zhízhào: 执照 - License, Permit

• Keywords: 执照, zhizhao, zhízhào, Chinese license, Chinese permit, business license in China, driver's license, official document, how to say license in Chinese, 营业执照, 驾驶执照
• Summary: “执照” (zhízhào) is a formal Chinese noun for an official license or permit issued by an authority. It is the physical document that proves you have the legal right to operate a business (营业执照), drive a car (驾驶执照), or practice a profession. Understanding “执照” is essential for anyone dealing with legal, business, or official matters in China, as it represents state-approved legitimacy and qualification.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhízhào
• Part of Speech: Noun
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: An official document issued by a governing body that grants permission to do something; a license or permit.
• In a Nutshell: Think of “执照” (zhízhào) as the official, often laminated, piece of paper or card that gives you the green light from the government. It's not a casual permission slip; it's a serious, legally-binding document. Whether you're opening a shop, practicing medicine, or driving a car, the `执照` is your proof that you are qualified and authorized to do so.

• 执 (zhí): The character 执 originally depicted a person being arrested, with the left side representing a person and the right side representing manacles. From this, it evolved to mean “to hold,” “to grasp,” or “to take charge of.” In `执照`, it implies holding a certain authority or official status.
• 照 (zhào): This character means “to shine,” “to illuminate,” or “according to.” It often relates to light (like in `照片 zhàopiàn` - photograph) or reflection. In this context, it can be understood as a document that “certifies” or “reflects” one's qualifications “according to” the law.

When combined, `执照 (zhízhào)` literally means “to hold a certification,” perfectly capturing the concept of a license as a document one possesses to prove their official, certified permission.

In China, the `执照` is a powerful symbol of legitimacy and state approval. The bureaucratic process of obtaining one can be rigorous, and its successful acquisition is a significant milestone, especially for businesses. A key cultural difference compared to the West lies in the physical display of the `执照`. In China, it is extremely common and often legally required for businesses, from small noodle shops to large corporations, to prominently display their `营业执照 (yíngyè zhízhào)`—business license—on the wall for all customers to see. This public display serves as a direct and immediate signal to consumers that the business is legitimate, trustworthy, and operating under government supervision. While a Western business certainly has licenses, they are typically filed away; the Chinese practice of displaying the `执照` emphasizes a cultural value placed on transparency, state-sanctioned authority, and building consumer trust through visible proof of compliance.

`执照` is a formal term used in official, legal, and business contexts. While you will see it in writing and hear it in formal conversations, in daily spoken language, people often use more specific or shortened terms.

• Business Context: The most common usage is `营业执照 (yíngyè zhízhào)`, the business license. This is a non-negotiable requirement for any legal business operation.
• Driving Context: The official term is `驾驶执照 (jiàshǐ zhízhào)`, but it is almost universally shortened to `驾照 (jiàzhào)` in everyday conversation.
• Professional Context: It is used for professional certifications, such as a doctor's license (`医师执照 yīshī zhízhào`) or a lawyer's license (`律师执照 lǜshī zhízhào`).
• Formality: `执照` is a formal noun. You use it when discussing the document itself, its application, renewal, or legal status. You wouldn't use it casually like, “Hey, got my license!” (You'd probably say 我拿到驾照了！- Wǒ nádào jiàzhào le!).

• Example 1:
  • 开一家餐厅需要申请执照。
  • Pinyin: Kāi yī jiā cāntīng xūyào shēnqǐng zhízhào.
  • English: To open a restaurant, you need to apply for a license.
  • Analysis: This sentence shows the common process of `申请 (shēnqǐng)` or “applying for” a `执照`. It's a typical hurdle for any new business owner.
• Example 2:
  • 他的执照因为违规经营被吊销了。
  • Pinyin: Tā de zhízhào yīnwèi wéiguī jīngyíng bèi diàoxiāo le.
  • English: His license was revoked because of illegal operations.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates the severe consequence of breaking rules. `吊销 (diàoxiāo)` means “to revoke” and is a very serious, official action taken against a `执照`.
• Example 3:
  • 请把您的营业执照挂在墙上显眼的地方。
  • Pinyin: Qǐng bǎ nín de yíngyè zhízhào guà zài qiáng shàng xiǎnyǎn de dìfāng.
  • English: Please hang your business license in a conspicuous place on the wall.
  • Analysis: This highlights the cultural practice of displaying the business license (`营业执照`) as a sign of legitimacy.
• Example 4:
  • 我的驾驶执照下个月就到期了，我得去更新。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ de jiàshǐ zhízhào xià ge yuè jiù dàoqī le, wǒ děi qù gēngxīn.
  • English: My driver's license expires next month, I have to go renew it.
  • Analysis: Note the use of the full, formal `驾驶执照`. In conversation, one would almost always say `驾照 (jiàzhào)`. Using the full term here sounds slightly more formal or written.
• Example 5:
  • 他努力了很久，终于拿到了律师执照。
  • Pinyin: Tā nǔlì le hěn jiǔ, zhōngyú nádào le lǜshī zhízhào.
  • English: He worked hard for a long time and finally got his lawyer's license.
  • Analysis: This shows `执照` being used for professional qualifications, marking a significant career achievement.
• Example 6:
  • 没有行医执照就给病人看病是违法的。
  • Pinyin: Méiyǒu xíngyī zhízhào jiù gěi bìngrén kànbìng shì wéifǎ de.
  • English: It is illegal to treat patients without a medical license.
  • Analysis: `行医执照 (xíngyī zhízhào)` is another way to say medical license (similar to `医师执照`). This sentence emphasizes its legal necessity.
• Example 7:
  • 这家公司的执照正在接受年度检查。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī de zhízhào zhèngzài jiēshòu niándù jiǎnchá.
  • English: This company's license is currently undergoing its annual inspection.
  • Analysis: `年度检查 (niándù jiǎnchá)` or `年检 (niánjiǎn)` is a common requirement to keep a `执照` valid in China.
• Example 8:
  • 办理执照的流程相当复杂。
  • Pinyin: Bànlǐ zhízhào de liúchéng xiāngdāng fùzá.
  • English: The process for handling/obtaining a license is quite complicated.
  • Analysis: `办理 (bànlǐ)` is a key verb used with official documents, meaning “to handle” or “to process.”
• Example 9:
  • 警察要求司机出示他的驾驶执照。
  • Pinyin: Jǐngchá yāoqiú sījī chūshì tā de jiàshǐ zhízhào.
  • English: The police officer asked the driver to show his driver's license.
  • Analysis: `出示 (chūshì)` means “to show” or “to present,” a verb often used by authorities asking to see official documents like a `执照`.
• Example 10:
  • 这个执照的有效期是五年。
  • Pinyin: Zhège zhízhào de yǒuxiàoqī shì wǔ nián.
  • English: The validity period of this license is five years.
  • Analysis: `有效期 (yǒuxiàoqī)` is the “period of validity” or “expiration date,” a crucial piece of information on any `执照`.

A common point of confusion for learners is distinguishing `执照` from similar terms like `许可证` and `牌照`.

• 执照 (zhízhào) vs. 许可证 (xǔkězhèng):
  • `执照` is typically for the right to operate or practice over a period. It certifies your qualification and long-term permission (e.g., Business License, Doctor's License). It answers the question, “Are you qualified and allowed to do this job/run this business?”
  • `许可证 (xǔkězhèng)` is a “permit.” It's often for permission to do a specific thing or use a specific item, sometimes for a shorter duration. Examples include a construction permit (`施工许可证`), a sanitation permit (`卫生许可证`), or an import permit (`进口许可证`). It answers the question, “Do you have permission for this specific action/item?” A single business might have one `营业执照` (business license) but several different `许可证` (permits) for various activities.
• 执照 (zhízhào) vs. 牌照 (páizhào):
  • This is a simpler distinction. `牌照 (páizhào)` almost exclusively refers to a license plate on a vehicle (`车牌照`). While it is a type of license, the word `牌照` specifically refers to the physical plate. You have a `驾驶执照` (driver's license) in your wallet and a `牌照` (license plate) on your car.
• `执照` is a Noun, Not a Verb:
  • In English, “license” can be a verb (“The city will license the new restaurant”). `执照` is strictly a noun. To express the verb “to license,” you must use a verb-object phrase like `颁发执照 (bānfā zhízhào)` (to issue a license) or `批准执照 (pīzhǔn zhízhào)` (to approve a license).

• 营业执照 (yíngyè zhízhào) - The specific term for a business license, one of the most common types of `执照`.
• 驾照 (jiàzhào) - The common, shortened word for a driver's license (`驾驶执照`).
• 许可证 (xǔkězhèng) - A permit, often for a specific action or item rather than a general operation.
• 牌照 (páizhào) - A license plate for a vehicle.
• 证书 (zhèngshū) - A certificate. This is a broader term that includes diplomas, certificates of completion, etc. A `执照` is a specific type of `证书`.
• 资格 (zīgé) - Qualification(s) or eligibility. You must have the right `资格` before you can apply for a `执照`.
• 申请 (shēnqǐng) - The verb “to apply,” used when trying to get a `执照`.
• 吊销 (diàoxiāo) - The verb “to revoke,” used when a `执照` is taken away as a penalty.
• 年检 (niánjiǎn) - Annual inspection/renewal, a process many licenses must go through to remain valid.
• 办理 (bànlǐ) - A verb meaning “to handle” or “to process” official procedures, such as getting a license.