Meaning and Usage
The word 事业 (shìyè) primarily refers to a significant undertaking or career, often implying a long-term commitment or a major professional or social endeavor. It can denote a personal career, a business venture, or a cause that someone dedicates themselves to.
Common Contexts
- Personal career or life work: When someone talks about their 事业, they often mean their professional life or a cause they are passionate about.
- Business or enterprise: It can refer to a company’s business or a new project within an organization.
- Social or artistic endeavors: It also applies to fields like education, art, or public service where one invests effort over time.
Collocations and Patterns
- 一生的事业 (yīshēng de shìyè): lifelong career or undertaking, emphasizing dedication.
- 新事业 (xīn shìyè): new business or project, often used in corporate contexts.
- 事业发展 (shìyè fāzhǎn): career or business development.
Usage Notes
事业 is more formal and weighty than words like 工作 (gōngzuò, work) or 职业 (zhíyè, profession). It often carries a sense of purpose and long-term commitment. Avoid confusing it with 业务 (yèwù), which refers more to business operations or services. When using 事业, the speaker usually implies a meaningful or ambitious pursuit rather than just any job.
Summary
Use 事业 when referring to important, often lifelong professional or social undertakings. It conveys seriousness and dedication, suitable for formal or semi-formal contexts.