创业
chuàngyè · HSK 3
to begin an undertaking; to start an enterprise; entrepreneurship
🚀 创业 = create + enterprise (chuàng 'found/create' + yè 'occupation')
创 means to found or initiate, 业 means trade or undertaking. Together they form the standard term for launching a new venture or startup.
创 — 刀 knife radical 刂 + 仓 cang (phonetic)
A semantic-phonetic compound: 刂 (knife) gives the meaning of cutting or wounding, while 仓 supplies the sound. The original sense was 'to wound' or 'gash made by a blade,' which extended to 'to begin' or 'create' — the idea of cutting something new into being.
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.
chuàng yè · HSK 5
to start a business
🚀 创 = create/found + 业 = enterprise/occupation
创 means to initiate or found something new; 业 means trade, profession, or enterprise. Together: founding an enterprise — starting a business. The same 业 appears in 工业 (industry) and 职业 (occupation).
创 — 刀 knife radical 刂 + 仓 cang (phonetic)
A semantic-phonetic compound: 刂 (knife) gives the meaning of cutting or wounding, while 仓 supplies the sound. The original sense was 'to wound' or 'gash made by a blade,' which extended to 'to begin' or 'create' — the idea of cutting something new into being.
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.