解雇 (jiěgù) touches upon deep-seated cultural concepts in China, particularly the shift away from the “铁饭碗 (tiě fànwǎn)” or “iron rice bowl.” For decades under a state-planned economy, a job, especially with a state-owned enterprise, was for life. This “iron rice bowl” provided absolute security. In that context, being dismissed was almost unthinkable and carried an immense social stigma and loss of 面子 (miànzi), or “face.” It signified not just a personal failure but a disruption of social stability. In modern, market-driven China, this has changed dramatically. Job-hopping is common, and layoffs (裁员 cáiyuán, a type of 解雇) are a business reality. However, the cultural echo of the “iron rice bowl” remains. Compared to the West, where being laid off is often seen as a normal, albeit unfortunate, part of a career trajectory, being subjected to 解雇 in China can still feel like a more significant personal and familial blow, especially for older generations. It signifies the breaking of a relationship that was culturally, if not legally, presumed to be more stable and long-term.
解雇 (jiěgù) is a formal term. You will encounter it primarily in specific, serious contexts.
It is considered too formal and stiff for casual conversation. For informal chats, native speakers are much more likely to use the slang term 炒鱿鱼 (chǎo yóuyú).