从业

• Pinyin: cóng yè
• Hanzi breakdown: 从 = to follow, engage in; 业 = profession, industry

Meaning

To be engaged in (a profession); to practice (a trade). A formal verb describing working in a particular field or industry.

Often used in compound phrases like 从业人员 (practitioners, industry workers), 从业资格 (professional qualification), 从业经验 (work experience). More formal than simply 工作 or 干.

Examples

1. 他在金融行业从业二十多年，经验丰富。 He has worked in the financial industry for over twenty years and is highly experienced.
2. 这家医院的从业人员必须持有有效的职业资格证书。 Staff at this hospital must hold valid professional qualification certificates.
3. 从业十年来，她一直坚守着最初的职业理想。 In her ten years in the profession, she has always adhered to her original career ideals.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, official, HR

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 他在教育行业从业多年。(He has worked in the education industry for many years.)
• 所有从业人员都需要接受培训。(All practitioners need to receive training.)

Don't Say

• 我从业打游戏 (从业 is for professional work, not hobbies — use 玩 for gaming)

Origin & History

Compound of 从 (to follow, engage in) + 业 (profession, business). Literally 'to follow a profession.'

Cultural Context

Generation: Working adults

Social background: Professional