zuòyè: 作业 - Homework, Assignment, Task

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Summary: Discover the meaning of 作业 (zuòyè), the essential Chinese word for “homework” or “assignment.” This guide goes beyond a simple translation, exploring its central role in the demanding Chinese education system, its use in professional contexts as “task” or “operation,” and how it differs from similar terms like `功课 (gōngkè)`. Learn to use `zuòyè` correctly with practical examples and cultural insights perfect for any beginner learning Mandarin.

Pinyin (with tone marks): zuòyè

Part of Speech: Noun

HSK Level: HSK 2

Concise Definition: Schoolwork assigned by a teacher to be done outside of regular class time; a task or a defined piece of work.

In a Nutshell: For 9 out of 10 learners, 作业 (zuòyè) is the first and most important word you'll learn for “homework.” It's what students complain about, what teachers assign, and what parents check every night. While its core is rooted in academics, it also carries a more formal, secondary meaning of a “task” or “operation,” especially in technical or industrial work environments.

作 (zuò): This character means “to do,” “to make,” or “to work.” It's composed of a person radical (亻) and a component that historically suggested an action or creation. Think of it as a person actively doing something.

业 (yè): This character means “profession,” “course of study,” “trade,” or “enterprise.” Its form can be traced back to a large, ornate rack for hanging instruments or bells, symbolizing a significant or skilled undertaking. Think of it as “the work of one's profession or studies.”

How they combine: The logic is straightforward: 作 (to do) + 业 (the work of one's studies) = 作业 (doing the assigned work from school). This combination perfectly captures the idea of completing a required academic task.

In China, 作业 (zuòyè) is more than just homework; it's a cornerstone of the educational philosophy and a significant part of daily family life. The Chinese education system is famous for its rigor, with a heavy emphasis on repetition, memorization, and constant practice to master subjects for high-stakes exams, most notably the 高考 (gāokǎo), the national college entrance examination.

Comparison to Western Homework: While American students have homework, the volume, pressure, and parental involvement associated with `作业` in China are often on another level. It's not uncommon for young students to have several hours of `作业` each night. This has created the cultural phenomenon of 陪读 (péidú), where parents (usually mothers) sit with their children for hours, supervising and helping them complete their assignments. For many Chinese families, completing `作业` diligently is seen as a direct reflection of a child's discipline, a family's commitment to education, and the primary path to a successful future.

Related Values: The intense focus on `作业` is tied to deep-seated cultural values like 吃苦 (chīkǔ)—the virtue of enduring hardship—and the belief that relentless effort is the key to success. It's a tangible, daily expression of the fierce competition and high hopes placed upon the younger generation.