Clocking in

Informal Neutral

What it really means

Recording the exact time you start and finish work, by badge, app or machine — common in factories, warehouses and shops. Also clocking out at the end. Your paid hours are based on these records.

Chinese explanation
打卡(clocking in):用工牌、应用或机器记录你上班和下班的准确时间——工厂、仓库和商店常见,下班时叫 clocking out。你的计薪工时以这些记录为准。

Example conversation

A: Do I just start at the line? B: Clock in first with your badge, or the hour won't count.
A:我直接到生产线上工就行吗? B:先用工牌打卡,不然这小时不算数。

What you could say back

“Where's the clocking-in machine?”

Related phrases

Official sources

Rules and amounts change — confirm important details with the official source.
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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake