务

務

wù

力 + 夂

Frequency#245

Definitions

wù (noun) affair; business; matter

wù (verb) to be engaged in; to attend to

Etymology

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

About

The character 务, with its traditional form 務, is structurally composed of 矛 (spear) and 攵 (to strike), components that initially suggested a sense of forceful exertion or labor, often in a military context. Its meaning gradually extended from denoting diligent effort to encompassing general affairs, tasks, or obligations that require attention. The simplified form 务 originated from cursive script renditions of 務, streamlining the character by omitting the explicit 矛 component while retaining the essential concept of necessary duties or imperatives.

Etymology Hide

Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)

Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)

Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)

Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Seal Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)

Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)

Traditional Modern

Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我的任务完成了。

Wǒ de rènwù wánchéng le.

My task is completed.

他为大家服务。

Tā wèi dàjiā fúwù.

He serves everyone.

做家务是日常义务。

Zuò jiāwù shì rìcháng yìwù.

Doing housework is a daily duty.

你务必准时到达。

Nǐ wùbì zhǔnshí dàodá.

You must arrive on time.

他的业务能力很强。

Tā de yèwù nénglì hěn qiáng.

His business ability is very strong.

务实的态度很重要。

Wùshí de tàidù hěn zhòngyào.

A pragmatic attitude is very important.

公司财务事务由他负责。

Gōngsī cáiwù shìwù yóu tā fùzé.

The company's financial affairs are handled by him.

在复杂的事务中务必保持务实的精神。

Zài fùzá de shìwù zhōng wùbì bǎochí wùshí de jīngshén.

In complex affairs, one must maintain a pragmatic spirit.

Related Characters

Composed characters:

Component: 力

Component: 夂

务