shī yè
perdre son emploi ; être au chômage ; être au chômage
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他失业了，所以他很穷。
tā shīyè le, suǒyǐ tā hěn qióng.
He lost his job, so he is very poor.
失业率很高，所以很多人找不到工作。
shīyè lǜ hěn gāo, suǒyǐ hěn duō rén zhǎo bù dào gōngzuò.
The unemployment rate is very high, so many people can't find a job.
失业保险可以帮助失业的人。
shīyè bǎoxiǎn kěyǐ bāngzhù shīyè de rén.
Unemployment insurance can help people who have lost their jobs.
下岗 (xiàgǎng)
laid off
失业 (shīyè)
unemployed
就业 (jiù yè)
employment
工作 (gōng zuò)
work
The Chinese word 失业 (shīyè) is composed of two characters: 失 (shī), meaning "to lose," and 业 (yè), meaning "occupation" or "job." Together, they literally mean "to lose one's occupation" or "to become unemployed."The earliest recorded use of the word 失业 dates back to the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), when it was used to describe people who had lost their jobs due to war or natural disasters. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include people who had lost their jobs for any reason, including economic downturns, technological changes, or personal circumstances.Today, 失业 is a common word used in Chinese to describe unemployment. It is often used in news articles, government reports, and economic discussions. The word can also be used in a more informal setting, such as when talking to friends or family about job loss.Understanding the etymology of 失业 can help HSK learners to better understand the meaning and usage of this important Chinese word. By knowing the origins of the word, learners can gain a deeper appreciation for the Chinese language and its rich history.
