作出

• Pinyin: zuò chū
• Hanzi breakdown: 作 = 亻(person) + 乍 (sudden, phonetic), to do or make; 出 = pictograph of a plant sprouting upward, to come out or produce

Meaning

To make (a decision, judgement, contribution, etc.); to produce or render. Used when a person or organisation formally arrives at or issues something.

A resultative verb compound where 作 (to do/make) and 出 (out) together mean 'to produce or bring out a result'. Typically followed by a formal noun such as 决定 (decision), 判断 (judgement), 解释 (explanation), or 贡献 (contribution). More formal than 做出, though both are commonly used.

Examples

1. 委员会经过讨论，最终作出了统一的决定。 After discussion, the committee finally reached a unanimous decision.
2. 面对这么复杂的情况，很难作出准确的判断。 It is very difficult to make an accurate judgement faced with such a complex situation.
3. 他为公司的发展作出了很大的贡献，受到了表彰。 He made a great contribution to the company's development and was commended for it.

Usage Guide

Context: workplace, academic, government, official

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 请尽快作出回应。(Please make a response as soon as possible.)
• 领导层对此事作出了明确的指示。(The leadership issued clear instructions on this matter.)

Don't Say

• 用'作出'搭配非结果性名词，如'作出饭' (Don't use 作出 with non-resultative nouns like 饭 — use 做饭 for cooking meals)

Origin & History

A resultative verb compound combining 作 (to make/do, from classical Chinese) and directional complement 出 (out/forth), together meaning 'to bring forth a result'. 作 here carries a formal register compared to everyday 做.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal