‘兼职’ (jiān zhí) literally combines 兼 (jiān), meaning ‘to hold simultaneously’ or ‘to combine’, and 职 (zhí), meaning ‘job’, ‘duty’, or ‘position’. Together, they describe a job that is held in addition to one’s primary occupation or studies — a part-time job. Unlike full-time work, a 兼职 is typically shorter in hours, more flexible in scheduling, and often taken by students, retirees, or professionals seeking supplementary income or skill development.

This term is widely used in everyday Chinese to refer to temporary, secondary, or supplemental employment — such as tutoring, food delivery, retail assistance, or online content creation. It carries no negative connotation and is socially accepted and common, especially among young adults balancing education and work. While 兼职 can sometimes imply lower pay or fewer benefits than full-time roles, it is valued for its flexibility and practical experience.