叫作

• Pinyin: jiào zuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 叫 (jiào) — to call, to be called; 作 (zuò) — to be, to act as, to make

Meaning

To be called; to be known as. Used to state the name of something.

A formal way to introduce the name of something. Similar to 叫做, both are correct. Common in definitions, introductions, and explanations. Slightly more formal than just using 叫 alone.

Examples

1. 这种花叫作牡丹。 This kind of flower is called a peony.
2. 这个地方叫作长城。 This place is called the Great Wall.
3. 中国人过的最大的节日叫作春节。 The biggest holiday Chinese people celebrate is called the Spring Festival.

Usage Guide

Context: definitions, introductions, explanations

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 这个东西叫作筷子。(This thing is called chopsticks.)
• 这种动物叫作熊猫。(This animal is called a panda.)

Don't Say

• 不要用叫作来介绍人名 (Don't use 叫作 to introduce a person's name — use 叫 alone; 叫作 is for naming things, places, and concepts)

Origin & History

Compound of 叫 (to call, to be called) and 作 (to be, to act as). Together they formally introduce or define a name.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal