and everyday contexts. It is typically used to describe work-related travel, often implying reimbursement or company arrangements.

📖 Grammar Points

Often used with directional complements like 去 (qù) or 回来 (huílai), e.g., 去北京出差 (go to Beijing on a business trip). It can also be modified by time phrases, e.g., 出差三天 (be on a business trip for three days).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese work culture, 出差 is common and often expected in many professions, sometimes involving longer trips or frequent travel. It may imply a certain level of professional dedication, and expenses are usually covered by the employer according to company policies.

🔄 Similar Words

旅行 (lǚxíng) means 'to travel' for leisure or personal reasons, while 出差 is specifically for business. 出门 (chūmén) means 'to go out' in a general sense, not necessarily for work or travel.

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