Keywords: liúchéng, 流程, Chinese process, Chinese procedure, business workflow in Chinese, what does liucheng mean, how to use 流程, 流, 程, process flow, standard operating procedure, HSK 5
Summary: Learn the essential Chinese term 流程 (liúchéng), which means process, procedure, or workflow. This page breaks down its meaning, cultural significance in Chinese business, and practical usage. Understand how `流程` refers to a fixed sequence of steps you must follow, from applying for a visa to onboarding a new employee, and learn to distinguish it from similar words like `过程 (guòchéng)`.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): liúchéng
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end; a procedure or workflow.
In a Nutshell: Think of `流程` as an official or established roadmap. It’s not just a random series of events; it's a structured, pre-defined path you are expected to follow to get something done. Whether you're assembling IKEA furniture, applying for a job, or getting a document approved at work, the set of required steps is the `流程`. It emphasizes order, method, and following the system.
Character Breakdown
流 (liú): This character's primary meaning is “to flow,” like a river (河水流 - héshuǐ liú) or stream. It evokes a sense of continuous, directional movement.
程 (chéng): This character means “procedure,” “sequence,” or “rules.” It is also found in words like `程度 (chéngdù)` (degree/level) and `过程 (guòchéng)` (process/course). It implies structure and a defined path.
Together, 流 (flow) + 程 (procedure) create `流程`, a “flow of procedure.” This is a perfect and literal description of a workflow: a sequence of tasks that flows from a starting point to an end point in a structured way.
Cultural Context and Significance
In Western business culture, “process” is important, but there's often a celebration of “disrupting the process” or finding creative shortcuts. In Chinese culture, particularly in business and government, adhering to the established `流程` is often paramount.
Following the `流程` is a sign of respect for the system, the hierarchy, and established order. Trying to skip steps or “go rogue” can be seen as disrespectful, chaotic, or untrustworthy. Efficiency is achieved through the smooth execution of a well-designed `流程`, not by individuals breaking from it.
This ties into the broader cultural value placed on order, stability, and collective harmony. A predictable `流程` ensures that everyone is on the same page and that outcomes are consistent. When you're told to “走流程 (zǒu liúchéng)“—literally “walk the process”—it's a clear instruction to follow the rules without deviation. This is especially true when dealing with any bureaucratic `手续 (shǒuxù)` or formalities.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In Business: This is where `流程` is king. It's used constantly.
`工作流程 (gōngzuò liúchéng)` - Workflow
`审批流程 (shěnpī liúchéng)` - Approval process
`招聘流程 (zhāopìn liúchéng)` - Recruitment process
`生产流程 (shēngchǎn liúchéng)` - Production process
In Government and Bureaucracy: Any interaction with an official body involves a strict `流程`.
`申请流程 (shēnqǐng liúchéng)` - Application process (for visas, permits, licenses)
`办理流程 (bànlǐ liúchéng)` - Handling procedure
In Technology: The term is standard in the IT and software development world.
`开发流程 (kāifā liúchéng)` - Development process/cycle
`用户流程 (yònghù liúchéng)` - User flow
In Daily Life: While less formal, it can describe any multi-step task.
English: We need to optimize the workflow to improve efficiency.
Analysis: A classic business sentence. `优化 (yōuhuà)` (to optimize) is a very common verb used with `流程`.
Example 2:
请问办理退款的流程是什么？
Pinyin: Qǐngwèn bànlǐ tuìkuǎn de liúchéng shì shénme?
English: Excuse me, what is the procedure for getting a refund?
Analysis: A very practical question for daily life, showing how `流程` applies to customer service situations.
Example 3:
他的报销申请还在走流程，估计下周才能好。
Pinyin: Tā de bàoxiāo shēnqǐng hái zài zǒu liúchéng, gūjì xià zhōu cái néng hǎo.
English: His reimbursement application is still going through the process; it probably won't be done until next week.
Analysis: The phrase `走流程 (zǒu liúchéng)` means “to go through the (official) process.” It implies a formal, often slow, progression through bureaucratic steps.
Example 4:
每个新员工都必须熟悉公司的入职流程。
Pinyin: Měi ge xīn yuángōng dōu bìxū shúxī gōngsī de rùzhí liúchéng.
English: Every new employee must be familiar with the company's onboarding process.
Analysis: `入职流程 (rùzhí liúchéng)` is a set compound word for the employee onboarding procedure.
Example 5:
这个项目的流程太复杂了，我们得简化一下。
Pinyin: Zhège xiàngmù de liúchéng tài fùzá le, wǒmen děi jiǎnhuà yīxià.
English: The process for this project is too complicated, we have to simplify it.
Analysis: Shows that a `流程` can be evaluated as good or bad, simple or complex (`复杂 fùzá`).
English: You must operate the machine according to the standard procedure, otherwise it's very dangerous.
Analysis: `标准流程 (biāozhǔn liúchéng)` is equivalent to a “Standard Operating Procedure” (SOP).
Example 10:
这个流程太官僚了，盖一个章要跑三个部门。
Pinyin: Zhège liúchéng tài guānliáo le, gài yī ge zhāng yào pǎo sān ge bùmén.
English: This procedure is too bureaucratic; you have to run to three different departments just to get one stamp.
Analysis: A common complaint. This shows the negative connotation `流程` can have when it is inefficient or overly bureaucratic (`官僚 guānliáo`).
Nuances and Common Mistakes
`流程 (liúchéng)` vs. `过程 (guòchéng)`: This is the most common point of confusion for learners.
`流程` (liúchéng) is the prescribed method or a series of steps to follow. It's the “how-to” map.
`过程` (guòchéng) is the entire duration or course of an event as it unfolds, including your personal experience of it. It's the “what happened” story.
Correct: 申请签证的 流程 很清楚，但是等待的 过程 很煎熬。(The visa application procedure is very clear, but the waiting process is agonizing.)
Incorrect: 申请签证的 流程 很煎熬。(The procedure itself isn't agonizing, the experience of going through it is. You would use `过程` here.)
`流程 (liúchéng)` vs. `步骤 (bùzhòu)`:
`流程` is the entire workflow or procedure.
`步骤 (bùzhòu)` are the individual steps within that procedure.
Analogy: `流程` is the whole recipe. `步骤` are “Step 1: Chop onions,” “Step 2: Heat the pan,” etc.
Example: 这个流程有五个步骤。(This process has five steps.)
Related Terms and Concepts
步骤 (bùzhòu) - The individual steps that constitute a `流程`.
过程 (guòchéng) - A “false friend.” The duration or experience of an event, as opposed to the prescribed method.
手续 (shǒuxù) - Procedures, formalities, especially those involving paperwork and officialdom. Very close in meaning to `流程` in bureaucratic contexts.
程序 (chéngxù) - Can mean “procedure” in a very formal or legal sense, but more commonly means “computer program.” `流程` is more common for business workflows.
顺序 (shùnxù) - Sequence, order. A `流程` must be followed in the correct `顺序`.
效率 (xiàolǜ) - Efficiency. The ultimate goal of designing a good `流程`.
规定 (guīdìng) - Rules, regulations. The `流程` is often determined by the `规定`.
官僚主义 (guānliáo zhǔyì) - Bureaucracy / red tape. A common criticism of an overly complex and inefficient `流程`.
操作 (cāozuò) - To operate, to manipulate. You `操作` a machine according to its `流程`.
系统 (xìtǒng) - System. A `流程` is often a key part of a larger `系统`.