营业
yíngyè · HSK 4
do business
🏪 营 = operate/manage + 业 = business/trade
营 carries the sense of running or managing (also in 经营), and 业 means trade or profession (also in 行业, 职业). Together they mean to operate a business — the verb on a shop's open/closed sign.
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.