经理 — meaning in English: manager

Usage

Native Mandarin speakers commonly use the word 经理 (jīnglǐ) in professional settings such as corporate meetings or job interviews. For instance, one might refer to their supervisor as 经理 when discussing project leadership or management roles, highlighting the importance of authority in a business context.

Synonyms & nuances

While 经理 (jīnglǐ) denotes a manager, the term 主管 (zhǔguǎn) refers specifically to a person in charge of a department. You would use 经理 in broader contexts, particularly when discussing management at a higher level or across multiple departments.

Culture

The term 经理 has its roots in the classical Chinese character 经营 (jīngyíng), which means 'to manage' or 'to operate.' In modern China, the role of a 经理 has evolved significantly since the economic reforms of the late 20th century, reflecting a shift toward more complex managerial practices and corporate structures in the fast-growing economy.

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