Definitions

zhí (noun) occupation; job; profession
zhí (verb) to hold a post; to be employed

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. represents the meaning and represents the sound. Simplified form of .

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "职" derives from its traditional form "職", which structurally integrates the semantic component "耳" for ear with the element "戠" that historically conveyed both sound and a sense of marking or designation, pointing to an original meaning centered on the attentive fulfillment of official responsibilities or posts. Over time, its application broadened from these specific bureaucratic or hierarchical duties to refer more generally to any occupation, position, or professional role. The simplified form "职" replaced the complex "戠" with "只", a change that streamlines the character by employing a common phonetic component while altering its etymological composition, yet the fundamental notion of work or function has remained stable across its historical development.

Etymology Hide

Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Warring States (~400 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Warring States (~250 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 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)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical 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

这是我的新业。

Zhè shì wǒ de xīn zhíyè.

This is my new occupation.

他在公司任

Tā zài gōngsī rènzhí.

He holds a position in the company.

我们需要尽尽责。

Wǒmen xūyào jìnzhíjìnzé.

We need to be diligent and responsible.

这个位要求很高。

Zhège zhíwèi yāoqiú hěn gāo.

This position has high requirements.

她辞去了国外。

Tā cízhí qù le guówài.

She resigned and went abroad.

业道德非常重要。

Zhíyè dàodé fēicháng zhòngyào.

Professional ethics are very important.

他在场中表现出色。

Tā zài zhíchǎng zhōng biǎoxiàn chūsè.

He performs excellently in the workplace.

工们正在讨论新政策。

Zhígōngmen zhèngzài tǎolùn xīn zhèngcè.

The employees are discussing the new policy.