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March 24, 2026
工作gōngzuò(gong1zuo4)
The term '工作' (gōngzuò) means 'to work' or 'to operate,' and it refers to both the action of working and the concept of a job or task. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as discussing employment, daily tasks, or machinery operation.
Strokes10Frequency#144DifficultyEasy
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '工作' is closely tied to social identity and personal fulfillment, as having a stable job is often viewed as a sign of success and responsibility in society.
Memory Tip
Think of '工作' as a 'gong' ringing to signal the start of work, where '工' (gōng) represents work or labor and '作' (zuò) means to do or make. Visualize a worker ringing a gong at the start of a busy day to remind you that it’s time to get to work.
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AI Study Notes for 工作
Quick Contrast
劳作 (láozuò) - use '工作' for general work or employment contexts, while '劳作' emphasizes physical labor or hard work.
Usage Notes
'工作' is used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing employment or tasks. Common collocations include '找工作' (zhǎo gōngzuò - to look for a job) and '工作时间' (gōngzuò shíjiān - working hours). Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 1 word, '工作' is foundational for discussing daily activities and jobs. Focus on using it in simple sentences and learning related vocabulary, such as '上班' (shàngbān - to go to work) and '工作日' (gōngzuòrì - workday).
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '工作' with '做' (zuò), leading to phrases like '我做在公司' (Wǒ zuò zài gōngsī - I do at company), which should be corrected to '我在公司工作' (Wǒ zài gōngsī gōngzuò - I work at a company).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 工作
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The term '工作' (gōngzuò) means 'to work' or 'to operate,' and it refers to both the action of working and the concept of a job or task. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as discussing employment, daily tasks, or machinery operation.
When to use 工作
'工作' is used in both formal and informal contexts when discussing employment or tasks. Common collocations include '找工作' (zhǎo gōngzuò - to look for a job) and '工作时间' (gōngzuò shíjiān - working hours). Be careful with the tones; mispronouncing can change the meaning.
工作 or something close to it
劳作 (láozuò) - use '工作' for general work or employment contexts, while '劳作' emphasizes physical labor or hard work.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse '工作' with '做' (zuò), leading to phrases like '我做在公司' (Wǒ zuò zài gōngsī - I do at company), which should be corrected to '我在公司工作' (Wǒ zài gōngsī gōngzuò - I work at a company).
Write 工作
工
作
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Grammar Patterns of 工作
工作 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 5 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.
