班味

Meaning:

Translated as “the smell of the workplace,” this Chinese term originated from a trending discussion on Sina Weibo that highlighted how entering the workforce changes a person. Chinese netizens use this expression to depict the fatigue and stress often experienced by employees who endure long work hours, promptly respond to WeChat messages after work, adopt a low-key yet formal dressing style, and be extremely polite towards clients and superiors. In essence, those who exude “the smell of the workplace” are worlds apart from the spirited, carefree, and ambitious college students who eagerly envision their future.

Example:

A: 丽丽最近似乎脾气不太好。

Lìlì zuìjìn sìhū píqì bú tài hǎo。

Lili appears rather irritable lately.

B: 她总是加班，自然班味很重。

Tā zǒngshì jiābān， zìrán bānwèi hěn zhòng。

She’s under considerable strain due to frequent overtime work.