工资 — meaning in English: wage

Usage

Native speakers use the word 工资 (gōngzī) in various contexts related to employment and finance, such as discussing job offers, negotiating salaries, or comparing earnings with colleagues. You might hear it during casual conversations about work or in more formal settings like job interviews.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym of 工资 is 薪水 (xīnshuǐ), which also means wage but is often perceived as more casual or colloquial. You might choose 工资 in formal discussions, while 薪水 could be used among friends or in relaxed conversations.

Culture

The term 工资 (gōngzī) is deeply embedded in the modern Chinese labor market, reflecting the country's rapid economic development. Historically, the concept of wages was tied to communal work in rural areas, but as China urbanized, individual wages became a vital part of the capitalist economy. Interestingly, discussions about 工资 often reveal social attitudes toward work and compensation in contemporary Chinese society.

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