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A2 verb #7,500 most common 10 min read

立业

liye Top 7,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 立业 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 立业 in your Level:

At the A1 level, '立业' (lìyè) is a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a very important version of '工作' (gōngzuò - work). Imagine you are not just finding a job for today, but you are building a 'big job' for your whole life. The character '立' (lì) is like a person standing on the ground. It means 'to stand.' The character '业' (yè) means 'business' or 'work.' So, '立业' is like 'standing up in your work.' You might hear people say it when they talk about what they want to do when they grow up. It's a formal way to say 'start a career.' Even at A1, you can remember the phrase '成家立业' (chéng jiā lì yè), which means 'start a family and start a career.' It's a very common goal in China. You don't need to use it in every sentence, but when you see it, think of a person standing tall because they have a good, stable job that they are proud of. It's about being independent and not needing money from your parents anymore. It's a 'grown-up' word!

At the A2 level, you are starting to learn about life milestones. '立业' (lìyè) is a key milestone in Chinese culture. It is a verb that means 'to establish a career.' While '找工作' (zhǎo gōngzuò) means 'to look for a job,' '立业' is more about the long-term result. For example, if you graduate from university and get a good job at a bank, and you plan to stay there and grow, people might say you are starting to '立业.' You will often see this word in stories about successful people or in advice from parents. A common sentence structure is: '他想在三十岁以前立业' (He wants to establish his career before age 30). Notice that we don't put an object after '立业.' You don't '立业 a company'; you just '立业.' It's a state of being professionally settled. You should also learn the opposite idea, '失业' (shīyè), which means to lose your job. '立业' is the positive goal that everyone works hard to achieve. It represents stability and success in your professional life.

At the B1 level, you should understand the cultural expectations tied to '立业' (lìyè). In China, '立业' is not just a personal choice; it's often seen as a social responsibility. Traditionally, a man was expected to '立业' before he could '成家' (start a family). This is because '立业' provides the financial and social foundation for a household. You will hear this word in discussions about the 'pressure' (压力 - yālì) young people feel in modern China. Because the cost of living is high, '立业' has become more difficult, leading to many social debates. You can use '立业' in your own essays about your future plans. For example: '为了在竞争激烈的社会中立业，我必须不断学习' (In order to establish a career in a competitive society, I must constantly learn). You can also use the phrase '白手立业' (báishǒu lìyè) to describe someone who started with nothing and built a successful career. This shows a higher level of vocabulary and an understanding of Chinese idioms. At this level, you should be able to distinguish '立业' from '创业' (starting a business) and '就业' (getting employed).

At the B2 level, '立业' (lìyè) should be used to discuss complex professional and social themes. You should recognize its use in formal contexts, such as business news, graduation addresses, and literature. '立业' implies a sense of 'vocation' or 'calling.' It's not just about earning a salary; it's about establishing a professional identity and contribution. You might encounter the phrase '建功立业' (jiàngōng lìyè), which means to perform great deeds and establish a career. This is often used in a historical or heroic context. In modern business, you might hear about a company's '立业之本' (the foundation of the business), referring to the core values or products that allowed the company to establish itself. You should also be able to discuss the changing definitions of '立业' in the digital age. Does being a 'KOL' (Key Opinion Leader) or a freelancer count as '立业'? This is a great topic for a B2-level debate. Your usage should reflect an understanding that '立业' is a formal, significant term that carries a sense of accomplishment and permanence.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '立业' (lìyè) should encompass its philosophical and historical roots. You should be familiar with the Confucian concept of '三十而立' (sānshí ér lì), which suggests that by age thirty, one should have established their values and professional standing. '立业' is the modern practical application of this 'standing.' In C1 writing, you can use '立业' to analyze social structures and economic trends. For instance, you might write about how 'housing prices affect the ability of the younger generation to 立业.' You should also be able to use the word in metaphorical ways. For example, '立言、立功、立德' are the three ways to achieve immortality in traditional Chinese thought; '立业' is the physical manifestation of '立功' (establishing merit) in one's professional life. You should be able to nuance the difference between '立业' (establishing a career) and '兴业' (prospering a business), using each in the correct register. Your mastery of '立业' at this level involves using it to describe not just individual success, but the building of institutions and legacies.

At the C2 level, '立业' (lìyè) is a tool for sophisticated discourse on human development and societal evolution. You can analyze the word's etymology and its evolution from agrarian 'property' to modern 'professionalism.' You should be comfortable using '立业' in high-level academic or professional writing to discuss the 'founding' of industries or the establishment of systemic frameworks. For example, '该政策旨在为高科技企业在海外立业提供法律保障' (The policy aims to provide legal protection for high-tech enterprises establishing themselves overseas). You can also explore the existential side: at what point is a career truly 'established'? Is '立业' a static goal or a dynamic process? In a C2 context, you might use '立业' to discuss the 'foundational acts' of historical figures or the 'professionalization' of previously informal sectors. Your usage should be indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, utilizing the word's full range of connotations—from the personal struggle of a 'self-made man' (白手立业) to the grand ambitions of a nation establishing its industrial base.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

立业 in 30 Seconds

立业 (lìyè) means to establish a career or business, focusing on long-term professional stability and independence.
It is a formal verb often used to describe life milestones and the transition to adulthood in Chinese society.
The word is most famous in the idiom '成家立业', which means to start a family and establish a career.
It contrasts with '找工作' (finding a job) by emphasizing the 'establishment' and 'foundation' of a lifelong vocation.

The Chinese term 立业 (lìyè) is a profound verb that transcends the simple English concept of 'getting a job.' At its core, it represents the act of establishing oneself professionally, building a foundation for a lifelong career, or founding a business. The character 立 (lì) means 'to stand' or 'to establish,' while 业 (yè) refers to 'industry,' 'business,' or 'profession.' Together, they describe the pivotal life stage where an individual transitions from a dependent state to becoming a productive, stable member of society. This word is heavily imbued with traditional Chinese values regarding responsibility, maturity, and social status. In modern contexts, it is used to discuss long-term career planning, entrepreneurship, and the societal expectations placed on young adults.

Cultural Weight: In Chinese culture, '立业' is often seen as a prerequisite for '成家' (starting a family), forming the famous idiom '成家立业'.

他决定先在上海立业，然后再考虑结婚。 (He decided to establish his career in Shanghai first before considering marriage.)

When you use '立业', you are not talking about a part-time job or a temporary gig. You are talking about a 'calling' or a 'vocation' that provides not just income, but a sense of identity and place in the world. It is frequently heard in graduation speeches, career counseling, and family discussions. For instance, a father might tell his son that he needs to '立业' before he can truly be considered a man. This reflects the traditional view that professional stability is the bedrock of a successful life. However, in the 21st century, the definition has expanded. For the 'Gen Z' population in China, '立业' might mean launching a successful tech startup or becoming a recognized professional in a creative field, rather than just securing a government 'iron rice bowl' job.

Modern Usage: Nowadays, '立业' is also used in the context of corporate branding, where a company '立业' (establishes its business) in a new market.

艰苦奋斗，白手立业。 (Work hard and start a career from scratch.)

The word carries a sense of gravity. It implies a struggle, a commitment, and eventually, a triumph. Whether it is a young graduate entering the workforce or a middle-aged professional pivoting to a new industry, '立业' describes the process of making one's mark. It is also common in political and economic discourse, referring to the establishment of national industries. When a leader speaks of '工业立业' (establishing industry), they are talking about building the very framework of a nation's economy. Therefore, when learning this word, understand that it is more than a verb; it is a milestone. It is the achievement of professional independence and the start of a legacy.

Using 立业 (lìyè) correctly requires understanding its role as an intransitive verb that often functions as a goal or a state of being. Unlike '找工作' (zhǎo gōngzuò - to look for a job), which is an action, '立业' is a thematic achievement. It is often preceded by adverbs of manner or time, or used within fixed four-character idioms. Because it is a formal and significant term, it is rarely used for trivial matters. You wouldn't use it to describe a summer internship; you use it to describe the grand arc of a professional journey.

Common Pattern 1: Goal-Oriented: Subject + 想/要/打算 + 立业. This expresses a desire to establish a career.

年轻人的首要任务是立业。 (The primary task for young people is to establish their careers.)

Another common way to use '立业' is in the phrase '白手立业' (báishǒu lìyè), which means to start a career or business from scratch (literally 'with empty hands'). This is a highly complimentary phrase used to describe self-made individuals. It highlights the grit and determination required to succeed without family wealth or connections. In this context, '立业' is the ultimate proof of an individual's capability. You might also see it used with '安家' (ānjiā - to settle down), as in '安家立业', emphasizing the dual necessity of a home and a career for a stable life.

Common Pattern 2: Conditional: 只有...才能立业. (Only by ... can one establish a career.)

只有勤奋工作，才能在异国他乡立业。 (Only by working hard can one establish a career in a foreign land.)

Furthermore, '立业' is often used in the context of '建功立业' (jiàngōng lìyè), which means to build up merit and establish a career. This is a very high-level phrase, often used in historical dramas or when discussing great achievements in science, politics, or the military. It suggests that one's career is not just about earning money, but about contributing something meaningful to history or society. When using this word, consider the scale of the ambition. It is a word of 'big' intentions. If you are talking to a Chinese person about your long-term plans to build a school or start a tech firm, using '立业' will convey a level of seriousness and maturity that '找工作' simply cannot match.

In the real world, 立业 (lìyè) is a staple of serious conversation. You will hear it most frequently in settings that involve life planning, social expectations, and professional development. For example, during the Chinese New Year, when families gather, elders often ask younger relatives about their '立业' progress. It is a polite (though sometimes stressful) way of asking if the young person has found a stable, respectable career path. It signifies that the family views the individual as reaching an age where they should be self-sufficient.

Context: Family & Marriage: Matchmakers and parents often discuss '立业' as a criteria for a good spouse. A person who has '立业' is seen as reliable.

他还没立业，现在谈婚论嫁太早了。 (He hasn't established his career yet; it's too early to talk about marriage.)

You will also encounter '立业' in the business and motivational sphere. Podcasts, self-help books, and 'Successology' (成功学 - chénggōngxué) seminars in China use this word constantly. In these contexts, '立业' is portrayed as the ultimate goal of the 'struggle' (奋斗 - fèndòu). It is associated with the 'Chinese Dream' and the idea that through personal effort, anyone can establish a legacy. News reports on successful entrepreneurs frequently use the phrase '白手立业' to describe the rags-to-riches stories of tech giants like Jack Ma. This gives the word a flavor of aspiration and inspiration.

Context: Education & Graduation: University presidents often use '立业' in commencement speeches to encourage students to serve society through their careers.

希望大家在各自的岗位上建功立业。 (I hope everyone builds merit and establishes their careers in their respective positions.)

Lastly, '立业' is found in the names of companies and investment firms. Because the word carries connotations of stability, success, and foundational strength, it is a popular choice for businesses that want to project a professional image. When you see '立业' in a company name, it's a signal of their ambition to be a pillar of their industry. In summary, '立业' is heard wherever people discuss the serious business of building a life, a company, or a nation. It is a word of substance that reflects the enduring Chinese focus on professional achievement as a measure of a person's worth.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with 立业 (lìyè) is treating it as a synonym for 'finding a job.' While both involve working, '立业' implies a long-term, foundational establishment. If you say '我明天要去立业' (I am going to 'lìyè' tomorrow) to mean you have a job interview, it sounds very strange. You 'find' a job, but you 'achieve' or 'pursue' the state of '立业'. It is a process and a result, not a single event like getting hired.

Mistake 1: Misusing as a direct object: Incorrect: 我想立业一个公司. (I want to 'lìyè' a company.) Correct: 我想创业. (I want to start a business.)

错误：他在北京立业了一份工作。 (Wrong: He 'established a career' a job in Beijing.)

Another error is confusing '立业' with '创业' (chuàngyè). '创业' specifically means starting a new business or being an entrepreneur. While starting a business is a way to '立业', '立业' is a broader term. You can '立业' by becoming a partner in a law firm, a senior surgeon, or a tenured professor. '立业' is about the status of being established, whereas '创业' is about the act of creating a company. Using them interchangeably can lead to confusion about whether you are talking about your career status or your entrepreneurial activities.

Mistake 2: Tone Mismatch: Using '立业' in very casual slang contexts. It is a formal word. In a bar with friends, you'd say '混得不错' (doing well) rather than '已立业'.

正确用法：他三十岁就成家立业了。 (Correct: He started a family and established a career by thirty.)

Finally, learners sometimes forget the cultural nuance of '立业' in relation to age. In China, there is a traditional saying '三十而立' (sānshí ér lì) from Confucius, meaning 'at thirty, I stood firm.' This 'standing firm' is often interpreted as '立业'. Therefore, using '立业' for someone in their late teens might sound premature, while using it for someone in their 50s might imply they only just settled down. Contextual age and stage of life are crucial when deploying this word to ensure it sounds natural and carries the intended weight.

To master 立业 (lìyè), it is helpful to compare it with other words in the 'work' and 'career' semantic field. Chinese has a rich vocabulary for different aspects of professional life, and choosing the right one depends on whether you are talking about the act of working, the act of starting a business, or the state of being successful.

立业 vs. 创业 (chuàngyè): '创业' is specifically entrepreneurship (starting a new venture). '立业' is the broader goal of establishing a stable career, whether through entrepreneurship or employment.
立业 vs. 就业 (jiùyè): '就业' is a technical term for 'employment.' It is used in statistics and government reports (e.g., 'employment rate'). '立业' is more personal and aspirational.

很多大学生选择创业来实现立业的目标。 (Many college students choose entrepreneurship to achieve the goal of establishing a career.)

Another word to consider is '成名' (chéngmíng - to become famous). While '立业' is about professional stability, '成名' is about recognition. One can '立业' (have a solid career as a local accountant) without ever '成名'. Conversely, one can '成名' (become a viral sensation) without truly '立业' (having a sustainable career path). Then there is '发财' (fācái - to get rich). '立业' usually leads to financial stability, but its focus is on the *profession* and *standing*, whereas '发财' is strictly about the *money*.

立业 vs. 守业 (shǒuyè): '守业' means to maintain an already established business (often one inherited from parents). There is a saying: '创业容易守业难' (Starting a business is easy, maintaining it is hard).

In formal speeches, you might also hear '兴业' (xīngyè), which means to make a business flourish or to promote industry. This is often used for banks (e.g., Industrial Bank - 兴业银行) or large-scale economic projects. While '立业' is about the *foundation*, '兴业' is about the *growth* and *prosperity*. By understanding these nuances, you can navigate professional conversations in Chinese with much greater precision, showing that you understand not just the words, but the values behind them.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, '业' wasn't just a job; it often referred to the land or the family trade passed down through generations. To '立业' meant to successfully take over or expand that legacy.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /liː jɛ/

US /liː jɛ/

Primary stress on the first syllable 'Lì'.

Rhymes With

地 (dì) 气 (qì) 力 (lì) 意 (yì) 夜 (yè) 界 (jiè) 切 (qiè) 烈 (liè)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'ye' like the English 'ye' (as in 'ye olde'). It should sound like the 'ye' in 'yes'.
Failing to use the 4th tone (falling) for both characters, making it sound flat.
Confusing 'ye' with 'yi'.
Softening the 'l' in 'li' too much.
Shortening the 'e' in 'ye' too much.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are relatively common but the cultural nuance requires context.

Writing 4/5

The character '业' can be tricky to write correctly (stroke order).

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you master the 4th tone.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with other 'li' and 'ye' words if not careful.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

工作事业公司毕业努力

Learn Next

创业就业成就贡献稳定

Advanced

三十而立建功立业经世致用白手起家宏图大志

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements

他终于立业了。 (The 'le' indicates a completed result/state).

Purpose Clauses with 为了

为了立业，他付出了很多努力。

Serial Verb Construction

他去上海立业。 (Go to Shanghai to establish a career).

Adverbial Modification

他成功地立业了。

Intransitive Usage

他立业了。 (No object needed).

Examples by Level

我想在中国立业。

I want to start a career in China.

Subject + 想 + 在 [Place] + 立业.

他努力工作，为了立业。

He works hard in order to start a career.

为了 (for the purpose of) + 立业.

我哥哥已经立业了。

My older brother has already started his career.

Use '了' to show the state has been achieved.

先立业，再成家。

Establish a career first, then start a family.

A common cultural proverb.

他在北京立业。

He is starting his career in Beijing.

在 [Place] + 立业.

立业不容易。

Starting a career is not easy.

Subject (立业) + Adjective (不容易).

我要学习，我要立业。

I want to study, I want to start a career.

Parallel structure for emphasis.

爸爸希望我早点立业。

Dad hopes I start my career early.

希望 (hope) + [Person] + 立业.

他大学毕业后就去上海立业了。

After graduating from university, he went to Shanghai to establish his career.

毕业后 (after graduation) + 就 (then) + 立业.

在这个城市立业需要很多钱。

Establishing a career in this city requires a lot of money.

立业 functions as the subject here.

她想在三十岁前立业。

She wants to establish her career before thirty.

在 [Time] 前 + 立业.

白手立业是一件很伟大的事情。

Starting a career from scratch is a great thing.

白手立业 (idiom) as a noun phrase.

他还在努力立业中。

He is still in the middle of trying to establish his career.

在...中 (in the process of).

他是一个已经立业的人。

He is a person who has already established a career.

立业 as an adjective modifying '人'.

为了立业，他每天工作十小时。

To establish a career, he works ten hours every day.

Purpose clause at the beginning.

立业是他的梦想。

Establishing a career is his dream.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object.

在这个竞争激烈的社会，立业并不容易。

In this highly competitive society, establishing a career is not easy.

Competitive society context.

他想先立业，等经济稳定了再结婚。

He wants to establish his career first and wait until his finances are stable before marrying.

Conditional '等...再'.

很多年轻人选择出国立业。

Many young people choose to go abroad to establish their careers.

Verb + Verb (选择 + 出国 + 立业).

他通过艰苦奋斗，终于在深圳立业了。

Through hard struggle, he finally established his career in Shenzhen.

通过 (through) + Method.

只有不断学习，才能在职场中立业。

Only by continuous learning can one establish a career in the workplace.

只有...才能 (Only... can).

他白手立业的故事激励了很多人。

His story of starting from scratch inspired many people.

立业 story as a compound noun.

他已经立业多年，经验非常丰富。

He has been established in his career for many years and is very experienced.

立业 + Duration (多年).

立业需要眼光，也需要运气。

Establishing a career requires vision and also luck.

Parallel requirements.

他不仅想立业，还想为社会做出贡献。

He not only wants to establish a career but also wants to contribute to society.

不仅...还 (Not only... but also).

建功立业是古代文人的最高理想。

Performing great deeds and establishing a career was the highest ideal of ancient scholars.

Historical idiom '建功立业'.

他在科技领域立业，成为了一名著名的工程师。

He established his career in the tech field and became a famous engineer.

在 [Field] 立业.

对于他来说，立业意味着实现自我价值。

For him, establishing a career means realizing self-worth.

意味着 (means/implies).

他虽然遇到了很多困难，但从未放弃立业的念头。

Although he encountered many difficulties, he never gave up the idea of establishing a career.

虽然...但 (Although... but).

在异国他乡立业，面临着巨大的语言和文化障碍。

Establishing a career in a foreign land involves facing huge language and cultural barriers.

Facing obstacles context.

他通过创办自己的公司，实现了白手立业的梦想。

By starting his own company, he realized his dream of starting from scratch.

实现...梦想 (realize a dream).

立业之初，他每天都感到压力巨大。

At the beginning of establishing his career, he felt immense pressure every day.

立业之初 (at the beginning of...).

在这个瞬息万变的时代，如何立业是一个值得探讨的问题。

In this rapidly changing era, how to establish a career is a question worth exploring.

Worth exploring context.

他深知，立业不仅是个人成功，更是家庭的保障。

He knows well that establishing a career is not just personal success, but a guarantee for the family.

不仅是...更是 (Not only... but even more).

他这种白手立业的精神，值得所有创业者学习。

His spirit of starting from scratch is worth learning for all entrepreneurs.

Spirit of '立业'.

他在学术界立业，发表了多篇具有影响力的论文。

He established himself in academia, publishing several influential papers.

Academic context.

立业的过程往往伴随着孤独和自我怀疑。

The process of establishing a career is often accompanied by loneliness and self-doubt.

Psychological state description.

他希望通过这份事业，在行业内立业并获得话语权。

He hopes to establish himself in the industry and gain a voice through this career.

Gaining influence context.

儒家思想强调‘三十而立’，这实际上就是要求人们在三十岁左右立业。

Confucianism emphasizes 'standing at thirty,' which actually requires people to establish a career around that age.

Historical/Cultural analysis.

他在法律界立业多年，积累了深厚的人脉和声望。

Having established himself in the legal profession for many years, he has accumulated deep connections and prestige.

Accumulating prestige context.

立业之本在于诚信，这是他多年来一直恪守的信条。

The foundation of establishing a career lies in integrity; this is the creed he has adhered to for years.

Philosophical 'foundation' context.

在全球化的背景下，跨国企业如何在本土市场立业是一个复杂的课题。

In the context of globalization, how multinational enterprises establish themselves in local markets is a complex subject.

Corporate/Macroeconomic context.

他不仅在商业上立业，更在慈善领域树立了典范。

He not only established a career in business but also set an example in the field of philanthropy.

Setting an example context.

立业并非一蹴而就，而是需要长期的积累和不懈的努力。

Establishing a career is not something that happens overnight; it requires long-term accumulation and unremitting effort.

Negation of 'overnight success'.

他在艺术领域立业的道路充满了坎坷，但他最终赢得了世界的认可。

The path to establishing his career in the arts was full of ups and downs, but he eventually won world recognition.

Artistic career path.

这种立业观反映了当代青年对个人价值和社会责任的重新思考。

This view of career establishment reflects contemporary youth's rethinking of personal value and social responsibility.

Sociological reflection.

他在政界立业，致力于推动社会公平和正义。

He established a career in politics, dedicating himself to promoting social equity and justice.

Political establishment context.

立业的真谛不在于财富的多少，而在于对社会贡献的大小。

The true meaning of establishing a career lies not in the amount of wealth, but in the magnitude of the contribution to society.

Existential 'true meaning' context.

Common Collocations

白手立业

艰苦立业

安家立业

建功立业

海外立业

独自立业

立业之本

立业目标

立业过程

立业精神

Common Phrases

成家立业

— To get married and establish a career. The standard definition of adult success.

父母都希望孩子能早日成家立业。

白手立业

— To start a career or business from scratch without help.

他白手立业的故事非常感人。

建功立业

— To perform great deeds and establish a career/legacy.

他在战场上建功立业。

安家立业

— To settle down and establish a career in a specific place.

他在北京安家立业已经十年了。

立业之基

— The foundation of a career.

良好的教育是立业之基。

奋发立业

— To work hard and strive to establish a career.

年轻人应当奋发立业。

功成立业

— To achieve success and establish a career.

他终于功成立业。

立业之道

— The way or method of establishing a career.

诚信是立业之道。

立业良机

— A great opportunity to establish a career.

这是你立业的良机。

立业难

— Establishing a career is difficult.

现如今，年轻人立业难。

Often Confused With

立业 vs 创业

创业 is the act of starting a business; 立业 is the state of having established a career.

立业 vs 就业

就业 is the technical term for being employed; 立业 is more personal and aspirational.

立业 vs 开业

开业 refers specifically to the opening of a shop or business for the first time.

Idioms & Expressions

"成家立业"

— Establishing a household and a career.

他三十岁才成家立业。

Common

"白手起家"

— Similar to 白手立业; starting from zero.

他白手起家，创立了这家公司。

Common

"建功立业"

— Building merit and establishing a career.

立志为国建功立业。

Formal/Literary

"安身立命"

— To settle down and get on with one's life (broader than just career).

这门手艺是他安身立命的根本。

Literary

"三十而立"

— Confucius' saying that one should be established at thirty.

古人云：三十而立。

Classical/Formal

"业精于勤"

— Excellence in work comes from diligence.

业精于勤，荒于嬉。

Literary

"百废待兴"

— Many things waiting to be established/rebuilt.

战后百废待兴。

Formal

"兢兢业业"

— Cautious and conscientious in one's work.

他工作一直兢兢业业。

Common

"克勤克俭"

— Industrious and frugal (often related to building a business).

他克勤克俭，终于立业。

Formal

"前程似锦"

— A career/future as bright as brocade.

祝你前程似锦，早日立业。

Polite/Greeting

Easily Confused

立业 vs 事业

Both involve careers.

事业 is a noun (career/cause); 立业 is a verb (to establish a career).

他的事业很成功 vs 他立业了。

立业 vs 职业

Both refer to jobs.

职业 is a noun meaning 'profession' or 'occupation.'

他的职业是老师。

立业 vs 开业

Sounds similar.

开业 is for a shop opening day; 立业 is for a person's life achievement.

理发店今天开业。

立业 vs 家业

Both have '业'.

家业 is family property or family business.

他继承了家业。

立业 vs 专业

Common word.

专业 means 'major' (in school) or 'professional' (as an adjective).

我的专业是会计。

Sentence Patterns

Subject + 想 + 立业。

我想立业。

为了 + Goal, Subject + 立业。

为了生活，他在北京立业。

Subject + 已经 + 立业 + 了。

他已经立业了。

Subject + 通过 + Method + 立业。

他通过努力工作立业。

Subject + 在 [Field] + 立业。

他在医学界立业。

只有...才能 + 立业。

只有坚持到底，才能立业。

Subject + 是 + 白手立业 + 的。

他是白手立业的。

立业之本 + 在于 + Key Factor。

立业之本在于诚信。

Word Family

Nouns

事业 (shìyè - career/cause)

学业 (xuéyè - studies)

工业 (gōngyè - industry)

家业 (jiāyè - family business)

Verbs

立志 (lìzhì - to set a goal)

立足 (lìzú - to gain a foothold)

创业 (chuàngyè - to start a business)

就业 (jiùyè - to get a job)

Adjectives

职业 (zhíyè - professional)

专业 (zhuānyè - specialized)

业余 (yèyú - amateur/spare time)

成功 (chénggōng)

奋斗 (fèndòu)

公司 (gōngsī)

老板 (lǎobǎn)

工资 (gōngzī)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in career/social discussions, rare in daily task descriptions.

Common Mistakes

我立业了一个公司。 → 我创办了一个公司。
'立业' is an intransitive verb and cannot take an object like 'company'.
他正在立业找工作。 → 他正在找工作。
'立业' is the goal/state, not the action of looking for a job.
我明天想去立业。 → 我明天想去上班。
You don't 'go to' '立业' like a physical location; it's a life milestone.
他在工厂里立业。 → 他在工厂里工作。
Unless he is building his life's work there, '工作' is more natural for a specific location.
他立业了很多钱。 → 他赚了很多钱。
'立业' is about career standing, not the act of earning money directly.

Tips

Context Matters

Only use '立业' when referring to long-term career establishment, not temporary employment.

No Direct Object

Remember that '立业' doesn't take an object. You can't '立业 a job'.

The Age 30 Factor

Be aware of the 'Thirty and Standing' (三十而立) cultural expectation often linked to this word.

Idiom Power

Using '成家立业' or '白手立业' makes your Chinese sound much more natural and advanced.

Tone Accuracy

Both characters are 4th tone. Make them sharp and clear to convey the 'firmness' of the word.

Choose 创业 for Startups

If you specifically mean starting a tech company, '创业' is more precise than '立业'.

Opposite is 失业

To remember '立业' (establishing), think of its opposite '失业' (losing/unemployed).

The 'Stand' Mnemonic

Visualize yourself 'standing' (立) on your career (业) like a platform.

Root Meaning

Knowing that '业' once meant 'property' helps explain why the word implies stability.

Formal Situations

This is a great word for speeches, interviews, and formal letters about your future.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a person 'Standing' (立) on their 'Business' (业). If you stand on your business, you have established your career.

Visual Association

Imagine a young professional standing tall on top of a skyscraper that they helped build. The height represents their '业' (industry/career).

Word Web

Job Career Independence Business Foundation Success Stability Adulthood

Challenge

Try to use '立业' in a sentence that describes your 10-year plan. Focus on the idea of 'stability' rather than just 'money'.

Word Origin

The word '立业' is composed of two ancient Chinese characters. '立' (lì) originally depicted a person standing firmly on the ground, representing independence and stability. '业' (yè) originally referred to the wooden board used to hang bells and drums in ancient times, later evolving to represent one's property, business, or inherited profession.

Original meaning: To establish one's property or inherited family business.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when asking young Chinese people about their '立业' status, as it can be a sensitive topic related to economic pressure and social expectations.

Westerners might say 'established in my career' or 'settled down professionally,' but '立业' carries a more formal, weightier sense of life-milestone achievement.

Confucius (Analects: '三十而立') Li Ka-shing (often cited as a model of '白手立业') Modern TV show '蜗居' (Dwelling Narrowly) which discusses the struggle to 立业.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Career Planning

立业目标
立业规划
立业之路
如何立业

Family Discussions

成家立业
早点立业
立业了吗
先立业后成家

Entrepreneurship

白手立业
艰苦立业
立业之初
创业立业

Historical/Formal

建功立业
立业之本
开疆立业
一代立业

Economic News

海外立业
行业立业
立业门槛
立业环境

Conversation Starters

"你觉得在你的国家，年轻人立业容易吗？"

"你理想中的‘立业’是什么样子的？"

"你认为应该先立业还是先成家？"

"在中国，三十岁还没立业会被人看不起吗？"

"你听过哪些白手立业的感人故事？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对自己未来立业的规划和目标。

探讨一下现代社会中‘立业’的定义是否发生了变化。

如果你要白手立业，你会选择哪一个行业？为什么？

描述一个你认为已经成功‘立业’的人，他有哪些品质？

谈谈在异国他乡立业的挑战与机遇。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, '立业' implies a long-term, stable career foundation. For a part-time job, use '打工' or '兼职'.

Historically, it was often applied to men due to social roles, but in modern China, it is used equally for women pursuing professional success.

'找工作' is the action of looking for a job. '立业' is the broader goal of establishing yourself in a profession.

You should use '创业' (chuàngyè) for the specific act of starting a business.

Yes, it is a formal word and is typically used in serious conversations about life and career.

It means to start your career or business from scratch, with no financial help or connections.

No, '立业' is intransitive. You should say '创立公司' or '在公司立业'.

Not necessarily. It focuses on stability and professional standing, though financial security is usually a result.

It is used when discussing life plans or big goals, but not for daily tasks like 'I'm going to work now.'

The most common idiom is '成家立业' (start a family and establish a career).