Keywords: 经理, jīnglǐ, Chinese manager, what does jingli mean, manager in Chinese, Chinese business titles, 经理 vs 老板, Chinese job titles, business culture China, HSK 3 vocabulary
Summary: Learn the meaning and usage of 经理 (jīnglǐ), the essential Chinese word for “manager.” This page breaks down the term, explains its crucial role in Chinese business culture, and contrasts it with the Western concept of a manager. Discover how to use jīnglǐ correctly in formal situations, understand its relationship to other titles like 老板 (lǎobǎn), and see practical examples to improve your business Chinese.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): jīnglǐ
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 3
Concise Definition: A manager; a person responsible for controlling or administering an organization or group of staff.
In a Nutshell:经理 (jīnglǐ) is the standard, formal term for a “manager” in a Chinese corporate or business environment. It's not just a job description; it's a title of respect that signifies authority over a specific department, project, or team. If someone is in charge of a team but isn't the ultimate owner of the company, they are likely a 经理.
Character Breakdown
经 (jīng): This character is associated with managing, handling, or passing through. Think of it as the “operations” part of management. It's the same character used in 经济 (jīngjì - economy) and 经验 (jīngyàn - experience).
理 (lǐ): This character means “to arrange,” “to put in order,” “reason,” or “logic.” It represents the organizational and logical side of management. It appears in words like 管理 (guǎnlǐ - to manage) and 道理 (dàolǐ - reason/principle).
Together, 经理 (jīnglǐ) literally means someone who “manages and puts things in order,” a perfect description of a manager's role.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Western business culture, the relationship with a manager can often be quite casual, with first names being the norm. However, in China, the title 经理 reinforces a more defined and respected hierarchy.
Comparison to “Manager”: While the function is the same, the title 经理 carries a heavier weight of formality and social distance. Addressing a manager is a key part of workplace etiquette. You would almost always address them as “[Surname] + 经理” (e.g., 王经理 Wáng Jīnglǐ) as a sign of respect for their position. Calling them by their first name would be considered overly familiar and potentially disrespectful in most professional settings.
This reflects the broader cultural value placed on hierarchy and respect for authority. The title isn't just a label; it's a social signal that defines the relationship between a subordinate and their superior.
Practical Usage in Modern China
Formal Title:经理 is a formal job title used on business cards, in contracts, and in official company structures.
Direct Address: The most common and important use for a learner is in direct address. When speaking to a manager, you should use their surname followed by 经理. For example, “Lǐ Jīnglǐ, nín hǎo” (Hello, Manager Li). Using the polite “you” (您 nín) is also recommended.
Compound Titles: It is frequently combined with a department name to create more specific titles:
销售经理 (xiāoshòu jīnglǐ): Sales Manager
项目经理 (xiàngmù jīnglǐ): Project Manager
人事经理 (rénshì jīnglǐ): HR Manager
市场部经理 (shìchǎngbù jīnglǐ): Marketing Department Manager
Example Sentences
Example 1:
这是我们的新经理，王先生。
Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒmen de xīn jīnglǐ, Wáng xiānsheng.
English: This is our new manager, Mr. Wang.
Analysis: A neutral, common introduction in a workplace setting.
English: I hope to become a successful hotel manager in the future.
Analysis: Expressing a career aspiration involving a management role.
Example 10:
这个决定最终需要经理的批准。
Pinyin: Zhège juédìng zuìzhōng xūyào jīnglǐ de pīzhǔn.
English: This decision ultimately needs the manager's approval.
Analysis: Highlights the manager's authority in the decision-making process.
Nuances and Common Mistakes
经理 (jīnglǐ) vs. 老板 (lǎobǎn): This is the most common point of confusion.
经理 (jīnglǐ): A hired employee who manages a part of the business. They report to someone higher up.
老板 (lǎobǎn): The owner, the boss, the founder. They own the company. A small restaurant owner is a 老板, not a 经理.
Incorrect usage: Pointing to the owner of a small noodle shop and saying, “他是经理 (Tā shì jīnglǐ).” You should say, “他是老板 (Tā shì lǎobǎn).”
经理 (jīnglǐ) vs. 总经理 (zǒngjīnglǐ):
总经理 (zǒngjīnglǐ): “General Manager” or “CEO” in some contexts. The 总 (zǒng) means “chief” or “general.” This is a high-level executive who often oversees other managers. A 总经理 is much higher in rank than a regular 经理.
经理 (jīnglǐ) vs. 主管 (zhǔguǎn):
主管 (zhǔguǎn): “Supervisor.” This is typically a lower-level management position. A 主管 might lead a small team within a department that is run by a 经理.
Related Terms and Concepts
老板 (lǎobǎn) - The boss, owner. The person a 经理 reports to.
总经理 (zǒngjīnglǐ) - General Manager. A higher-ranking manager who oversees other 经理.
主管 (zhǔguǎn) - Supervisor. A lower-level management role, often subordinate to a 经理.
管理 (guǎnlǐ) - The verb “to manage” or the noun “management.” This is the action that a 经理 performs.
领导 (lǐngdǎo) - Leader. A broader term for anyone in authority, including a 经理, but also government officials or team captains.
下属 (xiàshǔ) - Subordinate. The employees who work under a 经理.
同事 (tóngshì) - Colleague; co-worker. Someone at the same hierarchical level.
部门 (bùmén) - Department. The specific division a 经理 is in charge of, e.g., 销售部 (sales department).
公司 (gōngsī) - Company; firm. The organization where a 经理 works.