HSK 4, d, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #15028, Medium
务
wù
business
HSK 4, d, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #15028, Medium
务
wù
matter
HSK 4, d, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #15028, Medium
务
wù
affairs, business; should; must
HSK 4, d, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #15028, Medium
务
wù
to be engaged in
HSK 4, unknown, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #15028, Medium
务
wù
to attend to
HSK 4, unknown, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #15028, Medium
务
wù
by all means
HSK 4, unknown, 5 strokes, radical 夂, rank #15028, Medium
wù(wu4) T4
1affair
2business
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March 24, 2026
务(務)wù(wu4)
The character 务 (wù) refers to affairs, business, or matters that require attention or engagement. It is commonly used in contexts involving responsibilities, obligations, or tasks that must be attended to, often emphasizing the necessity of action or involvement.
Strokes5Radical夂Frequency#15028DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 务 reflects the value placed on diligence and responsibility in both personal and professional life. It often underpins the work ethic seen in various aspects of Chinese society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a busy office scene where everyone is engaged in various affairs. The character 务 resembles a person (the top part) sitting at a desk (the bottom part) working diligently, reminding you that business and matters require your attention.
Meanings of 务
wù(wu4)
1affair
2business
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 务
务Simplified
務Traditional
5Strokes
夂Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#15028Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L4
Podcast: 务
Podcast: 务
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AI Study Notes for 务
Quick Contrast
务 (wù) vs 事 (shì) — use 务 when emphasizing the necessity of action or engagement in responsibilities, while 事 refers more generally to matters or things without that emphasis.
Usage Notes
务 is often used in formal contexts, such as in business communication or official documents. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 物 (wù, meaning 'thing'). Common collocations include 务必 (wùbì, must) and 务实 (wùshí, pragmatic).
HSK Study Tips
Although 务 is not currently listed in the HSK levels, it can be connected to HSK Level 4 vocabulary related to business and responsibilities. Students should focus on its use in formal contexts and with collocations.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly use 务 in casual conversations, where simpler terms like 事 might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我务这个问题' (I will attend to this issue) should be corrected to '我处理这个问题' (I will handle this issue).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 务
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Simplified form of 務. Phonosemantic compount. 矛 represents the sound, while 攵 and 力 both represent the meaning. The traditional component 矛 was removed for simplification.
Simplified form of 務. Phonosemantic compount. 矛 represents the sound, while 攵 and 力 both represent the meaning. The traditional component 矛 was removed for simplification.
Every clue here comes from the character's recorded structure — nothing is guessed.
Want the full history of 务? Jason searches the paleographic record, weighs the competing accounts and judges the popular story.
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Exercise 1 of 1
Character Formation Type
What type of character formation is 务?
Decomposition of 务
IDS Structure⿱夂力
务Full Character
=
夂zhi3
top
力Li4
bottom
Exercise 1 of 2
Identify the Components
Which of these is a component of 务?
How to say affair in Chinese
“affair” in Chinese is务wù
The character 务 (wù) refers to affairs, business, or matters that require attention or engagement. It is commonly used in contexts involving responsibilities, obligations, or tasks that must be attended to, often emphasizing the necessity of action or involvement.
When to use 务
务 is often used in formal contexts, such as in business communication or official documents. Be careful not to confuse it with similar-sounding words like 物 (wù, meaning 'thing'). Common collocations include 务必 (wùbì, must) and 务实 (wùshí, pragmatic).
务 or something close to it
务 (wù) vs 事 (shì) — use 务 when emphasizing the necessity of action or engagement in responsibilities, while 事 refers more generally to matters or things without that emphasis.
What learners get wrong
Learners often mistakenly use 务 in casual conversations, where simpler terms like 事 might be more appropriate. For example, saying '我务这个问题' (I will attend to this issue) should be corrected to '我处理这个问题' (I will handle this issue).
Write 务
务
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Practice writing 务 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
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Grammar Patterns of 务
务 functions as an adverb — it modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Chinese, adverbs sit BEFORE the verb they modify (我也去, 他常常迟到), never after it. It carries 7 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.
