通知书

• Pinyin: tōng zhī shū
• Hanzi breakdown: 通 = 辶(movement) + 甬 (phonetic); 知 = 矢(arrow) + 口 (mouth); 书 = simplified from 書, representing a written document

Meaning

Notification letter; written notice; admission letter.

An official written document informing a person of a decision, requirement, or result. Most famously refers to university admission letters (录取通知书 lùqǔ tōngzhīshū), which in China are sent as formal printed booklets. Also used for employment notices, penalty notices, and official announcements.

Examples

1. 他终于收到了北京大学的录取通知书，全家人都非常高兴。 He finally received his admission letter from Peking University and the whole family was overjoyed.
2. 公司向所有面试通过的候选人发出了录用通知书。 The company sent employment notification letters to all candidates who passed the interview.
3. 收到通知书的那一刻，她激动得热泪盈眶。 At the moment she received the letter, she was so moved that tears streamed down her face.

Usage Guide

Context: education, work

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 录取通知书已经寄出，请注意查收。(The admission letter has been sent — please look out for it.)
• 收到通知书后请尽快回复确认。(Please confirm promptly after receiving the notice.)

Don't Say

• 通知书 ≠ 通知 — 通知书 is a formal written document, while 通知 can be an informal verbal or written notice. Don't use them interchangeably in formal writing.

Origin & History

Compound of 通知 (tōngzhī, to notify) and 书 (shū, written document/letter). Together: a written notification.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal