毕业
bìyè · HSK 4
graduate
🎓 毕 (finish) + 业 (studies/profession) = finish your studies
业 also shows up in 作业 (homework) and 职业 (occupation), always pointing at study or work. So 毕业 literally closes the book on your 业 — your schooling is done.
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.