作业

zuòyè

school assignment

HSK 3

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

"作业" primarily refers to homework or assignments given by teachers in a school context. It is a common term used by students to describe tasks they need to complete outside of class. However, "作业" can also mean work or tasks done in a professional or manual labor context, such as construction or factory work.

Common Collocations

  • "布置作业" (assign homework): used when teachers give assignments.
  • "完成作业" (finish homework): refers to completing assigned tasks.
  • "作业" (do homework/work): can mean doing school assignments or performing work tasks depending on context.

Usage Notes

When used in an educational context, "作业" usually implies school-related tasks and is often associated with students. In a work context, it refers to manual or technical tasks, often physical labor. Be careful not to confuse "作业" with "工作" which generally means work or job but is broader and more formal. "作业" often implies specific tasks or assignments.

Tone and Register

"作业" is neutral and commonly used in everyday speech among students, teachers, and workers. It is informal but appropriate in most contexts related to education or manual work.

Common Confusion

Learners sometimes confuse "作业" with "工作". Remember, "作业" is more task-specific and often manual or school-related, while "工作" is a broader term for work or employment.

Example Sentences

老师布置了很多作业,晚上得加班完成。

Lǎoshī bùzhì le hěn duō zuòyè, wǎnshàng děi jiābān wánchéng.

The teacher assigned a lot of homework, so I have to work overtime tonight

这次的作业主要是写一篇关于环保的文章。

Zhè cì de zuòyè zhǔyào shì xiě yī piān guānyú huánbǎo de wénzhāng.

This assignment mainly involves writing an essay about environmental

他在工地上做作业,负责安装电线。

Tā zài gōngdì shàng zuò zuòyè, fùzé ānzhuāng diànxiàn.

He is doing work at the construction site, responsible for installing

学生们完成作业后,可以自由活动。

Xuéshēng men wánchéng zuòyè hòu, kěyǐ zìyóu huódòng.

After finishing their homework, the students can have free time.

这个项目的作业量很大,需要团队合作。

Zhège xiàngmù de zuòyè liàng hěn dà, xūyào tuánduì hézuò.

The workload of this project is large and requires teamwork.