‘任命’ is a formal verb meaning 'to appoint'—specifically, to officially assign someone to a position of authority or responsibility, often in government, business, or organizational contexts. The first character, 任 (rèn), means 'to take on', 'to assume', or 'to entrust', while 命 (mìng) means 'order', 'command', or 'mandate'. Together, they convey the idea of formally assigning a role by authoritative decree—not just selecting, but conferring official status and duty.

This word is used almost exclusively in written or formal spoken Chinese, such as news reports, official announcements, or administrative documents. It rarely appears in casual conversation. Common collocations include 任命为 (rènmìng wéi, 'appoint as...'), 任命某人为... (appoint someone as...), and 任命书 (rènmìngshū, 'letter of appointment'). Unlike more general verbs like 指定 (zhǐdìng, 'to designate') or 安排 (ānpái, 'to arrange'), 任命 carries strong connotations of legitimacy, hierarchy, and institutional sanction.