事业

• Pinyin: shì yè
• Hanzi breakdown: 事 = pictograph of a hand holding a writing instrument; 业 = simplified from 業, originally depicting a rack for musical instruments, meaning profession

Meaning

Career; cause; undertaking. Refers to a significant long-term professional pursuit or a noble cause.

Broader than 工作 (job), 事业 implies a meaningful career or life pursuit. Can also mean a cause or mission (e.g. 教育事业 'the cause of education'). Often used in formal or aspirational contexts.

Examples

1. 他把全部精力都放在了事业上。 He devoted all his energy to his career.
2. 她在事业上取得了很大的成功。 She has achieved great success in her career.
3. 发展教育事业对国家很重要。 Developing the cause of education is very important for the country.

Usage Guide

Context: career, formal speech, news

Tone: aspirational

Do Say

• 他的事业发展得很好。(His career is developing very well.)
• 我要为自己的事业努力奋斗。(I want to work hard for my career.)

Don't Say

• 我的事业是在超市当收银员。(Avoid using 事业 for short-term or part-time jobs — use 工作 instead. 事业 implies a long-term, meaningful pursuit.)

Origin & History

事 means 'matter' or 'affair' and 业 means 'profession' or 'industry'. Together they describe a significant professional or social undertaking.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal