停職 (tíng zhí) literally means 'to stop duty' — 停 (tíng) means 'to stop, suspend', and 職 (zhí) means 'duty, post, or official position'. Together, they form a formal noun meaning 'suspension from duty', typically used in workplace, governmental, or institutional contexts when someone is temporarily removed from their job or responsibilities, usually as a disciplinary measure or pending investigation. It implies no dismissal — the person remains employed but is barred from performing duties for a defined period.

This term is common in official notices, HR documents, news reports about misconduct, or legal proceedings. It carries a serious, formal register and is rarely used in casual speech. Unlike layoff or firing, 停職 preserves employment status and salary may be partially or fully suspended depending on policy. It often precedes further action — such as reinstatement, demotion, or termination — once an inquiry concludes.