Meaning
企业 refers to an organized business entity or commercial organization engaged in production, trade, or services. It's a formal, professional term commonly used in business contexts, government documents, and economic discussions. The word encompasses all types of businesses from small firms to large corporations.
Usage
企业 is used in formal and business contexts, while 公司 (gōng sī) is more common in everyday speech for 'company'. Native speakers use 企业 when discussing business operations, corporate management, economic policy, or industry sectors. It frequently appears in compound words related to business and economics.
Examples
- 01这家企业在环保方面做得很好。.This company does very well in terms of environmental protection.
- 02他的父亲经营着一家民营企业。.His father runs a private enterprise.
Characters
Measure words
- 家一家企业
- 个三个企业
Common collocations
- 国有企业state-owned enterprise
- 民营企业private enterprise
- 企业管理business management
- 中小企业small and medium enterprises
Origin
The character 企 originally depicted standing on tiptoe, suggesting aspiration and forward-looking planning. Combined with 业 (business/profession), 企业 literally conveys the meaning of an 'aspiring business' or organized commercial undertaking.