publicly funded institution, enterprise or foundation
HSK 5, n, rank #1657, Medium
事业
shìyè
career
HSK 5, n, rank #1657, Medium
事业
shìyè
occupation
HSK 5, n, rank #1657, Medium
事业
shìyè
>个[gè]
HSK 5, n, rank #1657, Medium
shìyè(shi4ye4) T4
1undertaking
2project
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March 24, 2026
事业(事業)shìyè(shi4ye4)
事业 (shì yè) refers to a significant undertaking or project, often related to one's career or a cause. It encompasses both professional endeavors and charitable activities, highlighting the importance of commitment and contribution in various fields.
Frequency#1657DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 事业 is often associated with social responsibility and the idea of serving the community. Many professionals view their career as a way to contribute to society, reflecting a collectivist value.
Memory Tip
Picture a 'shy' person (shì) embarking on a 'yay!' adventure (yè) that becomes their lifelong career. The character 业 (yè) resembles a roof, symbolizing the foundation of their professional life, while 事 (shì) represents the tasks they undertake.
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AI Study Notes for 事业
Quick Contrast
事业 (shìyè) vs 职业 (zhíyè) — use 事业 for broader undertakings or causes, while 职业 specifically refers to one's profession or job.
Memory Mnemonic
Picture a 'shy' person (shì) embarking on a 'yay!' adventure (yè) that becomes their lifelong career. The character 业 (yè) resembles a roof, symbolizing the foundation of their professional life, while 事 (shì) represents the tasks they undertake.
Usage Notes
Be cautious not to confuse 事业 with 工作 (gōng zuò), which specifically means 'work' or 'job.' 事业 is broader and can imply a lifelong pursuit or a mission. Common collocations include '事业成功' (successful career) and '事业单位' (public institution).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 word, 事业 connects well with other terms related to professions and roles, such as 职业 (zhí yè, occupation) and 工作 (gōng zuò, work). Focus on using it in sentences that describe goals and ambition.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 事业 is often associated with social responsibility and the idea of serving the community. Many professionals view their career as a way to contribute to society, reflecting a collectivist value.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 事业 with 事情 (shì qing), which means 'thing or matter.' A wrong example would be saying '我的事业很重要' (My thing is important) instead of '我的事业很重要' (My career is important).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 事业
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Grammar Patterns of 事业
事业 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 8 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.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
我的私人生活不得不让位于____。
My personal life has had to take second place to my career.
Example Sentences for 事业 (10)
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1
我的私人生活不得不让位于事业。
wǒ de sī rén shēng huó bù dé bù ràng wèi yú shì yè。
My personal life has had to take second place to my career.
2
事业上的发展可能会引发你很多的思考。
shì yè shàng de fā zhǎn kě néng huì yǐn fā nǐ hěn duō de sī kǎo。
Developments in your career may give you food for thought.
3
她重振旗鼓去开创自己的事业了。
tā zhòng zhèn qí gǔ qù kāi chuàng zì jǐ de shì yè le。
She dusted herself down and left to build her own career.
4
这足以让他们的事业平步青云了。
zhè zú yǐ ràng tā mén de shì yè píng bù qīng yún le。
This was enough to launch their careers into the stratosphere.
In Chinese culture, 事业 is often associated with social responsibility and the idea of serving the community. Many professionals view their career as a way to contribute to society, reflecting a collectivist value.
Frequently Asked Questions about 事业
No, 事业 typically refers to a broader career or significant undertaking, rather than just any job.
Not necessarily; it can also encompass charitable or social causes.
You can say '我希望我的事业能够帮助更多人' (I hope my career can help more people).
