Explanation at your level:
Hello! 生業 is a word that means your job or the work you do to get money. Imagine you have a special talent, like drawing pictures or fixing toys. When you do that job to get money to buy things you need, like food or clothes, that's your 生業. It's like your main way of making a living. For example, a baker's 生業 is making bread. A teacher's 生業 is teaching kids. It’s the work that helps you live!
生業 is a noun that means your occupation or the way you earn money to live. It's the main job you do. For instance, if someone is a doctor, their 生業 is practicing medicine. If someone is a farmer, their 生業 is growing crops. It’s the work that provides your income and supports your life. We use 生業 when we talk about someone's profession in a slightly more formal way than just saying 'job'. It emphasizes the activity that sustains them.
生業 refers to one's occupation, profession, or the means by which one earns a livelihood. It’s the work that you do consistently to support yourself and your family. For example, a writer's 生業 involves creating stories or articles, while a carpenter's 生業 is building things with wood. This term often implies a degree of commitment and is used when discussing the nature of someone's work in a more comprehensive way than simply 'job'. It highlights the activity that forms the basis of one's economic life.
The term 生業 denotes one's primary occupation or the established means of earning a livelihood. It goes beyond a simple 'job' to encompass the professional path one has chosen or developed, often implying a sustained effort and a significant part of one's identity. For instance, a musician's 生業 might involve performing, composing, and teaching music. The word carries a formal register and is suitable for discussions about career paths, economic stability, and the societal role of work. It suggests a dedicated pursuit that sustains an individual or household.
生業 signifies a person's established occupation, profession, or the primary means through which they sustain their livelihood. It implies a structured and often long-term engagement in a particular field of work, forming the bedrock of an individual's economic existence and professional identity. For example, a software engineer's 生業 involves designing and developing computer programs, a pursuit requiring specialized skills and continuous learning. The term is typically employed in formal discourse, academic contexts, or when emphasizing the significance and stability of one's professional activities, distinguishing it from transient employment or casual work.
生業 represents the fundamental occupation or established vocation that underpins an individual's existence, providing the means for sustenance and often defining their societal role and personal identity. It denotes a deeply ingrained professional pursuit, characterized by sustained effort, acquired expertise, and economic significance. This term is employed in sophisticated discourse, historical analysis, or sociological studies to articulate the core of a person's working life. For example, one might discuss the historical 生業 of artisans in a specific era or the evolving nature of professional 生業 in the digital age. Its usage conveys a sense of permanence and foundational importance to one's life activities, distinguishing it from mere employment.
واژه در 30 ثانیه
- 生業 refers to one's occupation or livelihood.
- It implies the primary work done to earn money and sustain life.
- Often used in formal contexts or when discussing the significance of work.
- Carries a meaning similar to 'occupation' or 'means of living'.
Hey there! Let's dive into the word 生業. You might see it translated as 'occupation' or 'livelihood', and that's pretty much spot on! Think of it as the main thing you do to earn money and live your life. It’s not just a temporary gig, but more like your dedicated profession or the way you make a living. It’s the work that keeps you going, providing for yourself and maybe your family.
When we talk about someone's 生業, we're referring to their primary source of income and their professional identity. It could be anything from being a doctor, a farmer, an artist, or even running a small shop. The key idea is that it's a consistent activity that sustains you. It’s the foundation of your economic life, the thing you build your days around. So, next time you hear 生業, picture someone diligently pursuing their chosen path to make ends meet!
The word 生業 is a fascinating blend of characters that really paints a picture! The first character, '生' (shēng), means 'life' or 'to live'. The second character, '業' (yè), means 'business', 'occupation', or 'deed'. Put them together, and you get 'life's occupation' or 'the business of living'. It’s a beautifully direct way to describe what you do to sustain your life.
Historically, this term has been used in East Asian cultures for centuries to denote a person's trade or profession. In agrarian societies, it often referred to farming or a specific craft passed down through generations. As societies evolved and economies diversified, the meaning expanded to cover a wider range of professions, from skilled trades to intellectual pursuits. The concept itself is universal – everyone needs a way to support themselves – but the term 生業 captures this fundamental human need with a certain gravitas. It’s more than just a job; it’s the work that defines and sustains one’s existence.
生業 is typically used in a formal or semi-formal context when discussing someone's profession or primary means of earning a living. You wouldn't usually use it in casual chat with friends about your weekend plans, but it's perfect for more serious discussions about careers, economics, or social studies. Think of it as a more profound way to refer to 'work' or 'job'.
Common collocations include phrases like 'main 生業' (main occupation), 'pursue a 生業' (to follow a profession), or 'difficult 生業' (a challenging livelihood). It often pairs with verbs that indicate the act of doing or maintaining one's work. For example, you might say, 'His 生業 as a fisherman is demanding but rewarding.' Understanding these combinations helps you use 生業 naturally in sentences. It carries a sense of dedication and the importance of one's work to their overall life.
While 生業 itself isn't frequently embedded in highly idiomatic expressions like some other words, the concept it represents is central to many sayings about work and life. Here are a few related ideas:
- 'A man must live.' This common phrase implies that one must work to survive and support themselves. It highlights the necessity of having a livelihood. Example: "I know it's tough, but a man must live, so I'll take the overtime."
- 'To earn one's bread.' This idiom means to work for a living, emphasizing the effort required to obtain the basic necessities. Example: "She worked tirelessly to earn her bread and provide for her children."
- 'To make a go of it.' This refers to successfully making a living or succeeding in a particular venture or occupation. Example: "After many struggles, they finally managed to make a go of their small bakery."
- 'Day labor' / 'Breadwinner'. These terms directly relate to the concept of 生業, referring to someone who earns money daily or the person in a family who is the primary earner. Example: "He found day labor to support his family."
- 'To carve out a niche.' This means to find a specialized area or position where one can succeed, often referring to one's professional life. Example: "She carved out a niche for herself as a leading expert in marine biology."
The word 生業 functions as a noun in English, referring to an occupation or livelihood. As a noun, it is generally treated as singular and uncountable in the sense of 'livelihood' or 'profession'. You wouldn't typically say 'two 生業s' unless you were referring to distinct types of occupations someone holds simultaneously, which is rare.
For pronunciation, since 生業 is a word borrowed or translated from East Asian languages (primarily Chinese or Japanese), it doesn't have a standard English pronunciation. When used in English texts, it's often pronounced based on its original language pronunciation. In Mandarin Chinese, it would be roughly 'shēng yè' (shung yuh). In Japanese, it's 'seigyō'. When encountered in English, context usually clarifies its meaning without requiring a specific English phonetic rendering. Rhyming words would depend entirely on which language's pronunciation you are using.
Fun Fact
The characters literally combine 'life' (生) and 'occupation/deed' (業), creating a very direct and meaningful term for one's primary work.
Pronunciation Guide
As this is not a native English word, there is no standard UK IPA. Pronunciation depends on the original language (e.g., Mandarin Chinese: shēng yè; Japanese: seigyō).
As this is not a native English word, there is no standard US IPA. Pronunciation depends on the original language (e.g., Mandarin Chinese: shēng yè; Japanese: seigyō).
Common Errors
- Attempting to pronounce it with English phonetics, leading to mispronunciation.
- Over-emphasizing syllables incorrectly based on perceived English patterns.
- Using an incorrect tone or intonation if attempting the original language pronunciation.
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Easy to understand the concept, but the word itself might be unfamiliar.
Requires understanding context to use appropriately.
Pronunciation and usage require care.
Might be missed if the listener isn't familiar with the term.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
پیشرفته
Grammar to Know
Subject-Verb Agreement
His 生業 *is* demanding. (Singular subject, singular verb)
Countable vs. Uncountable Nouns
We discussed the *livelihood* (uncountable) of the villagers. They have several different *occupations* (countable).
Use of Articles (a/an/the)
She found *a* new 生業. *The* 生業 she chose was challenging.
Examples by Level
My father's 生業 is baking bread.
My father's occupation is baking bread.
Use 'is' for singular subjects.
Her 生業 is teaching children.
Her occupation is teaching children.
Gerund 'teaching' acts as object.
What is your 生業?
What is your occupation?
Simple question structure.
My 生業 is helping people.
My occupation is helping people.
Infinitive 'to help' shortened to 'helping'.
He has a difficult 生業.
He has a difficult occupation.
Adjective 'difficult' describes the noun.
Farming is her 生業.
Farming is her occupation.
Subject-verb-complement structure.
My 生業 makes me happy.
My occupation makes me happy.
Singular noun takes singular verb 'makes'.
This is my 生業.
This is my occupation.
Simple demonstrative sentence.
The carpenter's 生業 involves working with wood.
The carpenter's occupation involves working with wood.
'Involves' followed by a gerund.
She chose teaching as her primary 生業.
She chose teaching as her primary occupation.
'Primary' means main.
Many people in this town have fishing as their 生業.
Many people in this town have fishing as their occupation.
Plural subject 'people' with plural verb 'have'.
His 生業 as a musician requires a lot of practice.
His occupation as a musician requires a lot of practice.
'Requires' is the verb for the singular subject 'occupation'.
What kind of 生業 do you hope to have?
What kind of occupation do you hope to have?
Modal verb 'hope to have'.
The city offers many different 生業 opportunities.
The city offers many different occupation opportunities.
Plural noun 'opportunities'.
He changed his 生業 after ten years.
He changed his occupation after ten years.
Past tense verb 'changed'.
Her 生業 provides a stable income.
Her occupation provides a stable income.
Singular noun 'occupation' takes singular verb 'provides'.
The artist struggled to make a consistent 生業 from her paintings.
The artist struggled to make a consistent livelihood from her paintings.
'Struggled to' indicates difficulty.
His chosen 生業 as a historian allows him to explore the past.
His chosen profession as a historian allows him to explore the past.
'Allows' agrees with the singular subject 'profession'.
Many young people are seeking alternative forms of 生業.
Many young people are seeking alternative forms of livelihood.
'Seeking' implies looking for something.
The stability of his 生業 was crucial for his family's well-being.
The stability of his occupation was crucial for his family's well-being.
'Was' used for past state.
She decided to leave her lucrative 生業 to pursue her passion.
She decided to leave her lucrative profession to pursue her passion.
'Lucrative' means profitable.
Understanding the demands of the 生業 is key to success.
Understanding the demands of the occupation is key to success.
Gerund 'Understanding' as the subject.
His former 生業 as a journalist gave him valuable insights.
His former occupation as a journalist gave him valuable insights.
'Former' means previous.
The community relies on tourism as its main 生業.
The community relies on tourism as its main livelihood.
'Relies on' means depends on.
The transition from a traditional 生業 to the gig economy presents unique challenges.
The transition from a traditional livelihood to the gig economy presents unique challenges.
'Presents' agrees with the singular subject 'transition'.
He found fulfillment in his chosen 生業, despite its inherent difficulties.
He found fulfillment in his chosen profession, despite its inherent difficulties.
'Despite' introduces a contrast.
The government aims to foster diverse 生業 opportunities for its citizens.
The government aims to foster diverse livelihood opportunities for its citizens.
'Foster' means encourage.
Her extensive experience in the field solidified her reputation as a leading expert in her 生業.
Her extensive experience in the field solidified her reputation as a leading expert in her profession.
'Solidified' means made stronger.
The ethical considerations surrounding his 生業 weighed heavily on his conscience.
The ethical considerations surrounding his occupation weighed heavily on his conscience.
'Weighed heavily' means caused great concern.
Many artists grapple with the precarious nature of their 生業 in the contemporary market.
Many artists grapple with the precarious nature of their livelihood in the contemporary market.
'Grapple with' means struggle to deal with.
The decline of traditional manufacturing has impacted the 生業 of entire communities.
The decline of traditional manufacturing has impacted the livelihood of entire communities.
'Impacted' means affected.
He viewed his work not merely as a 生業, but as a calling.
He viewed his work not merely as an occupation, but as a calling.
'Merely' means only.
The intricate web of social and economic factors influences the viability of one's chosen 生業.
The intricate web of social and economic factors influences the viability of one's chosen profession.
'Viability' means ability to work successfully.
He dedicated his life to his 生業, forsaking personal comfort for professional renown.
He dedicated his life to his occupation, forsaking personal comfort for professional renown.
'Forsaking' means giving up.
The digital revolution has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of traditional 生業.
The digital revolution has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of traditional livelihoods.
'Reshaped' implies significant change.
Understanding the historical context of a particular 生業 provides crucial insights into societal evolution.
Understanding the historical context of a particular occupation provides crucial insights into societal evolution.
'Crucial' means extremely important.
The pursuit of a fulfilling 生業 often involves navigating complex personal and professional compromises.
The pursuit of a fulfilling occupation often involves navigating complex personal and professional compromises.
'Navigating' implies managing difficulties.
His 生業 as an investigative journalist demanded immense courage and resilience.
His profession as an investigative journalist demanded immense courage and resilience.
'Demanded' means required strongly.
The erosion of stable, long-term 生業 structures necessitates adaptive strategies for the modern workforce.
The erosion of stable, long-term livelihood structures necessitates adaptive strategies for the modern workforce.
'Necessitates' means makes necessary.
She found her true calling, transforming her passion into a sustainable 生業.
She found her true calling, transforming her passion into a sustainable occupation.
'Sustainable' means able to continue over time.
The socio-economic ramifications of automating traditional 生業 are a subject of ongoing debate.
The socio-economic ramifications of automating traditional occupations are a subject of ongoing debate.
'Ramifications' means consequences.
He meticulously cultivated his 生業, viewing each interaction as an opportunity to deepen his craft.
He meticulously cultivated his profession, viewing each interaction as an opportunity to deepen his craft.
'Cultivated' implies careful development.
The precariousness of freelance 生業 requires individuals to possess exceptional financial acumen and self-discipline.
The precariousness of freelance livelihoods requires individuals to possess exceptional financial acumen and self-discipline.
'Acumen' means sharp insight.
Understanding the historical trajectory of specific 生業 provides a lens through which to analyze broader cultural shifts.
Understanding the historical trajectory of specific occupations provides a lens through which to analyze broader cultural shifts.
'Trajectory' means path or course.
The commodification of creative expression has led many to question the intrinsic value of their chosen 生業.
The commodification of creative expression has led many to question the intrinsic value of their chosen profession.
'Intrinsic' means essential nature.
His 生業 as a polymath spanned disciplines, blurring the lines between art, science, and philosophy.
His occupation as a polymath spanned disciplines, blurring the lines between art, science, and philosophy.
'Polymath' means person with wide knowledge.
The enduring appeal of certain traditional 生業 lies in their connection to heritage and tangible craftsmanship.
The enduring appeal of certain traditional occupations lies in their connection to heritage and tangible craftsmanship.
'Enduring' means lasting.
Navigating the complexities of a globalized economy requires a reevaluation of the traditional concept of a singular, lifelong 生業.
Navigating the complexities of a globalized economy requires a reevaluation of the traditional concept of a singular, lifelong occupation.
'Reevaluation' means reconsideration.
ترکیبهای رایج
Idioms & Expressions
"Make a living"
To earn enough money to support oneself.
It's tough to make a living as a writer.
neutral"Earn one's bread"
To work hard to get the money needed for food and basic needs.
She worked two jobs to earn her bread.
neutral"A calling"
A strong urge towards a particular way of life or career.
He felt nursing was his calling.
formal"Day job"
A regular job that provides income, often contrasted with a passion or artistic pursuit.
He works as an accountant by day, but writes novels at night.
casual"Breadwinner"
The main earner in a family.
She is the sole breadwinner for her children.
neutral"To carve out a niche"
To find a specialized position or area where one can succeed.
She carved out a niche for herself in medical research.
neutralEasily Confused
Both refer to work done for pay.
'Job' is general, often temporary, and less formal. '生業' implies a more established, primary occupation or livelihood.
My 'job' is delivering packages, but my '生業' is writing novels.
Both relate to long-term work.
'Career' emphasizes progression, development, and advancement over time. '生業' focuses more on the current means of sustenance and occupation.
He has built a successful 'career' in medicine; his current '生業' is as a leading surgeon.
Both can imply a sense of calling or strong suitability.
'Vocation' strongly suggests a calling or deep inner pull towards a specific type of work, often with altruistic connotations. '生業' is more neutral about the motivation, focusing on the function of providing a livelihood.
She felt a 'vocation' to help others, making teaching her lifelong '生業'.
Both are types of work.
'Trade' typically refers to skilled manual labor or crafts (e.g., plumber, electrician). '生業' is broader and can include intellectual professions as well.
He learned the 'trade' of carpentry, which became his '生業'.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 'is/was' + 生業
Her 生業 is teaching.
Subject + 'has/had' + a + adjective + 生業
He has a stable 生業.
Subject + 'pursue/chose/left' + a + 生業
She decided to pursue a new 生業.
Subject + 'work/earn' + a + 生業
It's hard to earn a 生業 from art.
Noun + 'as a' + 生業
He works as a doctor.
خانواده کلمه
Nouns
Verbs
مرتبط
How to Use It
3/10 (When used in English, it's specific)
Formality Scale
اشتباهات رایج
'生業' implies a more permanent and significant occupation.
'生業' is often used as an uncountable noun referring to the concept of livelihood.
The core difference is financial gain and necessity.
'生業' carries a more formal or serious tone.
It's a loanword/concept, not a native English word with standard pronunciation.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a large 'S' (for 'Sustenance') linked to a 'Y' (for 'Your') forming the start of '生業'. This 'S-Y' represents your 'living enterprise'.
When Native Speakers Use It
While '生業' isn't a common native English word, the concept is used. Think of contexts discussing 'means of livelihood', 'principal occupation', or 'vocation', especially when referencing cultural backgrounds where the term is prevalent.
Cultural Insight
In many East Asian cultures, one's occupation (生業) is deeply tied to family honor and social standing. It's not just a job, but a fundamental part of one's identity and contribution to society.
Grammar Shortcut
Treat '生業' like 'livelihood' or 'occupation' in English grammar – usually uncountable or used with 'a'/'an'/'the' when referring to a specific instance.
Say It Right
If you need to pronounce it, research the Mandarin Chinese ('shēng yè') or Japanese ('seigyō') pronunciation. Listen to native speakers online.
Don't Make This Mistake
Avoid using '生業' for casual jobs or hobbies. Reserve it for more serious, established work that sustains you financially.
Did You Know?
The concept of '生業' emphasizes the 'living' aspect of work, highlighting its essential role in human existence beyond just earning money.
Study Smart
Create flashcards comparing 'job', 'occupation', 'career', and '生業'. Note the subtle differences in formality and emphasis for each.
Connect to Your Life
Think about your own '生業' (or the '生業' of people you know). What does this work mean to them beyond just the paycheck?
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'living' (生) and 'your enterprise' (業) - your living enterprise!
Visual Association
Imagine someone diligently tending to a small, thriving garden (their livelihood).
Word Web
چالش
Try using 'occupation' or 'livelihood' in a sentence, then replace it with '生業' (conceptually) and see how the tone changes.
ریشه کلمه
Chinese (生業)
Original meaning: 'Life's occupation' or 'the business of living'.
بافت فرهنگی
None specific, as it's a neutral term for work.
The term '生業' itself is not native to English. When used, it's often as a direct translation or concept from East Asian languages, carrying a slightly more formal or philosophical weight than 'job'.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Discussing careers
- What is your 生業?
- My 生業 involves...
- He changed his 生業.
Economic discussions
- The main 生業 of the town is tourism.
- Impact on traditional 生業.
Personal identity
- She found fulfillment in her 生業.
- His 生業 defines him.
Cultural studies
- The historical 生業 of artisans.
- Understanding different cultural 生業.
Conversation Starters
"What do you consider your main 生業?"
"How has the concept of 生業 changed over the generations?"
"Do you think people find more meaning in their 生業 today than in the past?"
"What are some challenges associated with maintaining a traditional 生業?"
"If you could choose any 生業, what would it be and why?"
Journal Prompts
Describe your ideal 生業 and explain why it appeals to you.
Reflect on how your current or past work has shaped your identity. How does it function as your 生業?
Write about a time you or someone you know faced challenges related to their 生業.
Imagine a future where the definition of 生業 has completely changed. What might that look like?
سوالات متداول
8 سوالNot exactly. While related, '生業' often implies a more significant, established, or primary occupation that provides a livelihood, carrying a more formal tone than the general term 'job'.
In English usage, '生業' is typically treated as uncountable when referring to the concept of livelihood. If you need to refer to multiple distinct occupations, you would usually use the English word 'occupations' or 'livelihoods'.
Consider using '生業' when you want to emphasize the foundational aspect of someone's work in sustaining their life, or when discussing it in a more formal, academic, or culturally specific context (often referencing East Asian concepts).
No, as it's not a native English word. Pronunciation depends on its original language (e.g., Mandarin Chinese 'shēng yè' or Japanese 'seigyō'). Context usually clarifies the meaning.
It's a neutral term describing one's occupation or livelihood. The connotation depends on the context and the specific occupation being discussed.
Potentially, if the hobby becomes your primary source of income and you depend on it for your livelihood. However, typically, '生業' refers to work done out of necessity or professional commitment, rather than purely for leisure.
'Career' often implies a progression and development over time, potentially involving multiple roles or advancements. '生業' focuses more on the current, established means of livelihood.
The term originates from Chinese characters (生業), literally meaning 'life's occupation' or 'the business of living'.
خودت رو بسنج
My dad's ____ is being a firefighter.
A firefighter's job is their occupation or livelihood.
Which word is closest in meaning to 生業?
Occupation refers to the work someone does to earn money.
生業 refers to something you do only for fun.
生業 is about earning money to live, not just for fun like a hobby.
Word
معنی
Matching professions to the type of 生業 they represent.
The sentence 'His stable 生業 provided security' is grammatically correct.
The transition to remote work has changed the nature of many people's ____.
Remote work directly affects one's occupation or livelihood.
Which phrase best captures the nuance of 生業 in a formal context?
'Chosen profession' implies dedication and a significant part of one's identity, similar to 生業.
The term 生業 exclusively refers to jobs requiring higher education.
生業 can refer to any occupation, including trades and crafts, that provides a livelihood.
The precariousness of freelance work often necessitates a robust financial ____.
While '生業' is related, 'outlook' (financial outlook) fits the context of managing finances for a livelihood.
The historical shift from agrarian societies meant that the nature of one's ________ began to diversify significantly.
The diversification of work directly relates to the concept of one's occupation or livelihood.
امتیاز: /10
Summary
生業 is the work that sustains your life, more than just a job, it's your fundamental occupation.
- 生業 refers to one's occupation or livelihood.
- It implies the primary work done to earn money and sustain life.
- Often used in formal contexts or when discussing the significance of work.
- Carries a meaning similar to 'occupation' or 'means of living'.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a large 'S' (for 'Sustenance') linked to a 'Y' (for 'Your') forming the start of '生業'. This 'S-Y' represents your 'living enterprise'.
When Native Speakers Use It
While '生業' isn't a common native English word, the concept is used. Think of contexts discussing 'means of livelihood', 'principal occupation', or 'vocation', especially when referencing cultural backgrounds where the term is prevalent.
Cultural Insight
In many East Asian cultures, one's occupation (生業) is deeply tied to family honor and social standing. It's not just a job, but a fundamental part of one's identity and contribution to society.
Grammar Shortcut
Treat '生業' like 'livelihood' or 'occupation' in English grammar – usually uncountable or used with 'a'/'an'/'the' when referring to a specific instance.
مثال
農業は彼の家族の生業です。
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