shēnqǐngbiǎo: 申请表 - Application Form [The Contextual Chinese Dictionary]

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====== shēnqǐngbiǎo: 申请表 - Application Form ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  *   **Keywords:** shenqingbiao, 申请表, application form in Chinese, Chinese application form, how to say application form in Chinese, fill out a form in Chinese, job application, visa application, university application China.
  *   **Summary:** "申请表 (shēnqǐngbiǎo)" is the essential Chinese word for "application form." This page provides a deep dive into its meaning, character breakdown, and practical usage. Learn how to use it correctly when applying for a job, a visa, or university in China, with 10 practical example sentences, cultural notes, and a guide to avoid common mistakes for learners.
===== Core Meaning =====
  *   **Pinyin (with tone marks):** shēnqǐngbiǎo
  *   **Part of Speech:** Noun
  *   **HSK Level:** HSK 3
  *   **Concise Definition:** An application form; a document used to make a formal request.
  *   **In a Nutshell:** A `申请表` is any physical or digital document you need to fill out to apply for something. From getting a new job to joining a gym or applying for a visa, this is the paperwork that starts the process. It's a highly practical and common word in daily life and bureaucracy in China.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  *   **申 (shēn):** To apply, state, or express. Pictographically, it's sometimes said to represent a lightning bolt stretching from the clouds to the ground, implying "extending" or "stretching out" a request.
  *   **请 (qǐng):** To request, to ask, or "please." This character combines the "speech" radical (言) with "azure" (青), which provides the sound. It clearly indicates a polite act of asking.
  *   **表 (biǎo):** A form, table, or chart. It means something shown on the "surface" or "outside." It's the physical document where you express your information.
Putting them together, `申请 (shēnqǐng)` means "to apply" or "to make a request," and `表 (biǎo)` means "form." So, `申请表` literally and logically translates to "application form."
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
While the concept of an "application form" is universal, the `申请表` in China often reflects a cultural emphasis on process, documentation, and formality. Bureaucracy is a significant part of life, and filling out forms correctly is a crucial skill.
Compared to some Western cultures where a verbal agreement or a simple email might suffice for minor requests, in China, a `申请表` is often required to create a formal, traceable record. This applies to everything from joining a company to getting a library card. The forms themselves can sometimes be more detailed than their Western counterparts, asking for information like family background or political affiliation (in specific government or party-related contexts), which can be surprising to foreigners. This isn't about deep philosophy but about the practical reality of a society that values structure, clear records, and standardized procedures for managing a large population. Precision is key; a small mistake on a `申请表` can lead to significant delays.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
`申请表` is a neutral and somewhat formal term used in any situation that requires a formal application. You will encounter it constantly in administrative, educational, and professional settings.
  *   **Job Hunting:** You will almost always fill out a `工作申请表 (gōngzuò shēnqǐngbiǎo)` - a job application form, even if you've already submitted a résumé.
  *   **Visas and Residency:** The `签证申请表 (qiānzhèng shēnqǐngbiǎo)` is the first and most critical document for anyone wanting to travel to or live in China.
  *   **Education:** Students fill out an `入学申请表 (rùxué shēnqǐngbiǎo)` for admission to schools and universities.
  *   **Memberships & Services:** Applying for a gym membership, a credit card, or even a club might require you to `填写申请表 (tiánxiě shēnqǐngbiǎo)` - fill out an application form.
===== Example Sentences =====
  *   **Example 1:**
    * 请填写这张**申请表**。
    * Pinyin: Qǐng tiánxiě zhè zhāng **shēnqǐngbiǎo**.
    * English: Please fill out this application form.
    * Analysis: This is the most common and direct phrase you'll hear from staff at any service counter. `填写 (tiánxiě)` is the specific verb for "to fill out" a form.
  *   **Example 2:**
    * 我的签证**申请表**有很多页。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ de qiānzhèng **shēnqǐngbiǎo** yǒu hěn duō yè.
    * English: My visa application form has many pages.
    * Analysis: A simple descriptive sentence. It highlights how `申请表` can be modified by other nouns like `签证 (qiānzhèng)` to specify the type of application.
  *   **Example 3:**
    * 你可以从网上下载**申请表**吗？
    * Pinyin: Nǐ kěyǐ cóng wǎngshàng xiàzài **shēnqǐngbiǎo** ma?
    * English: Can you download the application form from the internet?
    * Analysis: This shows the modern context of digital forms. `下载 (xiàzài)` means "to download."
  *   **Example 4:**
    * 我把工作**申请表**和简历一起交了上去。
    * Pinyin: Wǒ bǎ gōngzuò **shēnqǐngbiǎo** hé jiǎnlì yīqǐ jiāo le shàngqù.
    * English: I submitted the job application form and my résumé together.
    * Analysis: This demonstrates its use in a professional context. The `把 (bǎ)` structure is used to emphasize the action's effect on the object (`申请表`).
  *   **Example 5:**
    * 对不起，我在**申请表**上写错了一个字。
    * Pinyin: Duìbuqǐ, wǒ zài **shēnqǐngbiǎo** shàng xiě cuò le yí ge zì.
    * English: Sorry, I wrote a character incorrectly on the application form.
    * Analysis: A very practical sentence for any learner filling out a form. It shows the preposition `在...上 (zài...shàng)` to mean "on" the form.
  *   **Example 6:**
    * 这是会员**申请表**，不是信用卡**申请表**。
    * Pinyin: Zhè shì huìyuán **shēnqǐngbiǎo**, búshì xìnyòngkǎ **shēnqǐngbiǎo**.
    * English: This is the membership application form, not the credit card application form.
    * Analysis: This example contrasts two different types of application forms, showing the word's versatility.
  *   **Example 7:**
    * **申请表**需要贴一张近照。
    * Pinyin: **Shēnqǐngbiǎo** xūyào tiē yī zhāng jìnzhào.
    * English: The application form requires a recent photo to be attached.
    * Analysis: `贴 (tiē)` means "to stick" or "to paste," the verb used for attaching a physical photo. This is a common requirement on Chinese forms.
  *   **Example 8:**
    * 填写**申请表**的时候，请用黑色水笔。
    * Pinyin: Tiánxiě **shēnqǐngbiǎo** de shíhou, qǐng yòng hēisè shuǐbǐ.
    * English: When filling out the application form, please use a black ink pen.
    * Analysis: This provides a typical instruction you might receive. `用 (yòng)` means "to use."
  *   **Example 9:**
    * 如果没有**申请表**，你就不能参加这次面试。
    * Pinyin: Rúguǒ méiyǒu **shēnqǐngbiǎo**, nǐ jiù bùnéng cānjiā zhè cì miànshì.
    * English: If you don't have the application form, you can't participate in this interview.
    * Analysis: This sentence uses a conditional structure (`如果...就...`) to show the importance of the form.
  *   **Example 10:**
    * 请问，我在哪里可以拿到**申请表**？
    * Pinyin: Qǐngwèn, wǒ zài nǎlǐ kěyǐ nádào **shēnqǐngbiǎo**?
    * English: Excuse me, where can I get an application form?
    * Analysis: A fundamental question for anyone navigating a new process. `拿到 (nádào)` means to "get" or "obtain."
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  *   **`申请表` vs. `表格 (biǎogé)`:**
    *   `表格 (biǎogé)` is the general word for any kind of form, table, or chart. A spreadsheet is a `表格`. A class schedule is a `表格`.
    *   `申请表 (shēnqǐngbiǎo)` is a *specific type* of `表格` used for *applying*.
    *   **Rule:** All `申请表` are `表格`, but not all `表格` are `申请表`.
    *   **Incorrect:** 我需要填写一个课程**申请表**。 (Wǒ xūyào tiánxiě yí ge kèchéng **shēnqǐngbiǎo**.) - "I need to fill out a course *application form*." (This is correct if you're applying for a course.)
    *   **Incorrect:** 我做了一个工作时间**申请表**。 (Wǒ zuòle yí ge gōngzuò shíjiān **shēnqǐngbiǎo**.) - "I made a work schedule *application form*." This is wrong. You should say: 我做了一个工作时间**表格** (Wǒ zuòle yí ge gōngzuò shíjiān **biǎogé**.) - "I made a work schedule *table/form*."
  *   **`申请表` (Noun) vs. `申请` (Verb):**
    *   `申请 (shēnqǐng)` is the verb "to apply." `申请表` is the noun "application form."
    *   **Incorrect:** 我要填写**申请**。 (Wǒ yào tiánxiě **shēnqǐng**.) - "I need to fill out the apply." This is grammatically wrong.
    *   **Correct:** 我要**申请**一个签证。 (Wǒ yào **shēnqǐng** yí ge qiānzhèng.) - "I want to **apply for** a visa."
    *   **Correct:** 我要填写签证**申请表**。 (Wǒ yào tiánxiě qiānzhèng **shēnqǐngbiǎo**.) - "I need to fill out the visa **application form**."
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  *   [[申请]] (shēnqǐng) - The verb "to apply." This is the action you perform when you submit your `申请表`.
  *   [[表格]] (biǎogé) - The general term for a form, table, or chart. `申请表` is a specific type of `表格`.
  *   [[填写]] (tiánxiě) - The specific verb meaning "to fill in" or "to fill out" a form. It's the most common verb used with `申请表`.
  *   [[报名表]] (bàomíngbiǎo) - A registration or sign-up form. Very similar, but used more for events, competitions, or classes rather than for jobs or visas. `报名 (bàomíng)` means "to sign up."
  *   [[简历]] (jiǎnlì) - Résumé or CV. This is often submitted along *with* a job `申请表`.
  *   [[签证]] (qiānzhèng) - Visa. You must fill out a `签证申请表` to get one.
  *   [[材料]] (cáiliào) - Materials or documents. The `申请表` is usually just one of the required `材料` for any application.
  *   [[护照]] (hùzhào) - Passport. Your passport number is almost always required on a `申请表` for travel, banking, or visas.
  *   [[提交]] (tíjiāo) - To submit (formally). This is the verb you use for handing in your completed `申请表`.
  *   [[签名]] (qiānmíng) - To sign; signature. The last step of filling out any `申请表`.