“Coming Ashore”(上岸):

In Chinese, it is pronounced as: shàng àn，Written as:

Its core meanings include leaving a boat to land, metaphorically referring to renouncing evil for good. It also relates to the success of candidates taking civil service exams, public sector job tests, company interviews, or being admitted to master’s or doctoral programs, signifying success in a challenging endeavor.

The term “coming ashore” is closely connected with China’s imperial examination system. In ancient times, the imperial exams were a crucial means for scholars to transform their destinies and achieve their life’s aspirations. Passing these exams enabled one to secure a government position, embark on a bureaucratic career, and make significant life advancements. This transition from a commoner to an official resembled moving from drifting at sea to settling on land, symbolizing a significant life change.

In modern society, “coming ashore” still describes the success in exams or job hunting, not only because it vividly depicts the transition from instability to stability but also because it embodies our aspirations and pursuit of success and stability.

In internet slang, “coming ashore” usually refers to passing an exam or completing a task to achieve a set goal, thus escaping difficulties or pressure. For instance, “coming ashore” from graduate exams means a student has been successfully admitted to their preferred university; in the context of civil service exams, it implies securing a position within the governmental system.

Furthermore, “coming ashore” can also refer to shareholders or company owners successfully cashing out after a company goes public, or to shareholders receiving payment after a company completes an earn-out acquisition.