作品

• Pinyin: zuò pǐn
• Hanzi breakdown: 作 = 亻 (person) + 乍 (suddenly/to do), meaning to make or create; 品 = three 口 (mouth), meaning product or quality

Meaning

Work; piece (of art, literature, or music). Refers to something created through artistic or intellectual effort.

A general term for creative output including novels, paintings, films, music, photographs, and other artistic productions. Used in both casual and formal contexts to discuss creative works. Can refer to professional masterpieces or student assignments alike. Commonly paired with adjectives describing quality or style.

Examples

1. 这位画家的作品在全世界都很有名。 This painter's works are famous all over the world.
2. 老师让我们写一篇作品来参加比赛。 The teacher asked us to write a piece to enter the competition.
3. 我最近看了一部很感人的电影作品。 I recently watched a very touching film.

Usage Guide

Context: art, literature, education

Tone: appreciative

Do Say

• 你最喜欢他的哪部作品？(Which of his works is your favourite?)
• 这件作品花了她三个月的时间。(This piece took her three months to complete.)

Don't Say

• 我今天的作品是一份报告。(Don't use 作品 for routine work documents like reports — it implies creative or artistic effort; use 工作 or 报告 instead)

Origin & History

作 (to make, to create) + 品 (product, article). Literally 'something made,' referring to a created work or production.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal