Table of Contents

miànshì: 面试 - Interview (job, school admission)

Quick Summary

Core Meaning

Character Breakdown

Cultural Context and Significance

In China, the 面试 (miànshì) is often a high-stakes, pivotal event, more so than in many Western cultures. This is largely due to the immense competition for desirable university spots and white-collar jobs. A successful 面试 can significantly impact one's career trajectory and social standing. While a Western interview focuses heavily on individual achievements and direct communication, a Chinese 面试 may carry subtle cultural nuances:

Practical Usage in Modern China

面试 (miànshì) is a standard, formal term used in all professional and academic settings.

The term is used ubiquitously in job-hunting conversations, on recruitment websites like Zhaopin (智联招聘) and 51job, and in university admission correspondence.

Example Sentences

Nuances and Common Mistakes

The most common mistake for English speakers is confusing 面试 (miànshì) with 采访 (cǎifǎng). While both can be translated as “interview,” their contexts are completely different.

Incorrect Usage:

Incorrect Usage:

Think of it this way: In a 面试, there is a power imbalance where one party is judging the other. In a 采访, the goal is an exchange of information.