派件

You will mostly see this in text notifications. You can use it as a verb or a noun. If a friend asks where their gift is, say the courier is 派件. It is a very functional, everyday term. You don't need fancy grammar to make it work. Just add the person or the company doing the action.

Use it when checking your shipping status on Taobao or Meituan. Use it when calling a delivery person to see where they are. It is perfect for office talk when everyone is waiting for coffee. It is also great for complaining about slow service. If the app says 正在派件, you know you should stay home. Don't go to the shower right when the status changes!

Do not use 派件 for personal favors. If you are bringing a book to a friend, don't say you are 派件. That sounds like you are a professional courier. Also, don't use it for digital files or emails. It is strictly for physical boxes and parcels. It feels too 'logistical' for a romantic gift delivery by hand. Keep it for the pros in the blue or yellow uniforms.

China has the most advanced delivery culture in the world. You will see electric trikes everywhere in Chinese cities. These couriers are often called 'Kuaidi Xiaoge' or 'Delivery Little Brothers.' 派件 is the heartbeat of the digital economy there. People check their 派件 status like they check their social media. It is a symbol of the modern, convenient Chinese lifestyle. Sometimes, a single apartment block gets hundreds of 派件 actions per day!

You will often see 派送 (pàisòng), which is slightly more formal. 取件 (qǔjiàn) is the opposite—it means picking up a package. If you see 派件中, it means the delivery is currently in progress. If you hear 送货, it is a more general term for delivering goods. 派件员 is the official title for the person actually doing the work. Most people just stick to the short and sweet 派件.