从业
cóng yè · HSK 7
to practice (a trade)
🔨👷 从 cóng (follow) + 业 yè (profession) = follow a profession
The character 从 means to follow or join, and 业 means business or profession. Together they literally say follow a trade — meaning to be engaged in or practice a particular profession.
从 — two 人 (person) figures, one following the other
从 is a pictographic compound showing one person walking behind another, vividly depicting the act of following. The original meaning 'to follow' was extended to 'from' (the starting point one follows out of) and 'to obey'. The traditional form 從 added 辵 (movement) and 止 (foot) to reinforce the walking sense.
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.