B2 noun Neutral 1 min read

杂务

za wu /ˈtsá ˈwû/

Záwù refers to miscellaneous, often tedious, but necessary tasks that keep things running smoothly.

Word in 30 Seconds

  • Miscellaneous, non-core but necessary tasks.
  • Common in work and home life.
  • Often implies tedious but essential duties.

Overview

“杂务”一词在中国文化和语言中,常用来指代那些不属于主要工作职责,但又必须完成的零碎事务。这些事务可能包括处理文件、接听电话、安排会议、打扫卫生、购买办公用品等。它强调的是事务的“零碎性”和“非核心性”,但同时也暗示了其“必要性”。在工作场所,员工可能需要分担一些杂务,以确保整体运作的顺畅;在家庭中,成员也需要共同承担家务杂事,以维持家庭的正常运转。

“杂务”一词通常用作名词,可以单独使用,也可以与其他词语组合。常见的搭配有“处理杂务”、“分担杂务”、“承担杂务”、“日常杂务”、“行政杂务”等。它通常带有一定的贬义色彩,暗示这些事务是琐碎、繁重或不那么令人愉快的,但有时也可能只是中性地描述一种工作状态。

  1. 1工作场所:办公室职员、助理、秘书等岗位经常需要处理各种行政杂务,如文件归档、复印、传真、接待访客、预订差旅等。2. 家庭生活:家庭成员需要分担家里的杂务,如打扫卫生、洗碗、购物、照顾孩子或老人等。3. 项目管理:项目经理或团队成员有时也需要处理一些与项目直接成果无关的杂务,如会议记录、资料整理、设备维护等。

在这些情境下,“杂务”都指向那些非核心但必不可少的任务。

“事务”是一个更广泛的概念,指一切事情或公事。它可以包括核心业务,也可以包括杂务。例如,“公司各项事务进展顺利”中的“事务”就包含了所有工作内容。“杂务”是“事务”的一个子集,特指那些零碎的、非核心的事务。

“差事”通常指被指派去办的某件事,带有一定的被动性和执行性。它可能是一件具体的工作,也可能是一些零碎的任务。有时“差事”也可能带有一些不情愿的意味,但它更侧重于“被分配”这个动作,而“杂务”更侧重于任务本身的性质。

“琐事”与“杂务”非常相似,都指零碎、不重要的事情。但“琐事”更侧重于事情的“小”和“不重要”,有时甚至可以忽略不计,而“杂务”则更强调其“必须处理”的性质,即使它不重要。例如,一件小小的误会可能是“琐事”,而整理一堆文件则是“杂务”。

Examples

1

他每天都要处理很多公司里的杂务,比如接电话、收发邮件、整理文件。

everyday

He has to handle a lot of miscellaneous duties in the company every day, such as answering phones, sending and receiving emails, and organizing documents.

2

作为部门助理,她的工作内容包含了大量的行政杂务。

workplace

As a department assistant, her job description includes a large amount of administrative chores.

3

别把这些小事都堆起来,我们得一起把家里的杂务干完。

informal

Don't let all these small things pile up; we need to finish the household chores together.

4

项目经理需要关注核心任务,但也不能忽视那些必要的支持性杂务。

professional

Project managers need to focus on core tasks but cannot ignore those necessary supporting miscellaneous duties.

Common Collocations

处理杂务 handle chores/miscellaneous duties
分担杂务 share the chores
日常杂务 daily chores/routine tasks
行政杂务 administrative chores

Common Phrases

处理杂务

handle chores

日常杂务

daily chores

行政杂务

administrative chores

Often Confused With

杂务 vs 琐事

'杂务' (záwù) emphasizes tasks that are necessary but not core, often requiring action. '琐事' (suǒshì) refers to trivial matters that are unimportant and can often be ignored.

杂务 vs 事务

'事务' (shìwù) is a general term for affairs or business, including important core activities. '杂务' is a specific subset of '事务', referring only to the minor, miscellaneous ones.

Grammar Patterns

处理 [杂务] 分担 [杂务] 日常 [杂务] 行政 [杂务]

How to Use It

Usage Notes

The term '杂务' (záwù) is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts in Chinese. It generally refers to tasks that are necessary for the smooth operation of a system (like an office or household) but are not the primary focus or most important activities. While it can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of being tedious, it's often used neutrally to describe a category of work.


Common Mistakes

Learners might confuse '杂务' with '琐事' (trivial matters). While related, '杂务' implies a necessity for completion, whereas '琐事' can often be disregarded. It's also important to distinguish it from '事务' (affairs/business), which is a much broader term.

Tips

💡

Embrace the Necessary Tasks

View miscellaneous duties not as burdens, but as essential components that contribute to overall efficiency and order.

⚠️

Avoid Letting Chores Pile Up

Small miscellaneous tasks can quickly become overwhelming if not addressed regularly. Try to tackle them promptly.

🌍

Teamwork in Handling Chores

In many Chinese workplaces and families, sharing and handling 'záwù' is seen as a sign of cooperation and responsibility.

Word Origin

The word '杂务' is composed of '杂' (zá), meaning miscellaneous or mixed, and '务' (wù), meaning affair, business, or duty. Together, they literally mean 'miscellaneous duties' or 'mixed affairs'.

Cultural Context

In Chinese culture, diligently handling '杂务' is often seen as a sign of responsibility and thoroughness, contributing to the overall harmony and efficiency of a group, whether it's a family or a workplace.

Memory Tip

Think of '杂' (zá - mixed, miscellaneous) and '务' (wù - duty, affair). '杂务' are the mixed-up, miscellaneous duties you have to attend to.

Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions

“杂务”通常指那些虽然零碎但不容忽视、必须处理的任务,比如整理文件、接听电话。而“琐事”则更侧重于事情的细小和不重要,有时甚至可以不予理会。

在工作中,“杂务”通常指行政支持类的工作,如文件处理、会议安排、办公室维护、接待访客、购买办公用品等,这些不属于核心业务但对日常运营很重要。

“杂务”这个词通常带有一点消极或中性的色彩,因为它指的是不那么令人兴奋或有挑战性的任务。但它也暗示了这些任务对于维持秩序和效率是必不可少的。

有效的管理方法包括:集中处理、利用工具(如待办事项清单、日历)、授权或外包(如果可能)、以及设定固定时间来完成。关键在于将其视为必要工作的一部分,而不是干扰。

Test Yourself

fill blank

为了确保公司日常运作顺畅,我们需要有人负责处理各种行政______。

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 杂务

空格处需要填入指代零碎、非核心但必须处理的行政工作的词语,“杂务”最符合语境。

multiple choice

“杂务”的主要特点是什么?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 杂务

“杂务”的核心特征是其零碎性,以及虽然不一定重要但必须处理的性质,以保证整体运作。

sentence building

词语:分担,杂务,家庭

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: 家庭成员应该分担杂务。

这个选项清晰地表达了家庭成员之间共同承担零碎家务的含义,符合“杂务”的用法。

Score: /3

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