When combined, 事假 (shìjià) literally translates to “matter leave” or “affair leave.” This perfectly captures the meaning of taking time off specifically to handle a personal task or affair.
In many Western cultures, particularly in the US, employees might have a pool of “personal days” which are often paid and can be used with little explanation. The Chinese concept of 事假 (shìjià) is culturally distinct and more structured. The key difference lies in the expectation and compensation. In China, 事假 is a legal right, but it is presumed to be unpaid under the national labor law unless a specific company's policy states otherwise. This contrasts with a “personal day” in the US, which is often a paid part of an employee's benefits package. This reflects a more formal and hierarchical workplace culture. Taking leave is not a casual affair; it's a formal process of 请求 (qǐngqiú) - requesting. You are expected to `请假 (qǐngjià)` or “request leave,” often in writing and with a clear reason. While you don't need to share every private detail, a vague request might not be approved as easily. Taking too much 事假 could be perceived by an employer as a sign of instability or lack of dedication, making employees more judicious about using it. This system emphasizes the needs of the collective (the company or school) alongside the rights of the individual.