学业
xuéyè · HSK 7
one's studies
📚 学业 = 学 study + 业 work/profession = the work of studying = schoolwork
学 (xué) is to study or learn; 业 (yè) means trade, profession, or undertaking. Together they name the whole business of being a student: your studies. The same 业 shows up in 职业 job and 作业 homework.
学 — hands 𦥑 + roof 冖 + child 子
Originally 學, depicting two hands manipulating something (often interpreted as counting rods or the 爻 trigram symbols) under a roof, with a child 子 below — a child learning under instruction. The simplified form 学 replaces the top with a stylized 龸. Core meaning has always been 'to study, learn'.
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.