How to Say “This is an action item” in Chinese
Work and study · HSK 4
"This is an action item" in Chinese is 这是一个待办事项 (zhè shì yī gè dài bàn shì xiàng). 待办事项 (dàibàn shìxiàng) literally means 'awaiting-handling matter' and is the standard translation for 'to-do' or 'action item'; you'll see it as the label on apps like 滴答清单 or the Feishu/Lark to-do list. 跟进 (gēnjìn, 'follow up') is borrowed from English business speak and is now ubiquitous in Chinese offices, especially in tech and consulting.
Primary translation
这是一个待办事项
zhè shì yī gè dài bàn shì xiàng
Traditional: 這是一個待辦事項
Variants by register
Formal
这是一项需要跟进的任务
zhè shì yī xiàng xū yào gēn jìn de rèn wù
Casual
这事得办
zhè shì děi bàn
When to use it
待办事项 (dàibàn shìxiàng) literally means 'awaiting-handling matter' and is the standard translation for 'to-do' or 'action item'; you'll see it as the label on apps like 滴答清单 or the Feishu/Lark to-do list. 跟进 (gēnjìn, 'follow up') is borrowed from English business speak and is now ubiquitous in Chinese offices, especially in tech and consulting. The measure word 项 (xiàng) is used for items or tasks, while 个 (gè) works too but feels less formal. Savvy managers wrap up meetings by listing 跟进事项; that's your cue to write them down.
Example sentences
会后的待办事项我发给大家。
Huì hòu de dài bàn shì xiàng wǒ fā gěi dà jiā.
I'll send everyone the post-meeting action items.
这件事需要你跟进一下。
Zhè jiàn shì xū yào nǐ gēn jìn yī xià.
You need to follow up on this item.
我的待办清单已经排满了。
Wǒ de dài bàn qīng dān yǐ jīng pái mǎn le.
My to-do list is already full.