工作 — meaning in English: jobs

Usage

Native speakers commonly use the word 工作 (gōngzuò) in both professional and casual conversations when discussing occupations or tasks. For instance, you might hear someone say, '我在找工作' (Wǒ zài zhǎo gōngzuò), meaning 'I am looking for a job,' when chatting with friends or at networking events.

Synonyms & nuances

While 工作 (gōngzuò) translates directly to 'job,' another word you might encounter is 职业 (zhíyè), which refers to one's profession or career more formally. Use 工作 when discussing day-to-day tasks or employment situations, whereas 职业 is more suitable for discussions around long-term career choices and aspirations.

Culture

The term 工作 (gōngzuò) has its roots in the Chinese characters 工 (gōng), meaning 'work,' and 作 (zuò), which means 'to do' or 'to make.' This term reflects the cultural significance of hard work in Chinese society, where dedication to one’s job is often associated with personal honor and responsibility. Interestingly, in China, the concept of work is heavily intertwined with one's identity and social status, making it a crucial part of daily life and social interactions.

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