Meaning and Usage
The word 业务 (yèwù) primarily refers to business activities or professional duties within a company or organization. It can denote the core operations of a business, such as sales, services, or production, as well as specific tasks or responsibilities assigned to employees.
Common Contexts
- Referring to the main business or trade of a company (e.g., software development, international trade).
- Describing the scope or expansion of business activities.
- Talking about work-related reports or documents.
- Indicating business hours or service times.
Collocations and Patterns
- 主要业务 (zhǔyào yèwù): main business or core operations.
- 国际业务 (guójì yèwù): international business.
- 业务报告 (yèwù bàogào): business report.
- 业务时间 (yèwù shíjiān): business hours.
Nuances and Tips
When using 业务, speakers often imply formal or professional contexts related to work or commerce. It is more specific than the general word for business (生意 shēngyi), which can also mean small trade or transactions. 业务 emphasizes the operational or functional aspect of business activities.
Avoid confusing 业务 with 业务员 (yèwùyuán), which means a salesperson or business staff member. 业务 refers to the work or business itself, not the person.
Summary
Use 业务 when discussing company operations, professional duties, or business services. It fits well in formal and semi-formal contexts, especially in workplace communication.