tí'àn: 提案 - Proposal, Motion

• Keywords: 提案, ti'an, Chinese proposal, Chinese motion, make a suggestion in Chinese, business proposal China, what does ti'an mean, 提, 案, 建议, 方案, business Chinese.
• Summary: Learn the Chinese word 提案 (tí'àn), a formal term for a “proposal” or “motion”. This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context in business and politics, and practical usage. Discover the crucial difference between a formal `提案` and a casual `建议 (jiànyì)` (suggestion) to communicate more effectively in professional settings in China.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): tí'àn
• Part of Speech: Noun (can occasionally function as a verb)
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: A formal proposal, motion, or written plan submitted for consideration and approval.
• In a Nutshell: Think of a 提案 (tí'àn) not as a simple idea you mention over coffee, but as a structured, often written, plan you present in a formal setting like a business meeting, a government committee, or an academic conference. It implies that you've done your homework and are officially putting forward a plan for others to debate, approve, or reject. It's a heavyweight word compared to a simple “suggestion”.

• 提 (tí): This character means “to lift,” “to carry,” or “to put forward.” It contains the hand radical (扌) on the left, emphasizing an action done with the hands. In `提案`, it means to formally “put forward” or “raise” an idea for discussion.
• 案 (àn): This character refers to a “case,” “record,” “plan,” or “document.” The character originally depicted a wooden table or desk (木), suggesting something that is formally laid out for review.
• Together, 提 (tí) + 案 (àn) literally means “to put forward a plan/document.” This combination perfectly captures the essence of formally submitting a structured proposal for official consideration.

In Chinese culture, especially in business and politics, the process of submitting a 提案 (tí'àn) is often more nuanced than simply “pitching an idea” in the West. While a Western pitch might emphasize individual brilliance and disruptive innovation, a Chinese `提案` is often rooted in the values of consensus-building, respect for hierarchy, and collective benefit. The proposal is typically framed as a way to improve the existing system rather than tear it down. It is a formal, respectful way to suggest change from within. The presenter is not just showing off their idea; they are demonstrating their commitment to the group's success by offering a well-researched path forward. This process avoids direct confrontation and helps maintain group harmony (`和谐, héxié`), a cornerstone of Chinese social and business etiquette. A `提案` is expected to be submitted through the proper channels and show deference to leadership. It's less about a lone genius and more about a responsible member contributing to the collective good.

提案 (tí'àn) is a formal word used in specific, high-stakes contexts. You will encounter it frequently in professional environments.

• In Business: This is one of the most common uses. A `提案` can be a marketing plan, a budget request, a new project proposal, or a proposal for a strategic partnership. It is almost always a written document.
  • e.g., `市场部提交了一份关于新产品推广的提案。` (The marketing department submitted a proposal about promoting the new product.)
• In Government and Politics: `提案` refers to a formal motion, bill, or proposal submitted by a legislator or a political body. This is the standard term used in contexts like the National People's Congress (`人民代表大会`).
  • e.g., `委员会正在讨论这项教育改革提案。` (The committee is discussing this education reform proposal.)
• In Academia: Researchers and students submit a `研究提案` (yánjiū tí'àn) or “research proposal” to get funding or approval for a project or thesis.

It is crucial to understand that you would never use `提案` for a casual suggestion. For suggesting where to go for dinner or what movie to watch, you must use `建议 (jiànyì)`.

• Example 1:
  • 这是我的提案，请您过目。
  • Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ de tí'àn, qǐng nín guòmù.
  • English: This is my proposal, please have a look.
  • Analysis: A simple, formal way to present a proposal document to a superior. `请您过目 (qǐng nín guòmù)` is a very polite phrase for “please review it.”
• Example 2:
  • 董事会下周将投票表决这项提案。
  • Pinyin: Dǒngshìhuì xiàzhōu jiāng tóupiào biǎojué zhè xiàng tí'àn.
  • English: The board of directors will vote on this proposal next week.
  • Analysis: Highlights the formal decision-making process associated with a `提案`. The measure word for `提案` is often `项 (xiàng)` or `份 (fèn)`.
• Example 3:
  • 他的提案非常有创意，但可能不太实际。
  • Pinyin: Tā de tí'àn fēicháng yǒu chuàngyì, dàn kěnéng bú tài shíjì.
  • English: His proposal is very creative, but it might not be very practical.
  • Analysis: Shows how a `提案` is judged on multiple criteria, like creativity and feasibility.
• Example 4:
  • 我们需要准备一份详细的提案来申请银行贷款。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào zhǔnbèi yí fèn xiángxì de tí'àn lái shēnqǐng yínháng dàikuǎn.
  • English: We need to prepare a detailed proposal to apply for a bank loan.
  • Analysis: Emphasizes that a `提案` is often a comprehensive and detailed document. `一份 (yí fèn)` is a common measure word.
• Example 5:
  • 政府收到了许多关于环境保护的提案。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ shōudào le xǔduō guānyú huánjìng bǎohù de tí'àn.
  • English: The government has received many proposals regarding environmental protection.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the use of `提案` in a civic or political context.
• Example 6:
  • 这个提案最终被委员会否决了。
  • Pinyin: Zhège tí'àn zuìzhōng b