接班

• Pinyin: jiē bān
• Hanzi breakdown: 接 = 扌(hand) + 妾 — to receive, connect; 班 = 玨 (two pieces of jade) + 刂 — work shift, class

Meaning

To take over a shift; to succeed to a position. Assuming duties from a predecessor.

Originally referred to factory workers taking over shifts (班). Now broadly used for any succession, from inheriting a family business to political succession. The emphasis is on continuity — the new person carries on the work or legacy of the predecessor.

Examples

1. 下午三点我来接班，你可以先回家休息。 I'll come to take over the shift at three in the afternoon; you can go home and rest first.
2. 父亲希望儿子能够接班经营这家百年老店。 The father hopes his son can take over and run this century-old shop.
3. 领导层的顺利接班对企业稳定至关重要。 Smooth succession in the leadership team is crucial for company stability.

Usage Guide

Context: work, business, succession

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 该你接班了。(It's your turn to take over the shift.)
• 他准备接班当总经理。(He is preparing to take over as general manager.)

Don't Say

• 用'接班'描述临时帮忙 (Don't use 接班 for temporary help — it implies ongoing succession; use 帮忙 or 代班 for covering temporarily)

Origin & History

Composed of 接 (to receive; to take over) + 班 (shift; work period; class). Literally means to receive a work shift.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal