Definitions

pìn (verb) to hire; to employ
pìn (verb,noun) to betroth; engagement gift

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound.

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character 聘, constructed from the semantic element 耳 (ear) and the phonetic component 甹, initially denoted the sending of envoys to conduct inquiries or exchanges, a practice rooted in early diplomatic protocols where listening and relaying information were essential. Its meaning gradually expanded from these formal interstate missions to include the broader concept of inviting or engaging someone for a specific role, thereby evolving into terms associated with employment and appointment. This semantic development further incorporated social institutions, as the character came to signify the formal proceedings of betrothal in marriage customs, reflecting a shift from general inquiry to committed agreement. Through these changes, the character's structure has remained unchanged, bearing witness to its conceptual journey from diplomatic communication to personal and professional engagement.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

公司招新员工。

Gōngsī zhāopìn xīn yuángōng.

The company is recruiting new employees.

他们请了一位专家。

Tāmen pìnqǐngle yī wèi zhuānjiā.

They hired an expert.

学校正在用新老师。

Xuéxiào zhèngzài pìnyòng xīn lǎoshī.

The school is hiring new teachers.

他们送来了丰厚的礼。

Tāmen sòngláile fēnghòu de pìnlǐ.

They sent generous betrothal gifts.

广告登在报纸上。

Zhāopìn guǎnggào dēng zài bàozhǐ shàng.

The recruitment advertisement is in the newspaper.

为了扩大业务,公司决定招更多人才。

Wèile kuòdà yèwù, gōngsī juédìng zhāopìn gèng duō réncái.

To expand the business, the company decided to recruit more talent.

经过严格面试,他终于被用了。

Jīngguò yángé miànshì, tā zhōngyú bèi pìnyòngle.

After a strict interview, he was finally hired.

如果通过考核,你将被任为部门经理。

Rúguò tōngguò kǎohé, nǐ jiāng bèi pìnrèn wéi bùmén jīnglǐ.

If you pass the assessment, you will be appointed as department manager.