Understanding "简历" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 简历
• Pinyin: jiǎn lì
• Literal Meaning: "Brief" (简) + "Record" (历) = "Brief record"
• Primary Meaning: A résumé or curriculum vitae (CV), a document summarizing a person's education, work experience, and skills.

2. In-depth Explanation

Context and Usage

"简历" is the standard term for a résumé or CV in Chinese. It is used in professional and academic contexts, such as job applications, internships, or school admissions. Unlike in English, where "résumé" and "CV" may have slight differences (e.g., length or detail), "简历" generally covers both concepts in Chinese.

Character Breakdown

• 简 (jiǎn): Means "simple," "brief," or "concise."
• 历 (lì): Means "record," "history," or "experience."
  Together, they emphasize a concise summary of one's professional or academic background.

3. Example Sentences

1. Chinese: 请把你的简历发到我的邮箱。
   Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nǐ de jiǎnlì fā dào wǒ de yóuxiāng.
   English: Please send your résumé to my email.

2. Chinese: 我的简历需要更新一下。
   Pinyin: Wǒ de jiǎnlì xūyào gēngxīn yīxià.
   English: I need to update my résumé.

3. Chinese: 他在简历里写了很多工作经历。
   Pinyin: Tā zài jiǎnlì lǐ xiěle hěnduō gōngzuò jīnglì.
   English: He listed a lot of work experience in his résumé.

Cultural Notes

In China, a well-prepared "简历" is crucial for job seekers. It often includes a photo, personal details (e.g., age, gender), and sometimes even marital status, which may differ from Western résumé norms. Additionally, modesty is valued, so exaggerated claims are discouraged.

Conclusion

"简历" (jiǎn lì) is the Chinese term for a résumé or CV, combining the ideas of brevity and record-keeping. It’s essential for job applications and professional growth in Chinese-speaking contexts. Remember to keep it concise and accurate!