作

• Pinyin: zuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 作 = 亻(person) + 乍 (suddenly/to make), depicting a person at work

Meaning

To do; to make; to act as; to write or compose.

A versatile verb with many meanings depending on context. Can mean to make/create (作品 work), to act as (作为 as, being), to feel/sense (作呕 to feel nauseous), or in compounds indicating pretense (作弊 to cheat). More formal than 做 in many contexts.

Examples

1. 这篇文章是他花了三个月时间精心创作的心血之作。 This article is a labor of love that he spent three months meticulously creating.
2. 在这个项目中，他将作为技术顾问参与所有重大决策。 In this project, he will participate in all major decisions as a technical consultant.
3. 她总是把自己的利益作为首要考虑，很少顾及他人的感受。 She always puts her own interests as the top priority, rarely considering others' feelings.

Usage Guide

Context: creative, professional, formal

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 他作为代表发言。(He spoke as a representative.)
• 这是他的代表作。(This is his representative work.)

Don't Say

• 我作饭给你吃。(Use 做饭 for cooking, not 作饭)

Origin & History

Depicts a person (亻) making something. Ancient form showed a person working. The meanings expanded over time to include various forms of making, doing, and creating.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal