作战

• Pinyin: zuò zhàn
• Hanzi breakdown: 作 = to do/engage in; 战 = 占 (phonetic) + 戈 (weapon), meaning war/battle

Meaning

To fight; to conduct military operations; warfare; combat.

Primarily a military term for engaging in battle or conducting warfare. Also used metaphorically for intense competitive efforts or coordinated campaigns in business or politics. Emphasizes the organized, strategic nature of the conflict.

Examples

1. 这支部队在极其恶劣的环境下作战了三天三夜，最终取得了胜利。 This unit fought for three days and nights in extremely harsh conditions and finally achieved victory.
2. 现代战争中，信息化作战能力已经成为决定胜负的关键因素。 In modern warfare, information-based combat capability has become a key factor in determining success.
3. 我们团队要像作战一样全力以赴，争取拿下这个大客户。 Our team needs to go all out like we're in battle to win this major client.

Usage Guide

Context: military, strategic, competitive

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 部队正在作战。(The troops are in combat.)
• 作战计划已经制定好了。(The battle plan has been drawn up.)

Don't Say

• 我跟作业作战。(Too dramatic for homework — use 做作业 or 赶作业)

Origin & History

Compound of 作 (to do, to engage in) and 战 (war, battle). Together they mean to engage in warfare or combat.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal