English：
A Chinese business metaphor for a "stepping stone" — a position or person used as a means to reach a higher goal. In Chinese offices, some jobs are called "step stones," meaning you take them temporarily on your way to something better. The Chinglish version combines "step" and "stone" into a literal translation of the Chinese idiom.
中文：
一个中国商业隐喻中"垫脚石"的直译——一个被用来达到更高目标的职位或人。在中国办公室里，有些工作被称为"垫脚石"，意思是你在通往更好工作的路上临时做一下。中式英语版把"step"和"stone"组合成中文习语的直译。
The Chinese term "垫脚石" (diàn jiǎo shí) literally means "a stone to step on" — like a stone placed in mud to help you cross without getting dirty. In business, it refers to an intermediate job that helps you gain experience and connections for your next career move. It can also refer to people who are used and discarded. The Chinglish version "step stone" became popular as a minimalist business term.
中文：中文术语"垫脚石"字面意思是"用来踩的石头"——就像放在泥里帮你跨过去不弄脏的石头。在商业中，指帮助你获得经验和关系以进行下一步职业发展的过渡性工作。也可以指被利用然后被抛弃的人。中式英语版"step stone"作为极简主义商务术语走红。
📌 Example 1
Career advice:
"I hate my current job."
"Think of it as a step stone. One year, then move up."
职业建议：
"我讨厌现在的工作。"
"把它当成垫脚石。一年后就能往上走了。"
📌 Example 2
Discussing a job offer:
"The salary is low but the company name is good."
"Take it. It's a step stone for your resume."
讨论工作机会：
"工资低但公司名头好。"
"接下吧。这是你简历上的垫脚石。"
📌 Example 3
About a colleague:
"He's only here for six months."
"Everyone knows. This is just a step stone for him."
关于一个同事：
"他在这里只待六个月。"
"所有人都知道。这里对他来说只是垫脚石。"
📌 Example 4
After a promotion:
"This entry-level job was my step stone."
"Now I'm where I want to be."
升职后：
"这个入门级工作就是我的垫脚石。"
"现在我到了我想要的位置。"
📌 Example 5
Intern advice:
"I'm just getting coffee and making copies."
"Every step stone leads somewhere. Learn while you're here."
实习建议：
"我只是端茶送水复印文件。"
"每块垫脚石都能通向某处。在这里的时候多学点。"
📌 Example 6
Caption on a throwback photo:
"Started in the mail room, now I'm the manager."
"Every step stone matters. The journey is worth it."
回顾照片配文：
"从收发室做起，现在是经理了。"
"每块垫脚石都很重要。这段旅程值得。"
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