jiābān: 加班 - To Work Overtime, Overtime Work
Quick Summary
Keywords: jiaban, 加班, work overtime in Chinese, China overtime culture, 996 culture, overwork in China, Chinese work culture, 加班是什么意思, Chinese for overtime, work-life balance in China
Summary: Learn the essential Chinese term 加班 (jiābān), which means “to work overtime.” This word is more than a simple translation; it's a window into modern Chinese work culture, the pressures of the infamous “996” schedule, and the daily reality for millions of urban professionals. This guide will break down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical usage, helping you understand the nuances of work-life balance in contemporary China.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jiābān
Part of Speech: Verb, Noun
HSK Level: HSK 4
Concise Definition: To work beyond one's regular scheduled hours; to work overtime.
In a Nutshell: 加班 (jiābān) is a fundamental concept in modern Chinese society, describing the act of working overtime. It's a verb-object compound, literally meaning “to add a shift.” While the English word “overtime” is neutral, `jiābān` almost always carries a negative or resigned connotation. It evokes feelings of exhaustion, cancelled social plans, and the high-pressure environment common in many Chinese companies, especially in the tech sector.
Character Breakdown
加 (jiā): To add, plus, or increase. Think of the plus sign (+) in mathematics. It signifies the addition of something.
班 (bān): A shift, a duty, or a class (as in a class of students). It refers to a scheduled block of work or study.
When combined, 加班 (jiābān) literally means “to add a shift.” You have completed your regular `班` (shift), but now you must `加` (add) more work time, hence “overtime.”
Cultural Context and Significance
加班 (jiābān) is arguably one of the most culturally significant words for understanding modern urban China. It is the centerpiece of a widespread, and often criticized, work culture.
The “996 Culture”: `加班` is inextricably linked to the “996” work culture, which refers to working from 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week. While not official policy everywhere, this expectation of extreme dedication is prevalent in tech companies and startups. `加班` is the daily manifestation of this culture.
Comparison to Western “Overtime”: In most Western cultures, “overtime” is a regulated concept. It's usually paid at a higher rate (e.g., time-and-a-half), and employees are often protected by labor laws from excessive, unpaid hours. In contrast, `加班` in China, particularly for salaried professionals, is frequently seen as an unwritten rule—an expected demonstration of loyalty (`忠诚 - zhōngchéng`) and diligence (`努力 - nǔlì`). It is often unpaid, and refusing to do it can be seen as not being a team player.
Underlying Values: This culture is fueled by intense social competition (`内卷 - nèijuǎn`), where individuals feel they must work harder than their peers just to keep up. It also ties into a form of collectivist thinking, where an individual's sacrifice is expected for the good of the company's “family.” However, this is increasingly being challenged by younger generations who are advocating for better work-life balance.
Practical Usage in Modern China
`加班` is a high-frequency word used in everyday conversations, especially among office workers.
Complaining: The most common usage is to complain or express resignation. It's a way for colleagues to bond over a shared struggle. You'll frequently hear “唉，今天又要加班了” (Sigh, have to work overtime again today).
Informing Others: It's used to explain why you're busy or can't make a social event. “我今晚不能去了，我要加班” (I can't go tonight, I have to work overtime).
As a Noun: It can also function as a noun, referring to the concept of overtime itself. For example, “我们公司加班是常态” (At our company, overtime is the norm).
Social Media: On platforms like Weibo and Douyin, `加班` is a massive topic. It's the subject of countless memes, jokes, and serious discussions about mental health and workers' rights, often associated with slang like `打工人` (worker bee) and `摸鱼` (slacking off).
Example Sentences
Example 1:
我今天晚上要加班。
Pinyin: Wǒ jīntiān wǎnshang yào jiābān.
English: I have to work overtime tonight.
Analysis: A simple, direct statement informing someone of your plans. This is a very common and neutral way to use the term.
Example 2:
你又要加班啊？真辛苦！
Pinyin: Nǐ yòu yào jiābān a? Zhēn xīnkǔ!
English: You have to work overtime again? That's really tough!
Analysis: This is a typical exchange between friends or colleagues, showing empathy for the other person's situation. `辛苦 (xīnkǔ)` is a key word for acknowledging someone's hard work or hardship.
Example 3:
我讨厌加班，一点儿个人时间都没有了。
Pinyin: Wǒ tǎoyàn jiābān, yìdiǎnr gèrén shíjiān dōu méiyǒu le.
English: I hate working overtime; I have no personal time at all anymore.
Analysis: This sentence clearly expresses the negative connotation of `加班`. The phrase `一点儿…都/也…没 (yìdiǎnr…dōu/yě…méi)` is a common pattern for saying “not at all”.
Example 4:
这家公司的加班文化太严重了。
Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī de jiābān wénhuà tài yánzhòng le.
English: This company's overtime culture is too serious.
Analysis: Here, `加班` is used as part of a compound noun `加班文化` (overtime culture), referring to the system and expectation rather than a single act.
Example 5:
为了赶项目进度，我们整个团队都得加班。
Pinyin: Wèile gǎn xiàngmù jìndù, wǒmen zhěnggè tuánduì dōu děi jiābān.
English: To meet the project deadline, our entire team has to work overtime.
Analysis: This provides a common reason for `加班`—a tight deadline. The word `赶 (gǎn)` means to rush or catch up to something.
Example 6:
老板，我们加班有加班费吗？
Pinyin: Lǎobǎn, wǒmen jiābān yǒu jiābānfèi ma?
English: Boss, do we get overtime pay for working overtime?
Analysis: A crucial and sometimes brave question. `加班费 (jiābānfèi)` is “overtime pay.” The repetition of `加班` is natural here.
Example 7:
他几乎天天加班到深夜。
Pinyin: Tā jīhū tiāntiān jiābān dào shēnyè.
English: He works overtime until late at night almost every day.
Analysis: Shows the frequency and intensity of the work. `到深夜 (dào shēnyè)` means “until late at night” or “deep into the night.”
Example 8:
你先走吧，我还要加一会儿班。
Pinyin: Nǐ xiān zǒu ba, wǒ hái yào jiā yíhuìr bān.
English: You go ahead, I still need to work overtime for a little while.
Analysis: This sentence demonstrates the “separable verb” nature of `加班`. You can insert a duration like `一会儿 (yíhuìr)` between `加` and `班`.
Example 9:
我宁愿工资低一点，也不想天天加班。
Pinyin: Wǒ nìngyuàn gōngzī dī yìdiǎn, yě bù xiǎng tiāntiān jiābān.
English: I would rather have a lower salary than have to work overtime every day.
Analysis: This uses the `宁愿…也… (nìngyuàn…yě…)` structure, meaning “would rather… than…”. It powerfully expresses the preference for work-life balance over money.
Example 10:
别给我打电话了，我在加班呢。
Pinyin: Bié gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà le, wǒ zài jiābān ne.
English: Stop calling me, I'm working overtime.
Analysis: The `在…呢 (zài…ne)` structure indicates an action in progress. It's a common way to say you're currently busy with something.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
Unpaid vs. Paid Overtime: The biggest pitfall for learners is assuming `加班` implies extra pay like “overtime” does in the West. While paid overtime (`加班费`) exists, it's not a given. In many salaried, white-collar jobs, `加班` is an unpaid expectation. Always clarify the policy; don't assume.
Separable Verb Structure: `加班` is a verb-object compound and can be separated. This is a common point of error for learners.
Incorrect: 我加班一个小时。 (Wǒ jiābān yí ge xiǎoshí.)
Correct: 我加一个小时的班。 (Wǒ jiā yí ge xiǎoshí de bān.)
Explanation: You must place the duration of time between `加` and `班`. Think of it as “add [one hour of] shift.”
Noun vs. Verb: Remember that it can function as both a verb (the action) and a noun (the concept).
996 (jiǔjiǔliù) - The infamous work schedule (9am-9pm, 6 days a week) that institutionalizes extreme `加班`.
内卷 (nèijuǎn) - “Involution” or “internal competition”; the feeling that you have to overwork just to keep up with everyone else, a key driver of `加班` culture.
摸鱼 (mōyú) - “To touch fish”; a popular slang term for slacking off or being unproductive at work, often seen as a silent protest against long hours and `加班`.
打工人 (dǎgōngrén) - “Worker bee” or “wage-earner”; a self-deprecating but popular internet term for office workers, often used when complaining about the hardships of work, including `加班`.
过劳死 (guòláosǐ) - “Death from overwork” (karoshi); the most extreme and tragic consequence of a culture with excessive `加班`.
奋斗 (fèndòu) - To strive, to struggle for a goal. This is often the positive, motivational term used by companies to justify the need for `加班`.
上班 (shàngbān) - To go to work; to be at work. `加班` happens after the official `上班` time is over.
下班 (xiàbān) - To get off work. The moment every person who is forced to `加班` is looking forward to.
工作狂 (gōngzuòkuáng) - “Workaholic.” While `加班` is often forced, a `工作狂` might genuinely enjoy working long hours.