工业
gōngyè · HSK 3
industry
🏭⚙️ 工 = work/labor + 业 = trade/profession → industry
工 originally depicted a carpenter's square (a tool of labor), and 业 meant occupation or trade. Together 工业 literally reads as work-trade, the modern term for industry.
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.