Keywords: shangjiao, 上交, what does shangjiao mean, turn in homework in Chinese, submit a report in Chinese, hand over in Chinese, Chinese verb, 上交 definition, 上交 examples, HSK 4 vocabulary, Chinese hierarchy
Summary: The Chinese verb 上交 (shàngjiāo) means “to turn in,” “to hand over,” or “to submit.” It specifically describes the action of giving something to a person or entity of higher authority, such as turning in homework to a teacher, submitting a report to a boss, or handing over profits to the state. The word carries a sense of formality and acknowledges a hierarchical structure, making it a crucial term for understanding interactions in school, the workplace, and official settings in China.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): shàng jiāo
Part of Speech: Verb
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To turn in or hand over something to a superior or authority.
In a Nutshell: Think of 上交 (shàngjiāo) as “giving upwards.” The character 上 (shàng) means “up,” which is the key to its meaning. You don't just give (给 gěi) something; you submit it up the chain of command. This act inherently recognizes that the receiver (a teacher, a boss, the government) is in a position of authority. It’s the official verb for fulfilling your duty to provide something to those above you.
Character Breakdown
上 (shàng): This character is a pictograph of a short vertical line above a long horizontal line, symbolizing something being “on top” or “above.” It means “up,” “on,” or “superior.”
交 (jiāo): This character originally depicted a person with crossed legs, symbolizing interaction, exchange, or intersection. It has come to mean “to hand over,” “to deliver,” or “to associate with.”
Together, 上交 (shàngjiāo) literally means “to hand over upwards.” The combination perfectly captures the essence of submitting something to a higher authority within a structured system.
Cultural Context and Significance
Hierarchy and Respect:上交 is a word deeply embedded in the cultural importance of hierarchy and structure in Chinese society. Whether in the family, at school, or in the workplace, there is a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities. Using 上交 is a linguistic acknowledgment of this structure; it shows respect and an understanding of one's position and duties.
Comparison to “Turn In”: In English, a teacher might say, “Turn in your homework.” The phrase is a straightforward command. In Chinese, `请把作业上交 (qǐng bǎ zuòyè shàngjiāo)` carries a slightly more formal and respectful tone. It reinforces the teacher's authority and the student's obligation. While you can also just say `交作业 (jiāo zuòyè)`, adding `上` emphasizes the “upward” direction of the action, making it more formal and appropriate for the context. It's the difference between a simple transaction and an act of fulfilling a duty within a defined hierarchy. This concept is less pronounced in modern, more casual Western workplace or school environments.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In School: This is the most common context for learners. Students 上交 homework (作业), essays (作文), and reports (报告) to their teachers.
I need to submit the monthly summary before this Friday.
Official/Legal Contexts: This involves handing something over to an official body like the police or the government. This can include found property, required documents, or even profits from a state-owned enterprise.
``他把捡到的钱包上交给了警察。``
(Tā bǎ jiǎndào de qiánbāo shàngjiāo gěi le jǐngchá.)
He handed the wallet he found over to the police.
Connotation: The word is formal and neutral. It implies a required action and is not used in casual situations among friends or peers. You would never 上交 a gift to a friend; you would `送 (sòng)` or `给 (gěi)` it to them.
English: You must submit this report to the manager before Friday.
Analysis: Note the use of the `把 (bǎ)` structure, which is very common with 上交 to emphasize the object being submitted.
Example 3:
我已经把我的辞职信上交了。
Pinyin: Wǒ yǐjīng bǎ wǒ de cízhíxìn shàngjiāo le.
English: I have already handed in my letter of resignation.
Analysis: This demonstrates a very formal and serious use of 上交 in a professional context. Resigning involves submitting a formal document to a superior.
Example 4:
他因为没有按时上交文件而被批评了。
Pinyin: Tā yīnwèi méiyǒu ànshí shàngjiāo wénjiàn ér bèi pīpíng le.
English: He was criticized for not turning in the documents on time.
Analysis: This sentence shows the negative consequence of failing to 上交 something, highlighting its obligatory nature.
English: This state-owned enterprise turns over most of its profits to the national treasury every year.
Analysis: A very formal, economic use of the term, where the authority is the state itself.
Example 8:
请把填好的表格上交到前台。
Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ tiánhǎo de biǎogé shàngjiāo dào qiántái.
English: Please submit the filled-out form to the front desk.
Analysis: A polite and formal instruction you might see in an office, bank, or hotel.
Example 9:
这份文件需要上交给谁？
Pinyin: Zhè fèn wénjiàn xūyào shàngjiāo gěi shéi?
English: Who does this document need to be submitted to?
Analysis: A practical question to ask in a work or school environment to clarify the proper recipient (the authority).
Example 10:
他被要求上交他的护照。
Pinyin: Tā bèi yāoqiú shàngjiāo tā de hùzhào.
English: He was required to surrender his passport.
Analysis: In this context, 上交 can mean “surrender” or “hand over” to an official authority, like customs or the police.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`上交` vs. `交` (jiāo):
`交 (jiāo)` is a broader verb meaning “to hand in,” “to pay,” or “to make friends.” You can say `交作业 (jiāo zuòyè)` or `上交作业 (shàngjiāo zuòyè)`. However, `上交` is more formal and explicitly emphasizes the hierarchical relationship. You can `交朋友 (jiāo péngyou - make friends)` but you absolutely cannot `上交朋友`.
Mistake: ``我要上交这个月的房租。`` (Wǒ yào shàngjiāo zhège yuè de fángzū.)
Correction: ``我要交这个月的房租。`` (Wǒ yào jiāo zhège yuè de fángzū.)
Reason: Paying rent (`交房租`) is a transaction with a landlord, not typically seen as submitting something “up” to a superior in the same way as homework. `交` is sufficient and more natural.
`上交` vs. `给` (gěi):
`给 (gěi)` just means “to give.” It's neutral and used in all types of situations, especially informal ones. Using `给` where `上交` is expected can sound overly casual or even slightly disrespectful.
Mistake: ``我把报告给了我的老板。`` (Wǒ bǎ bàogào gěi le wǒ de lǎobǎn.)
Correction: ``我把报告上交给了我的老板。`` (Wǒ bǎ bàogào shàngjiāo gěi le wǒ de lǎobǎn.)
Reason: While grammatically correct, the first sentence sounds like you're just casually handing a thing to your boss. The second sentence correctly reflects the professional context of formally submitting a report to a superior.
Related Terms and Concepts
提交 (tíjiāo): To submit. A very close synonym, often used for online submissions (“click here to submit”) and formal applications. It can feel more technical or neutral than `上交`.
递交 (dìjiāo): To hand in, to present, to submit. This is very formal and often used for significant documents like a résumé, a formal application, or a letter of protest. It emphasizes the physical act of formally passing something over.
交 (jiāo): The root verb. More general than `上交`, it means to hand over, deliver, or pay.
上报 (shàngbào): To report to a higher level. This is used for information or situations, not physical objects. You `上报` an incident, but you `上交` the written report about the incident.
缴纳 (jiǎonà): To pay (taxes, fees). A very formal verb used specifically for mandatory payments to an organization or the government.
下发 (xiàfā): To issue, to dispatch (from above). This is the direct antonym of `上交`. A boss `下发` instructions, and an employee `上交` the completed work.
作业 (zuòyè): Homework. The most common object of the verb `上交` for language learners.
报告 (bàogào): Report. Another very common noun used with `上交` in academic and professional settings.