证书
zhèngshū
The English word 'certificate' is translated into Chinese as 证书 (zhèngshū).
The term 证书 is used for formal documents that certify a specific achievement, qualification or status.
Meaning: academic document (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 证书 is composed of 证 (zhèng), meaning proof or evidence and 书 (shū), meaning book or document.
Which one should you use?
While 证书 is the general term, a graduation certificate is specifically called 毕业证书.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Cantonese, the word for 'certificate' is 證書.
How do you pronounce it?
zhèngshū
Did you know?
- The character 书 (shū) in 证书 originally depicted a hand holding a brush to write. This reflects a history where 'book' referred to the act of writing or the written record itself rather than a bound volume.
- In China, the 毕业证书 (graduation certificate) is often accompanied by a separate 学位证 (degree certificate). While the first proves you completed the course, the second proves you earned the academic rank.
- In professional contexts, people often refer to 'certificates' as 证书 but 'licenses' as 执照 (zhízhào). A 执照 specifically implies a legal permit to operate a business or practice a trade.
Examples in context
- 他获得了一份毕业证书。He obtained a graduation certificate.
- 请将您的身份证复印件和学历证书带来。Please bring a photocopy of your ID card and educational certificate.
- 她收到了颁发给她的勋章证书。She received a medal certificate awarded to her.
- 我得到了一份工作经验证明。I obtained a certificate of work experience.
- 这是我通过考试获得的文凭。This is the diploma I obtained through exams.
- 他光荣地拿到了驾驶执照。He proudly obtained a driver's license.
- 我拿到了毕业证书。Wǒ ná dào le bìyè zhèngshū.I received my graduation certificate.
- 请出示你的结业证书。Qǐng chūshì nǐ de jiéyè zhèngshū.Please show your completion certificate.
- 他正在申请专业证书。Tā zhèngzài shēnqǐng zhuānyè zhèngshū.He is applying for a professional certificate.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a job application.
- 佳怡 Jiayi伟，你提交证书了吗？Wěi, nǐ tíjiāo zhèngshū le ma?Wei, did you submit your certificate?
- 伟 Wei还没有，我正在扫描。Hái méiyǒu, wǒ zhèngzài sǎomiáo.Not yet, I am scanning it now.
- 佳怡 Jiayi记得上传原件的照片。Jìdé shàngchuán yuányiàn de zhàopiàn.Remember to upload a photo of the original.
- 伟 Wei好的，佳怡，我马上完成。Hǎo de, Jiāyí, wǒ mǎshàng wánchéng.Okay, Jiayi, I will finish it immediately.
