请假 — meaning in English: Leave

qǐngjià · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for leave

导弹

dǎodàn

鸡蛋

jīdàn

请假

qǐngjià

王国

wángguó

区域

qūyù

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formal common

Usage

Native speakers commonly use 请假 (qǐngjià) when requesting time off from work or school. For instance, an employee might say 请假 to their boss to ask for a day off due to personal reasons, while a student may use it to explain their absence from class due to illness.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 休假 (xiūjià), which specifically refers to taking a vacation or a break, often more leisurely in nature. You would choose 请假 when you're formally asking for leave in a workplace or educational setting, while 休假 is suitable for casual conversations about taking time off for relaxation.

Culture

The term 请假 is rooted in a culture that places a high value on responsibility and communication. The word ‘请’ means 'to request' and '假' refers to 'leave' or 'vacation', reflecting the respectful approach Chinese culture promotes in interpersonal communications. Interestingly, the practice of formally requesting leave has deep historical roots, often seen in traditional roles where one's absence could significantly impact social duties.

FAQ

Q.How do I use 请假 in a sentence?

You can use 请假 in a sentence like: '我想请假一天' (Wǒ xiǎng qǐngjià yītiān), which means 'I want to request a day off.' This structure is straightforward and respectful.

Q.Can I use 请假 in informal situations?

While 请假 is primarily formal, it can be understood in informal contexts. However, it's better to use more casual language when talking to friends, like saying '请我休息' (qǐng wǒ xiūxí) which translates to 'let me take a break'.

Q.What are common mistakes with 请假?

A common mistake is not including the reason for the leave when using 请假. In Chinese culture, giving a reason is often expected, so you might say, '我因为生病请假' (Wǒ yīnwèi shēngbìng qǐngjià) meaning 'I request leave because I am sick.'

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