受聘 is a formal verb meaning 'to be appointed' or 'to be hired', especially for professional, academic, or official positions. It emphasizes the passive receipt of an appointment — the subject is selected and offered a role by an organization or authority. The character 受 (shòu) means 'to receive' or 'to undergo', while 聘 (pìn) means 'to hire' or 'to appoint', often with connotations of respect and formality (e.g., hiring a professor or expert). Together, they express the act of being formally chosen and accepted into a position.

This term is commonly used in written Chinese and formal speech — such as job announcements, university appointments, or government postings. It is rarely used in casual conversation about everyday jobs (e.g., working at a café); instead, it appears when referring to prestigious, contracted, or tenure-track roles. Because it's passive and honorific, 受聘 often implies recognition of one’s qualifications and prestige.