Understanding "递交" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 递交
• Pinyin: dì jiāo (dì is 4th tone, jiāo is 1st tone)
• Literal Meaning: 'hand over' + 'submit/pass'
• Primary Meaning: to submit, to hand in (a formal document, application, or request)

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage:
  “递交” is a formal verb used when you physically or symbolically hand over an official document, letter, application, report, petition, or similar item to a person or institution. It implies a purposeful, often official, act of submission. You’ll find it in workplace, academic, legal, and bureaucratic contexts. For example, “递交辞职信” (submit a resignation letter), “递交申请” (submit an application), “递交报告” (submit a report). It is not used for casual giving (like handing a friend a pen); it belongs to the world of procedures, records, and formal requests.

Nuance: “递交” carries a sense of respect for the process. The act is not just passing an object but formally placing it into the recipient’s hands for consideration or processing. It is more formal than the simple verb “给” (give) or even “交给” (hand over to). When you “递交” something, you are acknowledging the authority or responsibility of the receiver.

• Character Breakdown:
• 递 (dì): This character means to pass, hand over, or deliver. It often describes the physical act of transferring something from one person to another, especially in a sequence or direction.
• 交 (jiāo): This character means to hand over, submit, intersect, or exchange. It emphasizes the transfer of responsibility or the completion of a transaction. Together, they reinforce the idea of formally delivering something into someone’s care.

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 他今天向经理递交了辞职信。
• Pinyin: Tā jīntiān xiàng jīnglǐ dìjiāo le cízhí xìn.

• English: He submitted his resignation letter to the manager today.

• Chinese: 请把申请表递交给人事部。

• Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ shēnqǐng biǎo dìjiāo gěi rénshì bù.

• English: Please submit the application form to the Human Resources department.

• Chinese: 学生们正在递交期末论文。

• Pinyin: Xuéshengmen zhèngzài dìjiāo qīmò lùnwén.
• English: The students are submitting their final papers.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

In Chinese workplace culture, how you resign matters a great deal. Using “递交辞职信” (submitting a resignation letter) is the standard, respectful way to announce your departure. It shows that you are following formal procedures and treating the matter seriously. Similarly, in academic and governmental settings, “递交” reflects the proper channel of communication. Historically, the act of presenting documents to a superior or official was done with a kind of ritualized formality, and the word retains this flavor of respectful submission today.

Conclusion

“递交” (dì jiāo) is your go-to verb when you need to talk about formally submitting something— a report, an application, a resignation letter, or any official document. Remember the image of handing over an important paper with both hands and a sense of ceremony. It’s formal, intentional, and shows that you respect the system or the person receiving it. Keep it in your vocabulary toolkit for professional and academic situations.