编制

• Pinyin: biān zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 编 = 纟(silk) + 扁, to weave/compile; 制 = 刂(knife) + 未 + 巾, to make/system

Meaning

To compile; to draw up; to organize. Also refers to authorized personnel quota or establishment.

Has two main uses: (1) as a verb meaning to compile documents, weave materials, or organize systems; (2) as a noun referring to the official staffing quota of an organization, especially in government and state-owned enterprises. In the noun sense, 有编制 means having a permanent position with benefits.

Examples

1. 财务部门正在编制下一年度的预算方案。 The finance department is drawing up next year's budget plan.
2. 她终于考上了公务员编制，全家人都很高兴。 She finally passed the civil service exam and got a permanent position — the whole family is very happy.
3. 这份报告需要编制详细的数据图表。 This report needs detailed data charts to be compiled.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, government, administration

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我们需要编制一份详细的工作计划。(We need to draw up a detailed work plan.)
• 他是事业单位编制内的员工。(He is a staff member within the establishment quota of a public institution.)

Don't Say

• 不要把'编制'和'编织'混淆 (Don't confuse 编制 with 编织 — 编织 specifically means to knit or weave fabric/yarn, while 编制 is more abstract)

Origin & History

Compound of 编 (to weave, to compile) + 制 (to make, system). Originally referred to weaving bamboo strips, extended to organizing and systematizing.

Cultural Context

Generation: Working adults

Social background: Universal