noun HSK 4
Traditional 證件
zhèng jiàn
certificate · credentials · identification document · papers

Meaning

证件 refers to any official document that serves as proof of identity, qualification, or authorization. It encompasses ID cards, passports, licenses, permits, and other official papers used to verify someone's identity or credentials in formal situations.

Usage

This is a formal term commonly used in official contexts like border control, bank transactions, hotel check-ins, and government offices. When authorities ask for 证件, they typically want to see your ID card or passport. It's often used in plural form conceptually even though Chinese doesn't mark plurality.

Examples

  1. 01
    请出示您的证件
    Qǐng chū shì nín de zhèng jiàn.
    Please show your identification.
  2. 02
    办理入住手续需要带有效证件
    Bàn zhù shǒu yào dài yǒu xiào zhèng jiàn.
    You need to bring valid ID to complete the check-in procedures.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个证件
  • zhāng一张证件

Common collocations

  • 出示证件
    chū shì zhèng jiàn
    to present/show one's ID
  • 有效证件
    yǒu xiào zhèng jiàn
    valid identification
  • 身份证件
    shēn fèn zhèng jiàn
    identity documents
  • 检查证件
    jiǎn chá zhèng jiàn
    to check/inspect documents

Origin

The word combines 证 (proof/certificate) with 件 (item/piece), literally meaning 'proof item' or 'certificate piece,' reflecting its function as a tangible document that serves as evidence.

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