Meanings of 业
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About 业
Podcast: 业
Podcast: 业
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AI Study Notes for 业
行业 (hángyè) refers specifically to an industry or sector, while 业 (yè) encompasses a broader meaning related to one's occupation or business.
When using 业, be careful not to confuse it with similar characters like 职业 (zhí yè), which specifically means 'profession.' It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as job applications or industry discussions. Always pronounce it with the fourth tone to avoid misunderstandings.
While 业 is not explicitly listed in the HSK levels, it connects to other characters related to work, such as 工 (gōng - work) and 职 (zhí - duty). Students should focus on using 业 in context to describe jobs or businesses they are familiar with, enhancing vocabulary in professional discussions.
Learners often confuse 业 with similar characters, leading to incorrect usage like saying '我做业' (wǒ zuò yè) when they mean '我工作' (wǒ gōngzuò - I work). Ensure to use 业 for discussing occupations or industries specifically.
Pronunciation of 业
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Etymology of 业
Simplified form of 業. Origin unclear.
Jason Etymology Detective
Case file: 业
Simplified form of 業. Origin unclear.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 业? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
Charged once for this character — everyone reads it afterwards.Decomposition of 业
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 业?
How to say line of business in Chinese
“line of business” in Chinese is业
The character 业 (yè) primarily refers to a person's line of business or occupation. It can also denote industries, enterprises, or jobs, and is often used in a professional context. Additionally, in Buddhism, it signifies karma or deeds, linking one's actions to the consequences they face.
When to use 业
When using 业, be careful not to confuse it with similar characters like 职业 (zhí yè), which specifically means 'profession.' It is commonly used in formal contexts, such as job applications or industry discussions. Always pronounce it with the fourth tone to avoid misunderstandings.
业 or something close to it
行业 (hángyè) refers specifically to an industry or sector, while 业 (yè) encompasses a broader meaning related to one's occupation or business.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 业 with similar characters, leading to incorrect usage like saying '我做业' (wǒ zuò yè) when they mean '我工作' (wǒ gōngzuò - I work). Ensure to use 业 for discussing occupations or industries specifically.
Write 业
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Practice writing 业 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 业
业 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 14 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Complete the Sentence
你先吃饭，再做作____。
First eat, then do homework.
Common Confusions with 业
Similar shape but different meaning and pronunciation
Same pinyin but different meaning
Spot the Difference
Which character means "line of business"?
Example Sentences for 业 (10)
Cultural Notes for 业
In Chinese culture, the concept of '业' not only refers to one's occupation but is also linked to one's social status and contribution to society. Different industries can reflect a person’s values and lifestyle.
有志者事竟成 (yǒu zhì zhě shì jìng chéng) - Where there’s a will, there’s a way. This proverb emphasizes the importance of diligence in one's industry or career.
Word Family of 业
Compound Meaning
What does 显 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 业
Common phrases that include 业 are '专业领域' (zhuānyè lǐngyù), meaning 'professional field,' and '行业发展' (hángyè fāzhǎn), which means 'industry development.' These phrases highlight the usage of 业 in both professional and academic contexts.
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