编制 biānzhì to establish (a unit or department)
to establish (a unit or department); authorized staffing allocation in government or public institutions (excluding temporary or contract staff); to weave; to plait; to compile; to put together (a lesson plan, budget etc)
How to remember 编制: 编 to knit + 制 system = to establish (a unit or department).
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How it is used
- Two key senses: to draw up/compile - 编制计划 (biānzhì jìhuà) to draft a plan; and an official 'headcount/staffing quota': 有编制 (yǒu biānzhì) to hold an established (permanent, benefits-bearing) post.
- The 'staffing establishment' meaning is a big deal in China - 编制内 (biānzhì nèi) vs contract staff carries real job-security weight.
- Formal/administrative register; context tells you which sense.