Definitions

(noun) affair; business; matter
(verb) to be engaged in; to attend to

Etymology

Simplified form of . Phonosemantic compound. represents the sound, while and both represent the meaning. The traditional component was removed for simplification.

About

The character "务" originates from its traditional form "務", which structurally combines the component "矛" representing a spear with "力" indicating force, an etymology that conveys a sense of dedicated striving or vigorous pursuit. Initially denoting focused exertion toward a specific aim, its semantic range gradually expanded to encompass general matters of business or duty, reflecting a shift from active endeavor to the affairs themselves. This development preserved the core notion of necessity, allowing the character to function in modern usage both as a noun for tasks or affairs and as an adverbial element expressing obligation, evident in compounds such as "任务" for mission and "务必" for must.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Seal etymology image
Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的任完成了。

Wǒ de rènwù wánchéng le.

My task is completed.

他为大家服

Tā wèi dàjiā fúwù.

He serves everyone.

做家是日常义

Zuò jiāwù shì rìcháng yìwù.

Doing housework is a daily duty.

必准时到达。

Nǐ wùbì zhǔnshí dàodá.

You must arrive on time.

他的业能力很强。

Tā de yèwù nénglì hěn qiáng.

His business ability is very strong.

实的态度很重要。

Wùshí de tàidù hěn zhòngyào.

A pragmatic attitude is very important.

公司财由他负责。

Gōngsī cáiwù shìwù yóu tā fùzé.

The company's financial affairs are handled by him.

在复杂的事必保持实的精神。

Zài fùzá de shìwù zhōng wùbì bǎochí wùshí de jīngshén.

In complex affairs, one must maintain a pragmatic spirit.