就业
jiùyè · HSK 3
get or take up a job
💼 就 = take up / approach + 业 = profession / occupation
就业 literally combines 就 (to take up, undertake) with 业 (profession, line of work), so the compound means taking up employment. Related: 职业 zhíyè (occupation), 失业 shīyè (lose one's job, unemployment).
就 — 京 (capital) + 尤 (especially)
Originally a compound suggesting going to a high place (京 depicts a tall building) to settle or accomplish something. Over time the meaning shifted from 'approach a high place' to 'go to,' then broadened to 'accomplish,' and finally to the modern grammatical senses 'then,' 'just,' or 'precisely.'
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.