资格

• Pinyin: zī gé
• Hanzi breakdown: 资 = 次 (next, order) + 贝 (shell/money); 格 = 木 (wood) + 各 (each), meaning standard or pattern

Meaning

Qualification; eligibility. The credentials or right to do something based on certain conditions.

Refers to the qualifications, credentials, or eligibility required to do something. Used in formal contexts like job requirements, certifications, and legal rights. Also used colloquially to question whether someone has the right to do something. Common phrases include 有资格 (be qualified), 没有资格 (not qualified), and 资格证 (certificate).

Examples

1. 你有申请这个职位的资格吗？ Do you have the qualifications to apply for this position?
2. 他通过考试，拿到了教师资格证。 He passed the exam and got his teaching certificate.
3. 你没有资格批评别人。 You have no right to criticise others.

Usage Guide

Context: career, education, legal, everyday

Tone: authoritative

Do Say

• 她有资格参加这次比赛。(She is qualified to participate in this competition.)
• 我想考一个会计资格证。(I want to get an accounting qualification certificate.)

Don't Say

• 我有资格吃这个蛋糕吗？(Don't use 资格 for trivial everyday permissions like eating cake — it implies formal credentials or moral authority; just ask 我能吃这个蛋糕吗？)

Origin & History

资 (resources, qualifications) + 格 (standard, pattern). Together: meeting the standard or having the resources required.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal