In 15 Seconds
- Refers to the status of being employed or finding a job.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and economic contexts.
- Focuses on the career milestone rather than daily tasks.
Meaning
This phrase refers to the act of getting a job or entering the workforce. It is less about the daily grind and more about the big-picture milestone of starting your career or finding a position.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing post-graduation plans
毕业后你想去哪座城市就业？
Which city do you want to find employment in after graduation?
A formal news report
今年的就业形势非常严峻。
The employment situation this year is very tough.
Texting a friend about a new lead
我终于解决就业问题了！
I finally solved my employment problem!
Cultural Background
The term has gained immense weight in the last two decades as China's university graduate numbers skyrocketed. It is often associated with the 'Iron Rice Bowl' concept, though modern youth now use it to describe entering the competitive private sector. It is a frequent buzzword in government reports and news cycles regarding the economy.
The 'Big Picture' Word
Use `就业` when you want to sound like you are thinking about your future, not just your next paycheck.
Don't use it for 'At Work'
If you are currently at your desk and someone calls, say `我在工作` or `我在上班`, never `我在就业`.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to the status of being employed or finding a job.
- Commonly used in professional, academic, and economic contexts.
- Focuses on the career milestone rather than daily tasks.
What It Means
就业 is your go-to word for the concept of 'employment.' It is not just about 'working' (which is 工作). It is about the transition into a role. Think of it as the 'big' word for getting hired. It covers the status of being employed versus being a student or unemployed. It is the bridge between school and the real world.
How To Use It
Use it when discussing career paths or job markets. You do not usually say 'I am going to 就业 tomorrow morning' when heading to the office. Instead, you use it to talk about your career status. You can say 就业机会 for 'job opportunities.' You can also talk about 就业率, which is the 'employment rate.' It functions as both a verb and a noun. It is very flexible in professional discussions.
When To Use It
Use it when you are graduating and looking for your first 'real' job. It is perfect for talking to parents about your future. Use it in meetings when discussing hiring trends. It works well when comparing different industries. If you are talking about the economy, this is your word. It sounds smart and grounded.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for casual tasks or chores. If you are washing dishes, that is not 就业. Avoid it when asking a friend 'Are you working today?' Use 上班 for that. It is too heavy for small talk about your daily schedule. Do not use it for temporary side hustles unless they are formal roles. It implies a level of professional commitment.
Cultural Background
In China, 就业 is a massive topic for families. Parents often prioritize 'stable 就业' above all else. This usually means a government job or a big tech firm. The 'graduation season' is often called the 'employment season' (就业季). There is a lot of social pressure tied to this word. It represents adulthood and financial independence in the eyes of society.
Common Variations
就业率 is the employment rate everyone worries about. 再就业 refers to re-employment, often for older workers. 自主就业 means being self-employed or starting your own thing. You might also hear 就业压力, which is the 'employment pressure' felt by graduates. These variations show how deeply the word is rooted in social issues.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-formal term. It is best used in discussions about career status, economic trends, or formal applications rather than daily office activities.
The 'Big Picture' Word
Use `就业` when you want to sound like you are thinking about your future, not just your next paycheck.
Don't use it for 'At Work'
If you are currently at your desk and someone calls, say `我在工作` or `我在上班`, never `我在就业`.
The Iron Rice Bowl
In China, 'stable employment' (`稳定就业`) often implies a job that is impossible to get fired from, like a civil servant.
Examples
6毕业后你想去哪座城市就业？
Which city do you want to find employment in after graduation?
Focuses on the long-term career move.
今年的就业形势非常严峻。
The employment situation this year is very tough.
Standard way to describe the job market.
我终于解决就业问题了！
I finally solved my employment problem!
A slightly humorous, dramatic way to say 'I got a job!'
别担心，你一定能找到理想的就业岗位。
Don't worry, you will definitely find an ideal job position.
Uses the formal term to show respect for their career goals.
像我这么懒的人，就业太难了。
For someone as lazy as me, finding employment is too hard.
Self-deprecating humor using a serious word.
我们公司为大学生提供很多就业机会。
Our company provides many employment opportunities for college students.
Standard professional recruitment language.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about the job market.
大学生毕业后面临很大的___压力。
`就业压力` (employment pressure) is a common collocation for graduates.
Which word fits best when talking about a city's job stats?
这个城市的___率很高。
`就业率` means employment rate, a key economic indicator.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Working'
Doing stuff/tasks
干活 (gàn huó)
General work/to work
工作 (gōng zuò)
Professional employment
就业 (jiù yè)
When to use 就业
Graduation
Finding a first career
Government
Economic statistics
HR Office
Hiring discussions
Family Dinner
Discussing future stability
Practice Bank
2 exercises大学生毕业后面临很大的___压力。
`就业压力` (employment pressure) is a common collocation for graduates.
这个城市的___率很高。
`就业率` means employment rate, a key economic indicator.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. 工作 is the general word for 'work' or 'a job.' 就业 is more formal and refers to the state of being employed or the process of entering the job market.
No, it doesn't work that way. You would say 我就业了 to mean 'I have found employment' or use it as a noun like 就业机会 (employment opportunity).
Yes, but it sounds a bit serious. It is like saying 'I have secured a position' instead of 'I got a job.' Use it when talking about serious life plans.
It means 'employment rate.' You will see this in news reports or university brochures to show how many people found jobs: 这所大学的就业率很高.
You can use 自主就业 (zì zhǔ jiù yè) or 创业 (chuàng yè - starting a business). 自主就业 is the more official term.
Usually, no. For part-time work, use 兼职 (jiān zhí). 就业 implies a more permanent or professional career step.
It means 're-employment.' It is often used for people who were laid off and are looking for a new career path later in life.
June is graduation season in China! It is the peak 就业季 (employment season) when millions of students enter the workforce.
It is both! As a verb: 他还没就业 (He hasn't found a job yet). As a noun: 就业是民生之本 (Employment is the basis of people's livelihood).
Using it to describe daily actions. You can't say 'I have a lot of 就业 to do today.' You should use 工作 there.
Related Phrases
工作
Work / Job (General)
上班
To go to work / To be on the clock
失业
Unemployment / To lose a job
职业
Occupation / Profession
招聘
Recruitment / To hire
