Meanings of 生意
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Podcast: 生意
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AI Study Notes for 生意
交易 (jiāoyì) refers specifically to transactions or exchanges, while 生意 (shēngyi) encompasses the broader concept of business activities including the vitality and ongoing nature of those transactions.
Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing 生意 can lead to confusion, as similar-sounding terms have different meanings. It is commonly used in business contexts, such as '做生意' (zuò shēngyì) meaning 'to do business'. Avoid using it in overly casual situations, as it can come off as unprofessional.
As an HSK Level 4 word, 生意 connects well with other business-related vocabulary you may encounter, such as 买卖 (mǎimài, trading) and 公司 (gōngsī, company). Focus on using it in practical sentences about transactions and entrepreneurial activities.
Learners often confuse 生意 with 生活 (shēnghuó, life), mistakenly using it to discuss personal life instead of business matters. For example, saying '我有很多生意' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō shēngyì) meaning 'I have a lot of life' is incorrect; it should be '我有很多生意' for 'I have a lot of business'.
Pronunciation of 生意
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Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.
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Component Characters
How to say life force in Chinese
“life force” in Chinese is生意
生意 (shēngyì) primarily refers to business or trade, encompassing commercial activities and transactions. It can also imply the vitality or life force behind these activities, suggesting a dynamic and thriving enterprise. Commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, it highlights the energetic nature of business dealings.
When to use 生意
Be cautious with the tones; mispronouncing 生意 can lead to confusion, as similar-sounding terms have different meanings. It is commonly used in business contexts, such as '做生意' (zuò shēngyì) meaning 'to do business'. Avoid using it in overly casual situations, as it can come off as unprofessional.
生意 or something close to it
交易 (jiāoyì) refers specifically to transactions or exchanges, while 生意 (shēngyi) encompasses the broader concept of business activities including the vitality and ongoing nature of those transactions.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 生意 with 生活 (shēnghuó, life), mistakenly using it to discuss personal life instead of business matters. For example, saying '我有很多生意' (wǒ yǒu hěn duō shēngyì) meaning 'I have a lot of life' is incorrect; it should be '我有很多生意' for 'I have a lot of business'.
Write 生意
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Grammar Patterns of 生意
生意 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 3 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
朋友归朋友，____归生意，不能免费。
Friendship is friendship and business is business — I cannot do it for free.
Example Sentences for 生意 (10)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 生意
生意 refers specifically to business and commercial activities, while 事业 (shìyè) denotes one's career or professional endeavors more broadly.
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