Usage of 雇 (gù)
The character 雇 primarily means "to hire" or "to employ" someone, often in a work or service context. It is commonly used in formal and business settings when discussing employment or contracting workers.
Common Collocations
- 雇佣员工 (hire employees): used when a company or individual hires staff.
- 雇用合同 (employment contract): refers to the formal agreement between employer and employee.
- 雇佣临时工 (hire temporary workers): emphasizes short-term or temporary employment.
Nuances and Usage Notes
雇 is often paired with words like 佣 (yōng) to form 雇佣, which is a more formal term for "employ." It can be used for both permanent and temporary hiring but often implies a formal or contractual relationship.
Unlike 招 (zhāo), which can mean "to recruit" or "to invite," 雇 focuses on the act of hiring and paying for labor. When using 雇, the emphasis is on the employment relationship rather than the recruitment process.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 雇 with 雇主 (employer) or 雇员 (employee). 雇 itself is a verb meaning "to hire," not a noun. To refer to the employer or employee, use the full terms.
Summary
雇 is a useful character when discussing employment, especially in formal or business contexts. It highlights the contractual or paid nature of hiring someone for work.