称作

• Pinyin: chēng zuò
• Hanzi breakdown: 称 = 禾 (grain) + 尔 (you, phonetic); 作 = 亻 (person) + 乍 (suddenly, phonetic)

Meaning

To be called; to be known as; to refer to as. Used when naming or designating something.

Similar to 叫做 but slightly more formal. Often used when introducing technical terms, nicknames, or alternative names. Common in explanatory or educational contexts.

Examples

1. 这种现象在物理学中称作多普勒效应。 This phenomenon is called the Doppler effect in physics.
2. 他因为跑得快，被同学们称作飞毛腿。 Because he runs fast, his classmates call him 'flying legs.
3. 这种画法在中国称作水墨画。 This painting technique is called ink wash painting in China.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, explanatory, technical

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这种病毒被称作冠状病毒。(This virus is called coronavirus.)
• 我们把这种方法称作头脑风暴。(We call this method brainstorming.)

Don't Say

• 称作他老王 (For nicknames in casual speech, use 叫他老王 — 称作 is for formal naming)

Origin & History

Compound of 称 (to call, name) and 作 (to act as, to be). Indicates being designated or referred to by a certain name.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal