Meanings of 业余
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Podcast: 业余
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AI Study Notes for 业余
业余 (yèyú) vs 专业 (zhuānyè) — use 业余 for amateur pursuits in spare time, while 专业 refers to professional or specialized fields.
When using 业余, be careful not to use it in a formal context where professionalism is expected. Common collocations include 业余时间 (spare time) and 业余爱好 (hobby). Remember that the first character is pronounced with a falling tone (ye4), while the second has a rising tone (yu2) to avoid confusion.
As an HSK 5 word, 业余 connects with other vocabulary about time management and leisure activities. Focus on practicing sentences that incorporate 业余 to describe how you spend your free time, enhancing your conversational skills.
Learners often confuse 业余 with 专业 (zhuān yè), which means 'professional.' For example, saying 我是业余医生 (I am an amateur doctor) is incorrect; it should be 我是专业医生 (I am a professional doctor).
Pronunciation of 业余
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Component Characters
How to say spare time in Chinese
“spare time” in Chinese is业余
The term 业余 (yè yú) refers to activities or pursuits that are done in one's spare time, typically outside of professional obligations. It often connotes an amateur status in contrast to professional engagement, and is frequently used in contexts such as hobbies, sports, and extra-curricular activities.
When to use 业余
When using 业余, be careful not to use it in a formal context where professionalism is expected. Common collocations include 业余时间 (spare time) and 业余爱好 (hobby). Remember that the first character is pronounced with a falling tone (ye4), while the second has a rising tone (yu2) to avoid confusion.
业余 or something close to it
业余 (yèyú) vs 专业 (zhuānyè) — use 业余 for amateur pursuits in spare time, while 专业 refers to professional or specialized fields.
What learners get wrong
Learners often confuse 业余 with 专业 (zhuān yè), which means 'professional.' For example, saying 我是业余医生 (I am an amateur doctor) is incorrect; it should be 我是专业医生 (I am a professional doctor).
Write 业余
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Practice writing 业余 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 业余
业余 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
泰勒的运动生涯是从一名____守门员开始的。
Taylor began his playing career as an amateur goalkeeper.
Example Sentences for 业余 (7)
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Frequently Asked Questions about 业余
In sports, 业余 refers to someone who participates in activities without being a professional, indicating they do it for fun rather than for a living.
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