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March 24, 2026
作业(作業)zuòyè(zuo4ye4)
作业 (zuò yè) refers to school assignments or homework assigned to students. It encompasses tasks that are meant to reinforce learning and can occur in various subjects, making it an essential component of the educational process.
Strokes12Frequency#2573DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese education, homework (作业) is often seen as a crucial part of the learning process, with students frequently assigned work that reinforces classroom lessons. This reflects the value placed on diligence and academic success in Chinese culture.
Memory Tip
Think of 作 (zuò) as a 'workbench' where you 'do' your assignments, and 业 (yè) relates to 'business' or 'operating' in a task. Visualize a student at a desk, diligently completing homework to connect the characters and their meanings.
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AI Study Notes for 作业
Quick Contrast
复习 (fùxí) refers to review or revision of material already learned, while 作业 (zuòyè) specifically denotes assigned tasks for practice.
Usage Notes
Learners often confuse 作业 with 任务 (rènwù), which means 'task' or 'assignment' but has a broader scope. 作业 is typically informal and used in educational contexts, while 任务 can be more formal. Be mindful of the tone; it should be pronounced with the fourth tone for both characters.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 3 word, 作业 connects to other educational vocabulary like 学习 (xuéxí, study) and 考试 (kǎoshì, exam). Focus on using it in sentences related to school and homework to practice contextual understanding.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 作业 when referring to a more general task, which should be 任务 (rènwù). For example, saying '我有很多作业' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō zuò yè) is correct, but using it for non-school-related tasks would be incorrect.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 作业
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作业 (zuò yè) refers to school assignments or homework assigned to students. It encompasses tasks that are meant to reinforce learning and can occur in various subjects, making it an essential component of the educational process.
When to use 作业
Learners often confuse 作业 with 任务 (rènwù), which means 'task' or 'assignment' but has a broader scope. 作业 is typically informal and used in educational contexts, while 任务 can be more formal. Be mindful of the tone; it should be pronounced with the fourth tone for both characters.
作业 or something close to it
复习 (fùxí) refers to review or revision of material already learned, while 作业 (zuòyè) specifically denotes assigned tasks for practice.
What learners get wrong
Learners sometimes mistakenly use 作业 when referring to a more general task, which should be 任务 (rènwù). For example, saying '我有很多作业' (Wǒ yǒu hěn duō zuò yè) is correct, but using it for non-school-related tasks would be incorrect.
Write 作业
作
业
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Grammar Patterns of 作业
作业 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 6 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.
I do my homework first after school, then go play.
13
小明的作业总是按时完成。
Xiǎomíng de zuòyè zǒng shì ànshí wánchéng.
Xiaoming always finishes his homework on time.
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Cultural Notes for 作业
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
Unlike in some Western cultures where homework may be less emphasized, in China, extensive homework is a norm, reflecting a commitment to education and preparation for future challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions about 作业
Common types of 作业 include written assignments, problem sets in math, and reading tasks that reinforce lessons from class.
Make sure to pronounce 作 (zuò) with a falling tone and 业 (yè) also with a falling tone; both are fourth tones.
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