作业 (zuò yè) means 'homework' — the tasks or assignments students are given by teachers to complete outside of class. The character 作 (zuò) means 'to do' or 'to make', and 业 (yè) means 'work', 'task', or 'field of endeavor'; together, they literally convey 'work assigned to be done'. This term is used almost exclusively in educational contexts, from elementary school through university.

作业 is a countable noun and commonly appears with measure words like 份 (fèn) — e.g., 一份作业 (one assignment) — or with verbs like 做 (to do), 完成 (to finish), or 交 (to submit). It can refer to written exercises, reading assignments, projects, or online quizzes. While informal speech may occasionally use it metaphorically (e.g., jokingly calling chores 'homework'), its core meaning remains firmly tied to academic responsibilities.