实习 (shí xí) means 'internship' — a temporary, supervised work experience that students or newcomers undertake to gain practical skills in a field of study or profession. The character 实 (shí) means 'real' or 'actual', and 习 (xí) means 'to practice' or 'to study'. Together, they convey the idea of 'practicing in a real-world setting', emphasizing hands-on learning rather than just theoretical study. Internships are common in China for university students in fields like business, engineering, journalism, and education.

This term is used formally and neutrally across academic, corporate, and government contexts. It typically implies structured training, mentorship, and often occurs during summer breaks or final academic years. While some internships are unpaid or low-paid, others offer stipends or lead directly to full-time employment. 实习 is distinct from part-time jobs (兼职) because its primary purpose is professional development, not income.