届

• Pinyin: jiè
• Hanzi breakdown: 届 = 尸 (body) + 由 (from), meaning to reach or arrive at

Meaning

Session; class year; term (measure word for scheduled events or graduating classes).

Used to count recurring events (第三届奥运会 = the 3rd Olympic Games) and graduating classes (2020届毕业生 = class of 2020). Also used for terms in office. Always implies something that recurs on a regular basis.

Examples

1. 这是她参加的第五届国际电影节。 This is the fifth international film festival she has attended.
2. 我们是同一届的毕业生，关系很好。 We're from the same graduating class, so we're very close.
3. 本届政府特别重视环境保护问题。 The current government places special emphasis on environmental protection.

Usage Guide

Context: events, education, politics, competitions

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 第20届世界杯 (the 20th World Cup)
• 我是2019届的。(I'm from the class of 2019.)

Don't Say

• 第三届书 (届 is for recurring events/classes, not physical objects — books use 本 or 册)

Origin & History

Originally meant to arrive or reach (届时 = when the time comes), extended to sessions/terms.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal