pīzhǔn: 批准 - To Approve, To Ratify, To Sanction

• Keywords: pīzhǔn, 批准, approve in Chinese, ratify in Chinese, Chinese word for permission, formal approval, get project approved, application approved, HSK 5 vocabulary, official sanction.
• Summary: Learn how to use 批准 (pīzhǔn), the formal Chinese word for “to approve” or “to ratify.” This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, cultural context, and practical examples for situations like getting an application approved or a project approved. Essential for HSK 5 learners, 批准 is a key term in business, legal, and official contexts in China, signifying formal approval from an authority.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): pīzhǔn
• Part of Speech: Verb (can also function as a noun)
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To formally grant permission or consent, especially from an official or authoritative body.
• In a Nutshell: Think of `批准` as the official “green light” or “rubber stamp” from someone in charge. It’s not a casual “okay” from a friend; it’s the formal approval you receive from a boss, a government agency, or a committee after a formal review process. The word carries a sense of hierarchy, procedure, and official power.

• 批 (pī): The left part is the “hand” radical (扌), indicating an action. The right part provides the sound. In this context, `批` means to act upon, comment on, or write instructions on a document. It evokes the image of a superior making a decision by hand on a submitted report.
• 准 (zhǔn): This character means “to allow,” “to permit,” or “a standard.”
• Together: The characters combine to mean “to act on (a document) and allow it.” This creates the specific meaning of a formal, documented approval given by an authority figure after reviewing a request.

`批准` is more than just a word; it reflects a key aspect of Chinese organizational culture, which often emphasizes hierarchy, process, and formal procedure. In many Western, particularly American, business cultures, there's a high value placed on speed and “cutting through red tape.” A manager might give an informal “go-ahead” in a meeting, and that's considered sufficient approval. In contrast, the process to get `批准` in China is often more structured and requires following a clear chain of command. A request must typically be submitted in writing, go through the proper channels (走流程 - zǒu liúchéng), and receive a formal, often written, `批准` from the appropriate level of leadership. This isn't seen as inefficient bureaucracy, but rather as a sign of respect for authority and a way to ensure accountability and order. Skipping these steps can be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional. Understanding `批准` is understanding the importance of formal process in Chinese professional life.

`批准` is a formal term used almost exclusively in official, legal, and professional environments. You would not use it in casual conversation with friends.

This is one of the most common contexts. It's used for anything that requires a manager's or a committee's sign-off.

• Approving budgets (批准预算)
• Approving project plans (批准项目计划)
• Approving leave requests (批准休假申请)
• Approving expenses (批准报销)

Here, `批准` takes on the meaning of “ratify” or “sanction.”

• Approving a new law or regulation (批准法规)
• Approving a building permit (批准建筑许可)
• Approving a visa application (批准签证申请)

• Example 1:
  • 经理批准了我的休假申请。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglǐ pīzhǔnle wǒ de xiūjià shēnqǐng.
  • English: The manager approved my leave request.
  • Analysis: A classic, everyday example from the workplace. `申请 (shēnqǐng)` is the application, and `批准` is the approval from the superior (经理).
• Example 2:
  • 我们的预算终于得到了批准。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen de yùsuàn zhōngyú dédàole pīzhǔn.
  • English: Our budget was finally approved.
  • Analysis: The structure `得到 + 批准` means “to receive approval.” This is a very common passive-like construction.
• Example 3:
  • 这个项目计划需要董事会批准。
  • Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù jìhuà xūyào dǒngshìhuì pīzhǔn.
  • English: This project plan needs approval from the board of directors.
  • Analysis: Shows how `批准` can be the action that is needed (`需要`). The subject doing the approving is the board of directors (董事会).
• Example 4:
  • 政府批准了一项新的环保法规。
  • Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ pīzhǔnle yī xiàng xīn de huánbǎo fǎguī.
  • English: The government ratified a new environmental regulation.
  • Analysis: In a legal or governmental context, `批准` translates well to “ratify” or “formally sanction.”
• Example 5:
  • 你的签证申请还没有被批准。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ de qiānzhèng shēnqǐng hái méiyǒu bèi pīzhǔn.
  • English: Your visa application has not been approved yet.
  • Analysis: This uses the passive voice marker `被 (bèi)`, which is common when the focus is on the thing being (or not being) approved.
• Example 6:
  • 我们正在等待最终的批准。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen zhèngzài děngdài zuìzhōng de pīzhǔn.
  • English: We are waiting for the final approval.
  • Analysis: Here, `批准` functions as a noun, meaning “the approval” itself.
• Example 7:
  • 如果计划得到批准，我们下个月就开始。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ jìhuà dédào pīzhǔn, wǒmen xià ge yuè jiù kāishǐ.
  • English: If the plan gets approved, we will start next month.
  • Analysis: A useful conditional sentence structure showing cause and effect.
• Example 8:
  • 由于资金不足，他们的请求未获批准。
  • Pinyin: Yóuyú zījīn bùzú, tāmen de qǐngqiú wèi huò pīzhǔn.
  • English: Due to insufficient funds, their request was not approved.
  • Analysis: `未获批准 (wèi huò pīzhǔn)` is a very formal and written way of saying “did not obtain approval.” `未 (wèi)` is a formal negative, and `获 (huò)` is a formal word for “to get/obtain.”
• Example 9:
  • 这份文件由谁来批准？
  • Pinyin: Zhè fèn wénjiàn yóu shéi lái pīzhǔn?
  • English: Who is responsible for approving this document?
  • Analysis: The `由…来…` structure is used to ask who has the responsibility or authority to perform an action.
• Example 10:
  • 上级批准我们采购新的设备。
  • Pinyin: Shàngjí pīzhǔn wǒmen cǎigòu xīn de shèbèi.
  • English: The superiors approved our purchase of new equipment.
  • Analysis: This shows the simple Subject-Verb-Object structure, where the object is a clause: “The superiors (上级) approved (批准) [us to purchase new equipment].”

The most common mistake for learners is confusing `批准 (pīzhǔn)` with `同意 (tóngyì)`.

• `批准 (pīzhǔn)` vs. `同意 (tóngyì)`
  • `批准 (pīzhǔn)` is top-down and official. A person with authority `批准`s a request from a subordinate. It implies a formal process.
  • `同意 (tóngyì)` is “to agree” and can be used between equals, or even from a subordinate to a superior. It's about sharing an opinion or giving personal consent.
• Common Mistake Example:
  • Incorrect: 我批准我的朋友明天来我家玩。 (Wǒ pīzhǔn wǒ de péngyǒu míngtiān lái wǒjiā wán.)
  • Why it's wrong: You don't have the official authority to “approve” your friend's visit. It sounds unnatural and overly bureaucratic, as if you are their boss.
  • Correct: 我同意我的朋友明天来我家玩。 (Wǒ tóngyì wǒ de péngyǒu míngtiān lái wǒjiā wán.) - I agree to my friend coming over tomorrow. (A bit formal, but grammatically okay).
  • More Natural: 我朋友明天要来我家玩，我答应了。 (Wǒ péngyǒu míngtiān yào lái wǒjiā wán, wǒ dāyìng le.) - My friend is coming over tomorrow, I said yes.

Remember: Your boss `批准`s your time off. You and your friend `同意` on which movie to see.

• 同意 (tóngyì) - To agree. A much more general and less formal term. `批准` implies `同意`, but `同意` does not imply `批准`.
• 许可 (xǔkě) - To permit; a permit/license. Closely related, but often refers to the official document itself (e.g., a permit).
• 授权 (shòuquán) - To authorize; to empower. This is about giving someone the authority to act, while `批准` is about green-lighting a specific request.
• 通过 (tōngguò) - To pass (a test, a law, a motion). A bill is `通过` by a legislature, which is a form of collective `批准`.
• 审批 (shěnpī) - To examine and approve. This word highlights the entire process: `审 (shěn)` means “to examine/audit,” and `批 (pī)` means “to approve.”
• 否决 (fǒujué) - To veto; to overrule. The direct antonym of `批准`.
• 申请 (shēnqǐng) - To apply for. This is the action one takes to seek `批准`. You `申请` for a visa, and the embassy `批准`s it.
• 手续 (shǒuxù) - Procedures; formalities. The necessary steps one must follow to get something `批准`.
• 上级 (shàngjí) - Superior; higher-level leadership. The person who typically does the `批准`.