业务
yèwù · HSK 5
business
💼 业 = profession + 务 = task/duty; together: vocational work
业 means trade or profession (as in 职业 zhíyè 'occupation'), and 务 means task or duty (as in 任务 rènwù 'task'). Combined, 业务 covers one's line of work, services rendered, or professional practice.
业 — top 业 (originally a notched board)
Originally a pictograph of a notched wooden board hung in ancient classrooms or temples to support bells and chimes. The notches inspired meanings of 'work' and 'profession,' as such boards were tools of trade and study. Today it means business, occupation, or undertaking.