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
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
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
By ear
Play it, then pick what 务 means.
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
Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you
New here?
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
Premium — Locked
AI tone practice
Pro
Drill the tone of 务 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.
Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 务 through them.
Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 300 AI credits.
Etymology of 务
Explanation
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.
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
New here? to save your writing progress and earn XP.
Practice writing 务 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Write correctly 3 times to earn XP
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.
