bàgōng: 罢工 - Strike, Walkout

Keywords: 罢工, bàgōng, ba gong, Chinese strike, work stoppage China, Chinese labor rights, protest in China, worker strike, to go on strike in Chinese, labor protest.

Summary: “罢工 (bàgōng)” is the direct Chinese translation for a “strike” or “walkout,” referring to a collective work stoppage by employees as a form of protest. While the term is understood universally, its context in China is unique. Unlike in many Western countries where strikes are a legally regulated part of labor negotiations, in China, they are politically sensitive and exist in a legal gray area. Understanding “bàgōng” offers insight into modern Chinese labor relations and the state's emphasis on social stability.

Pinyin (with tone marks): bàgōng

Part of Speech: Verb / Noun

HSK Level: HSK 6

Concise Definition: To cease work as a form of protest; a work stoppage or strike.

In a Nutshell: “罢工” literally means “to stop work.” It's a powerful and serious term used to describe organized labor protests. While the concept is the same as an English “strike,” the action itself is far more fraught with risk and political sensitivity in China. It's not a term used lightly and almost always implies a significant conflict between employees and management, often with potential government intervention.

罢 (bà): This character means “to stop,” “to cease,” “to dismiss,” or “to finish.” It signifies a definitive cessation of an activity.

工 (gōng): This character means “work,” “labor,” or “skill.” Its origin is a pictogram of a carpenter's square, a fundamental tool for building and work.

Together, 罢 (bà) + 工 (gōng) literally and logically form the meaning “to stop work,” perfectly capturing the essence of a labor strike.

A Politically Sensitive Act: The most significant cultural point about “罢工” is its political sensitivity in the People's Republic of China. While the Chinese constitution has historically mentioned the right to strike, the current legal framework is ambiguous. Independent trade unions are illegal, and all official unions are state-controlled through the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU), which often prioritizes productivity and social harmony over labor disputes.

Comparison to Western Strikes: In the U.S. or Europe, strikes are often legally protected, union-organized, and a standard (though serious) tool in collective bargaining. In China, strikes are almost always “wildcat strikes”—spontaneous and not state-sanctioned. They are viewed by authorities not just as a labor issue but as a potential threat to social stability (`维稳 wéiwěn`). Consequently, organizers can face severe repercussions, and strikes are often quickly suppressed or resolved to prevent them from escalating.

Related Values: The official handling of strikes is deeply connected to the value of `维稳 (wéiwěn)`, or “maintaining stability,” which is a paramount priority for the Chinese government. Public, collective action like a “罢工” is seen as a potential source of social unrest (`乱 luàn`), something the state works hard to prevent. Therefore, while strikes do occur over issues like unpaid wages or poor conditions, they exist in a very different risk-and-reward landscape than in the West.

Formal and Serious: “罢工” is a formal and serious term. It is most frequently encountered in news reports (both domestic and international), academic discussions, or serious conversations about labor disputes.

Connotation: The connotation is almost always tense and negative, as it signifies a breakdown in relations and a significant conflict. It is not used casually.

On Social Media: Discussions of specific strikes within China on social media are often heavily censored. Users might employ euphemisms or code words to avoid triggering automated content removal. When discussing strikes in other countries, the term is used more freely.

Cultural Assumption Mistake: The biggest mistake is assuming a “罢工” in China is equivalent to a strike in a Western democracy. Do not assume it is a protected right or a common occurrence. For learners in China, discussing or advocating for a strike can be extremely sensitive and is not advisable.

Don't Use It Casually: Never use “罢工” to mean you are just tired of work or taking a day off. It is not a synonym for being lazy or absent.

Incorrect: 我今天太累了，我要罢工。 (Wǒ jīntiān tài lèi le, wǒ yào bàgōng.)

Reason: This is overly dramatic and incorrect. It sounds like you are trying to start a serious, collective protest by yourself because you're tired.

Correct: 我今天太累了，想请假。 (Wǒ jīntiān tài lèi le, xiǎng qǐngjià.) - “I'm too tired today, I want to ask for a day off.”

抗议 (kàngyì) - To protest; a protest. “罢工” is a specific form of “抗议”.

示威 (shìwēi) - To demonstrate; a public demonstration. Often involves marches and signs, whereas a “罢工” is specifically a work stoppage.

维权 (wéiquán) - To defend one's rights. This is often the stated motivation for workers who go on strike.

怠工 (dàigōng) - A work slowdown. A less confrontational form of industrial action where workers deliberately reduce their productivity instead of stopping completely.

罢课 (bàkè) - A student strike; to boycott class as a protest. Uses the same “罢-” (to stop) character.

罢市 (bàshì) - A shutdown of businesses/markets as a protest, where shop owners close their doors.

工会 (gōnghuì) - Labor union. In China, this almost always refers to the official, state-run ACFTU.

劳动法 (láodòng fǎ) - Labor Law. The legal code that governs employment, wages, and working conditions.

维稳 (wéiwěn) - To maintain stability. A key political term in China that explains the government's cautious and often harsh stance towards protests like strikes.