机构

机构 (jī gòu) refers to an organization, institution, or body that has a formal structure and purpose. It can be a company, government agency, non-profit, or any formal entity. Unlike the more general term 'group,' 机构 emphasizes formal structure and function.

The character 机 (jī) originally meant a machine or mechanism, and later came to mean opportunity or a critical point. 构 (gòu) means structure or framework. Together, they imply a structured system or organization.

机构 is commonly used in formal contexts such as business, government, and education. For example, a university is often referred to as a 机构. Understanding 机构 helps in grasping how Chinese society organizes itself formally and functionally.