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March 24, 2026
创业(創業)chuàngyè(chuang4ye4)
创业 (chuang4 ye4) refers to the process of starting a new business or undertaking significant projects. It commonly involves innovation, risk-taking, and the mobilization of resources to create something new, often related to entrepreneurship in a business context.
Frequency#19118DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In contemporary China, 创业 is closely tied to the 'Chinese Dream' and the government's support for innovation and startups, reflecting a cultural emphasis on self-reliance and economic growth. Many young people aspire to be entrepreneurs, influenced by successful figures in the tech industry.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing at the edge of a cliff, ready to jump (创 - 'to begin') into a vast ocean (业 - 'business'). This visual of taking a leap symbolizes the boldness of starting a new venture, while the '4' in the pinyin hints at the sound of 'jump' in Chinese, reminding you of the risk involved in entrepreneurship.
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AI Study Notes for 创业
Quick Contrast
创业 (chuàngyè) vs 创新 (chuàngxīn) — choose 创业 when referring specifically to starting a business, while 创新 emphasizes the aspect of innovation in ideas or products.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing at the edge of a cliff, ready to jump (创 - 'to begin') into a vast ocean (业 - 'business'). This visual of taking a leap symbolizes the boldness of starting a new venture, while the '4' in the pinyin hints at the sound of 'jump' in Chinese, reminding you of the risk involved in entrepreneurship.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 创业; the fourth tone can easily be confused with other terms. It's often used in formal contexts, particularly in business discussions or academic settings. Common collocations include '创业者' (entrepreneur) and '创业公司' (startup company).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 创业 is important for learners who are focusing on business language. Pay attention to its use in conjunction with other economic terms and practice forming phrases that relate to starting a business.
Cultural Note
In contemporary China, 创业 is closely tied to the 'Chinese Dream' and the government's support for innovation and startups, reflecting a cultural emphasis on self-reliance and economic growth. Many young people aspire to be entrepreneurs, influenced by successful figures in the tech industry.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 创业 with 开办 (kai1 ban4 - to set up or establish). For example, saying '我想开办一个创业' (I want to establish an entrepreneurship) is incorrect; the correct phrase would be '我想创业' (I want to start a business).
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 创业
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Grammar Patterns of 创业
创业 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 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.
chú zhēn xuǎn shì yí tóu zī de kē jì kāi fā xiàng mù wài, , chuàng yè zī jīn gōng sī bìng wéi huò dé tóu zī de gōng sī tí gōng guǎn、 lǐ 、 shì cháng tuī guǎng hé jiàn lì wǎng luò děng fāng miàn de.
Besides selecting technological ventures for investment, the firms provide management, marketing and networking advice to the investee companies.
Cultural Notes for 创业
🏮Cultural insight
In contemporary China, 创业 is closely tied to the 'Chinese Dream' and the government's support for innovation and startups, reflecting a cultural emphasis on self-reliance and economic growth. Many young people aspire to be entrepreneurs, influenced by successful figures in the tech industry.
Frequently Asked Questions about 创业
创业 specifically refers to starting a business or significant project, while 开始 is a more general term for 'to begin' any activity.
It's more commonly used in formal or professional contexts, so in casual settings, you might opt for simpler terms.
Primarily, yes, but it can also refer to initiating other major undertakings or projects.
