上任 shàngrèn to take office
to take office; previous (incumbent); predecessor
How to remember 上任: 上 above + 任 to trust = to take office.
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How it is used
- 'To take up / assume office', of an official starting a post - 新市长上任 (xīn shìzhǎng shàngrèn) the new mayor took office.
- Also attributive 'previous (incumbent)' - 上任总统 (shàngrèn zǒngtǒng) the previous president. Opposite 卸任/离任, 总统卸任 (zǒngtǒng xièrèn) the president leaves office.