tí'àn: 提案 - Proposal, Motion [The Contextual Chinese Dictionary]

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====== tí'àn: 提案 - Proposal, Motion ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** 提案, ti'an, Chinese proposal, Chinese motion, make a suggestion in Chinese, business proposal China, what does ti'an mean, 提, 案, 建议, 方案, business Chinese.
  * **Summary:** Learn the Chinese word **提案 (tí'àn)**, a formal term for a "proposal" or "motion". This page breaks down its meaning, cultural context in business and politics, and practical usage. Discover the crucial difference between a formal `提案` and a casual `建议 (jiànyì)` (suggestion) to communicate more effectively in professional settings in China.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** tí'àn
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun (can occasionally function as a verb)
  * **HSK Level:** HSK 6
  * **Concise Definition:** A formal proposal, motion, or written plan submitted for consideration and approval.
  * **In a Nutshell:** Think of a **提案 (tí'àn)** not as a simple idea you mention over coffee, but as a structured, often written, plan you present in a formal setting like a business meeting, a government committee, or an academic conference. It implies that you've done your homework and are officially putting forward a plan for others to debate, approve, or reject. It's a heavyweight word compared to a simple "suggestion".
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **提 (tí):** This character means "to lift," "to carry," or "to put forward." It contains the hand radical (扌) on the left, emphasizing an action done with the hands. In `提案`, it means to formally "put forward" or "raise" an idea for discussion.
  * **案 (àn):** This character refers to a "case," "record," "plan," or "document." The character originally depicted a wooden table or desk (木), suggesting something that is formally laid out for review.
  * **Together, 提 (tí) + 案 (àn) literally means "to put forward a plan/document."** This combination perfectly captures the essence of formally submitting a structured proposal for official consideration.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
In Chinese culture, especially in business and politics, the process of submitting a **提案 (tí'àn)** is often more nuanced than simply "pitching an idea" in the West.
While a Western pitch might emphasize individual brilliance and disruptive innovation, a Chinese `提案` is often rooted in the values of consensus-building, respect for hierarchy, and collective benefit. The proposal is typically framed as a way to improve the existing system rather than tear it down. It is a formal, respectful way to suggest change from within. The presenter is not just showing off their idea; they are demonstrating their commitment to the group's success by offering a well-researched path forward. This process avoids direct confrontation and helps maintain group harmony (`和谐, héxié`), a cornerstone of Chinese social and business etiquette.
A `提案` is expected to be submitted through the proper channels and show deference to leadership. It's less about a lone genius and more about a responsible member contributing to the collective good.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
**提案 (tí'àn)** is a formal word used in specific, high-stakes contexts. You will encounter it frequently in professional environments.
  * **In Business:** This is one of the most common uses. A `提案` can be a marketing plan, a budget request, a new project proposal, or a proposal for a strategic partnership. It is almost always a written document.
    * e.g., `市场部提交了一份关于新产品推广的**提案**。` (The marketing department submitted a proposal about promoting the new product.)
  * **In Government and Politics:** `提案` refers to a formal motion, bill, or proposal submitted by a legislator or a political body. This is the standard term used in contexts like the National People's Congress (`人民代表大会`).
    * e.g., `委员会正在讨论这项教育改革**提案**。` (The committee is discussing this education reform proposal.)
  * **In Academia:** Researchers and students submit a `研究提案` (yánjiū tí'àn) or "research proposal" to get funding or approval for a project or thesis.
It is crucial to understand that **you would never use `提案` for a casual suggestion**. For suggesting where to go for dinner or what movie to watch, you must use `建议 (jiànyì)`.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:**
    * 这是我的**提案**，请您过目。
    * Pinyin: Zhè shì wǒ de **tí'àn**, qǐng nín guòmù.
    * English: This is my proposal, please have a look.
    * Analysis: A simple, formal way to present a proposal document to a superior. `请您过目 (qǐng nín guòmù)` is a very polite phrase for "please review it."
  * **Example 2:**
    * 董事会下周将投票表决这项**提案**。
    * Pinyin: Dǒngshìhuì xiàzhōu jiāng tóupiào biǎojué zhè xiàng **tí'àn**.
    * English: The board of directors will vote on this proposal next week.
    * Analysis: Highlights the formal decision-making process associated with a `提案`. The measure word for `提案` is often `项 (xiàng)` or `份 (fèn)`.
  * **Example 3:**
    * 他的**提案**非常有创意，但可能不太实际。
    * Pinyin: Tā de **tí'àn** fēicháng yǒu chuàngyì, dàn kěnéng bú tài shíjì.
    * English: His proposal is very creative, but it might not be very practical.
    * Analysis: Shows how a `提案` is judged on multiple criteria, like creativity and feasibility.
  * **Example 4:**
    * 我们需要准备一份详细的**提案**来申请银行贷款。
    * Pinyin: Wǒmen xūyào zhǔnbèi yí fèn xiángxì de **tí'àn** lái shēnqǐng yínháng dàikuǎn.
    * English: We need to prepare a detailed proposal to apply for a bank loan.
    * Analysis: Emphasizes that a `提案` is often a comprehensive and detailed document. `一份 (yí fèn)` is a common measure word.
  * **Example 5:**
    * 政府收到了许多关于环境保护的**提案**。
    * Pinyin: Zhèngfǔ shōudào le xǔduō guānyú huánjìng bǎohù de **tí'àn**.
    * English: The government has received many proposals regarding environmental protection.
    * Analysis: Demonstrates the use of `提案` in a civic or political context.
  * **Example 6:**
    * 这个**提案**最终被委员会否决了。
    * Pinyin: Zhège **tí'àn** zuìzhōng b