jìngyè: 敬业 - Dedicated to one's work, Professionalism

• Keywords: jingye, 敬业, Chinese professionalism, dedicated to work in Chinese, Chinese work ethic, what does jingye mean, professional spirit, Chinese business culture, 愛崗敬業, 工匠精神
• Summary: Discover the meaning of 敬业 (jìngyè), a core value in Chinese culture that goes far beyond just “working hard.” This term describes a deep dedication, respect, and sense of responsibility towards one's profession. Learn how this concept of professionalism shapes the modern Chinese workplace, from job interviews to performance reviews, and how it differs from the Western idea of a “work ethic.”

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jìngyè
• Part of Speech: Adjective / Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 5
• Concise Definition: To be dedicated to one's occupation with a profound sense of respect and conscientiousness.
• In a Nutshell: 敬业 (jìngyè) is not just about being busy or putting in long hours. It's an attitude. It’s about treating your job—whether you're a CEO or a street sweeper—as a serious and honorable craft. It combines the ideas of diligence, responsibility, and a deep, almost reverent respect for the role you play and the work you do. Someone who is `敬业` takes pride in their work, is meticulous, and can be counted on to fulfill their duties with excellence.

• 敬 (jìng): This character means to respect, revere, or honor. It signifies a serious and formal attitude towards something or someone. Think of the respect you would show an elder or a sacred place.
• 业 (yè): This character means profession, occupation, industry, or one's line of work. It can also refer to an enterprise or a course of study.
• When combined, 敬业 (jìngyè) literally translates to “to respect one's profession.” This powerful combination captures the essence of the word: it's not just a job; it's a calling or duty that deserves one's utmost respect and dedication.

敬业 (jìngyè) is a virtue deeply embedded in Chinese culture, with roots in Confucian philosophy. It aligns with the Confucian ideal of fulfilling one's societal role (`名分 míngfèn`) to the best of their ability to contribute to a harmonious society. It's considered a fundamental component of a person's character and a key part of 职业道德 (zhíyè dàodé) - professional ethics. In fact, `敬业` is officially listed as one of the twelve “Core Socialist Values” promoted by the Chinese government, highlighting its national importance. Comparison to Western “Professionalism”: While `敬业` can be translated as “professionalism,” there's a key difference in feeling. In the West, “professionalism” can sometimes imply a cool, detached competence—being good at your job without being emotionally invested. 敬业 (jìngyè), however, is warmer. It carries a strong sense of personal commitment, pride, and even love for one's work. It's less about the separation of personal feelings from work and more about channeling positive virtues *into* one's work. It's closer to the German concept of “Beruf” (a calling) than the American concept of a “gig.”

`敬业` is a highly valued trait in the modern Chinese workplace and is frequently used in professional contexts.

• In Job Interviews and Resumes: Applicants often describe themselves as `敬业` to signal that they are reliable, responsible, and serious candidates. It’s a keyword that employers actively look for.
• In Performance Reviews: A manager might praise an employee's `敬业精神` (jìngyè jīngshén - “spirit of dedication”) to commend their excellent work attitude and commitment.
• In Daily Conversation: People use it to praise someone who goes the extra mile. If a doctor stays late to care for a patient or a cleaner meticulously tidies a space, a colleague or observer might comment, “他真敬业” (Tā zhēn jìngyè - “He's so dedicated”).
• On Social Media: The term gained massive modern relevance through Alipay's annual Chinese New Year “Five Fortunes” campaign, where the `敬业福` (jìngyè fú - “Dedication Fortune Card”) is famously the rarest and most sought-after card, turning the virtue into a nationwide meme.

• Example 1:
  • 他是一位非常敬业的老师，总是耐心地回答每一个问题。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yí wèi fēicháng jìngyè de lǎoshī, zǒngshì nàixīn de huídá měi yí ge wèntí.
  • English: He is a very dedicated teacher; he always patiently answers every single question.
  • Analysis: Here, `敬业` is used as a simple adjective to describe the teacher's professional character. His patience is the evidence of his dedication.
• Example 2:
  • 我们公司需要有敬业精神和团队精神的员工。
  • Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī xūyào yǒu jìngyè jīngshén hé tuánduì jīngshén de yuángōng.
  • English: Our company needs employees who have a spirit of professionalism and a spirit of teamwork.
  • Analysis: `敬业精神 (jìngyè jīngshén)` is a very common set phrase meaning “professional spirit” or “work ethic.” It's treated as a tangible quality a person can possess.
• Example 3:
  • 无论职位高低，人人都应该敬业乐群。
  • Pinyin: Wúlùn zhíwèi gāo dī, rénrén dōu yīnggāi jìngyè lèqún.
  • English: Regardless of one's position, everyone should be dedicated to their work and enjoy working with others.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses `敬业` as a verb, an action one should perform. It is part of a four-character phrase `敬业乐群`, meaning to be dedicated to one's work and live in harmony with the group.
• Example 4:
  • 她的敬业态度赢得了所有同事的尊重。
  • Pinyin: Tā de jìngyè tàidù yíngdéle suǒyǒu tóngshì de zūnzhòng.
  • English: Her dedicated attitude won the respect of all her colleagues.
  • Analysis: This example highlights that `敬业` is an observable “attitude” (`态度 tàidù`) that has a positive social outcome (gaining respect).
• Example 5:
  • 我认为我最大的优点就是敬业和有责任心。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ rènwéi wǒ zuìdà de yōudiǎn jiùshì jìngyè hé yǒu zérènxīn.
  • English: I believe my greatest strengths are being dedicated and having a sense of responsibility.
  • Analysis: A classic sentence for a job interview. It pairs `敬业` with `责任心 (zérènxīn - sense of responsibility)`, a very common and powerful combination.
• Example 6:
  • 他工作一点儿也不敬业，整天在办公室摸鱼。
  • Pinyin: Tā gōngzuò yìdiǎnr yě bù jìngyè, zhěngtiān zài bàngōngshì mōyú.
  • English: He is not dedicated to his work at all; he slacks off in the office all day.
  • Analysis: This shows the opposite. The modern slang term `摸鱼 (mōyú - to slack off)` is the antithesis of being `敬业`.
• Example 7:
  • 为了按时完成项目，他连续加班，真的很敬业。
  • Pinyin: Wèile ànshí wánchéng xiàngmù, tā liánxù jiābān, zhēn de hěn jìngyè.
  • English: In order to finish the project on time, he worked overtime for several days in a row; he's truly dedicated.
  • Analysis: This example connects the abstract concept of `敬业` to a concrete action (working overtime for a goal), which is seen as proof of his dedication.
• Example 8:
  • 敬业是社会主义核心价值观之一。
  • Pinyin: Jìngyè shì shèhuìzhǔyì héxīn jiàzhíguān zhī yī.
  • English: Dedication to one's work is one of the Core Socialist Values.
  • Analysis: This shows the term's official, top-level importance in modern China's political and social discourse. It's not just a personal quality but a civic virtue.
• Example 9:
  • 这种精益求精的工匠精神，正是敬业的最好体现。
  • Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng jīngyìqiújīng de gōngjiàng jīngshén, zhèngshì jìngyè de zuì hǎo tǐxiàn.
  • English: This “craftsman's spirit” of constantly striving for perfection is precisely the best embodiment of dedication.
  • Analysis: This links `敬业` with the popular modern concept of `工匠精神 (gōngjiàng jīngshén)`, which emphasizes quality, precision, and pride in one's craft.
• Example 10:
  • 今年你集到敬业福了吗？
  • Pinyin: Jīnnián nǐ jí dào jìngyè fú le ma?
  • English: Did you collect the “Dedication Fortune Card” this year?
  • Analysis: A very contemporary and culturally specific example. It refers to Alipay's Chinese New Year game, showing how an ancient virtue has become part of modern digital life.

• `敬业 (jìngyè)` vs. `努力 (nǔlì)`: This is a key distinction for learners. `努力 (nǔlì)` means “to work hard” or “to make an effort.” You can `努力` at anything—studying, exercising, etc. `敬业` is specifically about your profession and describes the respectful and responsible attitude behind the effort. Someone can `努力` (work hard) because their boss is watching, but someone who is `敬业` works hard because they respect the job itself.
• Not just for high-level jobs: A common mistake is to think `敬业` only applies to prestigious professions like doctors or lawyers. This is incorrect. The term is valued precisely because it can be applied to any job. A dedicated janitor or a conscientious delivery driver is praised for being `敬业`.
• Incorrect Usage: Do not use `敬业` for schoolwork or personal hobbies. It is tied to one's occupation or official duties.
  • Incorrect: ~~为了考试，我非常敬业地学习。~~ (To prepare for the exam, I studied very dedicatedly.)
  • Correct: 为了考试，我非常努力地学习。(To prepare for the exam, I studied very hard.) or 我对我的学业很负责。(I am very responsible about my studies.)

• 爱岗敬业 (ài gǎng jìng yè) - A very common four-character idiom (chengyu) meaning “to love one's post and be dedicated to one's work.” It's a more formal and complete expression of the `敬业` virtue.
• 责任心 (zérènxīn) - “Sense of responsibility.” This is a core component of being `敬业`. Someone with a strong `责任心` is likely to be `敬业`.
• 职业道德 (zhíyè dàodé) - “Professional ethics.” `敬业` is a cornerstone of one's professional ethics in a Chinese context.
• 工匠精神 (gōngjiàng jīngshén) - “Craftsman's spirit.” A popular modern term that overlaps heavily with `敬业`, emphasizing quality, meticulousness, and pride in one's craft.
• 勤奋 (qínfèn) - “Diligent, industrious.” Describes the quality of being hardworking, often with a sense of consistency. It's a key attribute of a `敬业` person.
• 努力 (nǔlì) - “To work hard, to make an effort.” The general term for applying effort, which is a part of `敬业` but lacks its core meaning of “respect for the profession.”
• 摸鱼 (mō yú) - (Antonym) A popular slang term literally meaning “to touch fish.” It means to slack off, goof around, or pretend to be working. It is the direct opposite of being `敬业`.