jip6業业
Jyutpingjip6
Yaleyiph
Definition
Line of business; trade; occupation; employment; enterprise; (Buddhism) karma; to engage in
neutralwork
How it's used
This character is rarely used as a standalone noun in spoken Cantonese, functioning primarily as a suffix in compound words to denote a field of work or study. It carries a formal tone that is common in professional or academic contexts. When discussing one's specific job, native speakers typically prefer using 做緊咩工 instead of referring to their 業.
Examples
nei5 ji4 gaa1 zou6 gan2 bin1 jat1 hang4 jip6 aa4
你而家做緊邊一行業呀？
What industry are you working in right now?
keoi5 hai2 ni1 go3 hong4 jip6 zou6 zo2 hou2 do1 nin4 laa3
佢喺呢個行業做咗好多年喇。
He has been working in this industry for many years.
Related words
Common phrases
hong4 jip6
行業
industry
zyun1 jip6
專業
professional
Common mistake
Avoid using 業 to mean a specific task or chore, as it refers to a broader sector or industry. Use 工 or 工作 for individual employment roles.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
