Administrative Procedures and Unexpected Incidents

Identity Documents and Procedures

When handling administrative procedures, you need to know the group of words for documents, forms, and the actions performed on documents. 身份证(shēnfènzhèng: identity card) is the most common personal identification document, and the receiving staff often asks for the ID card number and phone number in order to 登记(dēngjì: register, record). If someone says 马上(mǎshàng: immediately) to go and get the documents, the matter will be handled right away, so you will not have to wait for a long time.

When documents are left at home, the common expression is 忘在家里(wàng zài jiā lǐ: forgotten at home), and the next question is usually 怎么办(zěnme bàn: what should be done). The person giving guidance often answers with the pattern 先…再…(xiān…zài…: first… and then…), for example: 你先把照片拍好，拍完再去办理。

Distinguish the common verbs used on forms:

• 填写(tiánxiě: fill in) / 填表(tiánbiǎo: fill out a form) — fill in information in the blank boxes on a form.
• 签字(qiānzì: sign) / 签名(qiānmíng: sign one's name) — sign in the designated box, usually the last one; 签个名 is the colloquial way of saying this.
• 核对(héduì: check against, verify for consistency) — staff check documents against the person handling the procedure, so the person being asked must 配合(pèihé: cooperate) by handing over the documents.

The place where procedures are handled is usually called 办事大厅(bànshì dàtīng: service hall), and the service desks are called 窗口(chuāngkǒu: service window) or 柜台(guìtái: counter). When giving directions for submitting documents, people usually specify the floor and the counter, for example 楼上的窗口 (lóu shàng de chuāngkǒu: the window upstairs).

For expense claims, 报销(bàoxiāo: get reimbursed, claim back costs) requires 发票(fāpiào: invoice, receipt). The adjective 齐全(qíquán: complete) is used to say that the documents are all there. When one sheet has an error, people point out the faulty part, such as a 日期(rìqī: date) written incorrectly, and request that it be 重新开(chóngxīn kāi: reissued). The pattern …，但是… links the correct part with the incorrect part, for example: 材料都齐全，但是金额写错了。

Additional examples:

• 齐全 — complete. Example: 证件都齐全了，可以交了。
• 写错 — written incorrectly. Example: 他把身份证号码写错了一个数字。
• 马上 — immediately. Example: 我马上去复印，很快就回来。

Telecom Services and Subscriptions

Telecom services are usually handled directly at 营业厅(yíngyètīng: telecom service counter). The structure V不了(unable to do) is used to say that something cannot be done, for example 网上改不了 (wǎngshàng gǎi bu liǎo: cannot be changed online). When you need to complete procedures in person, use 亲自(qīnzì: in person) and the phrase 去一趟(qù yí tàng: make a trip).