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March 24, 2026
公务(公務)gōngwù(gong1wu4)
公务 refers to official business or work related to government or administrative tasks. It is commonly used in contexts where formal duties are performed, such as in government offices or during official events. The term embodies the idea of responsibilities that are not personal but serve the public or organizational interests.
Frequency#9397DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 公务 is closely linked to the Confucian value of serving society and the importance placed on duty and responsibility in government roles. Public officials are expected to prioritize public interests over personal ones.
Memory Tip
Think of 公 (gōng) as 'public' and 务 (wù) as 'affairs' or 'business'. Imagine a public servant dressed in a formal suit, busy with papers and meetings, representing the community. The pronunciation 'gong1 wu4' sounds like 'gone woo', as in 'official duties are 'gone' when you focus on them, allowing you to impress others with your 'woo' of professionalism.
Meanings of 公务
gōngwù(gong1wu4)
1official business
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 公务
公务Simplified
公務Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#9397Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 公务
Podcast: 公务
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AI Study Notes for 公务
Quick Contrast
公务 (official business) vs 事务 (affairs) — choose 公务 when specifically referring to government-related tasks, while 事务 encompasses a broader range of affairs.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 公 (gōng) as 'public' and 务 (wù) as 'affairs' or 'business'. Imagine a public servant dressed in a formal suit, busy with papers and meetings, representing the community. The pronunciation 'gong1 wu4' sounds like 'gone woo', as in 'official duties are 'gone' when you focus on them, allowing you to impress others with your 'woo' of professionalism.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using this term in informal settings where casual language is more appropriate. Be mindful of the tone: 公务 (gōng wù) is a formal term, so avoid using it in everyday conversations. It often collocates with words like '出差' (business trip) and '会议' (meeting).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 6 vocabulary word, 公务 connects with other advanced terms related to government and business. Students should focus on its usage in formal settings and recognize its role in discussions about policy, administration, and public service.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 公务 is closely linked to the Confucian value of serving society and the importance placed on duty and responsibility in government roles. Public officials are expected to prioritize public interests over personal ones.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 公务 with 业务 (yè wù), which means business in a commercial context. For example, saying '我做公务' (I do business) instead of '我做业务' (I do business work) can lead to misunderstandings.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 公务
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Grammar Patterns of 公务
公务 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). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
100,000 federal workers will be laid off to reduce the deficit.
Cultural Notes for 公务
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 公务 is closely linked to the Confucian value of serving society and the importance placed on duty and responsibility in government roles. Public officials are expected to prioritize public interests over personal ones.
Frequently Asked Questions about 公务
No, 公务 is a formal term and should be used in professional or official contexts.
Common phrases include 公务员 (civil servant) and 公务旅行 (business trip).
While it primarily refers to government-related tasks, it can also refer to formal business activities in corporate settings.
