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March 24, 2026
公事()gōngshì(gong1shi4)
公事 (gōngshì) refers to official matters or public affairs that are related to governance, administration, or duties performed in a professional context. It commonly appears in formal settings, such as government, business, or legal discussions, emphasizing the importance of duties that serve the public or organization.
Frequency#6030DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of public affairs is deeply embedded in the values of collectivism and community service, reflecting the importance of duty and responsibility to society.
Memory Tip
Think of 公 (gōng) as 'public' or 'common,' and 事 (shì) as 'matter' or 'affair.' Imagine a public servant holding a large document labeled '公事,' reminding you that they are dealing with important official matters.
Meanings of 公事
gōngshì(gong1shi4)
1public affairs
2official (matters, duties etc)
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About 公事
公事Simplified
Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedBCT✓CEFRC2
Podcast: 公事
Podcast: 公事
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AI Study Notes for 公事
Quick Contrast
公务 (gōngwù) refers specifically to official duties or tasks, while 公事 (gōngshì) encompasses broader official matters and public affairs.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 公 (gōng) as 'public' or 'common,' and 事 (shì) as 'matter' or 'affair.' Imagine a public servant holding a large document labeled '公事,' reminding you that they are dealing with important official matters.
Usage Notes
公事 is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. A common mistake is confusing it with 私事 (sīshì), which means private matters. Pay attention to the tone, as mispronouncing either character can change the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
公事 is relevant for HSK Level 4 learners, connecting to other vocabulary related to work and responsibilities. Focus on understanding the context in which it is used, especially in official documents and formal communication.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of public affairs is deeply embedded in the values of collectivism and community service, reflecting the importance of duty and responsibility to society.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 公事 with 事情 (shìqíng), which means 'things' or 'matters' in a more general sense. Remember, 公事 is specifically about official or public matters, while 事情 can refer to anything.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 公事
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Cultural Notes for 公事
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of public affairs is deeply embedded in the values of collectivism and community service, reflecting the importance of duty and responsibility to society.
Frequently Asked Questions about 公事
公事 refers to official or public matters, while 私事 pertains to personal or private affairs.
It's best to reserve 公事 for formal contexts, as using it casually may come across as out of place.
Yes, terms like 事务 (shìwù) for 'affairs' and 公共事务 (gōnggòng shìwù) for 'public affairs' are related.
