Skip to content
Stroke order, etymology and audio for every word.Start learning
称作 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
称作chēngzuòto be calledHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #5755, Hard
称作chēngzuòto be known asHSK 6, unknown, 17 strokes, rank #5755, Hard
chēngzuò(cheng1zuo4)cheng zuo T1
  1. 1to be called
  2. 2to be known as
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026

称作(稱作)chēngzuò(cheng1zuo4)

称作 (chéngzuò) means 'to be called' or 'to be known as.' It is commonly used to introduce the name of someone or something, often in a formal context. This phrase highlights how entities are referred to in conversation or writing, making it useful for clarifying titles or designations.

Strokes17Frequency#5755DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the way someone is addressed can carry significant social implications, reflecting respect and hierarchy. The use of 称作 underscores the importance of titles in professional and academic contexts.

Memory tip

Imagine a king (称) giving a name (作) to a new land. He proclaims it with authority, saying, 'This place will be called...' This visual of a king naming a territory helps you remember the meaning of 称作 as 'to be called.'

Meanings of 称作

chēngzuò(cheng1zuo4)
1to be called
2to be known as
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

Play it, then pick what 称作 means.

About 称作

称作Simplified
稱作Traditional
17Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L6AdvancedTOCFLL5CEFRC2

Podcast: 称作

JasonAmy

Podcast: 称作

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI study notes for 称作

Quick Contrast

称为 (chēngwéi) — use 称作 (chéngzuò) for more formal contexts, while 称为 (chēngwéi) is often used in general or casual references.

Usage Notes

Be careful not to confuse 称作 with 叫 (jiào), which is more casual and often used for personal names. 称作 is more formal and typically appears in written contexts. For example, one might say, '他称作博士' (tā chēngzuò bóshì) meaning 'He is called Doctor.'

HSK Study Tips

While 称作 is not listed in HSK vocabulary, it is useful for learners at HSK 4 and above due to its formal register. Students should focus on recognizing its usage in texts and practice constructing sentences that introduce titles or names.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 称作 with 叫, using them interchangeably. For example, they might say '我称作张' instead of '我叫张,' which would be incorrect; the correct form for introducing one's name is '我叫张.'

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 称作

Premium — Locked

Tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 称作, say it back, see your pitch against the model voice, and earn XP towards mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsPitch drawing+5 XP
Get Pro to unlock

Jason Explains 称作 to you

Let me explain 称作 for you

Make it yours

Jason looks at what you watch and listen to, the checkpoints you have cleared, our lessons and what you have been exploring, and explains 称作 through them.

Sign in free to make it personal. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

How well do you know 称作?

Example

Learning Lab

Knowing 称作 is seven skills, not one.

Its meaning, its character, its pinyin, its tone — hearing it, saying it, writing it. The Learning Lab measures each one from your own practice, on every word you study, so you see what you actually know rather than how much you have done.

  • MeaningFree
  • CharacterFree
  • PinyinFree
  • TonePro
  • ListeningPro
  • SpeakingPro
  • WritingPro
See the Learning Lab Three facets free · no card needed

Component characters

称chènto fit
HSK 510 strokes禾
View full entry
作zuōto do
HSK 67 strokes亻
View full entry

How to say to be called in Chinese

“to be called” in Chinese is称作chēngzuò

称作 (chéngzuò) means 'to be called' or 'to be known as.' It is commonly used to introduce the name of someone or something, often in a formal context. This phrase highlights how entities are referred to in conversation or writing, making it useful for clarifying titles or designations.

When to use 称作

Be careful not to confuse 称作 with 叫 (jiào), which is more casual and often used for personal names. 称作 is more formal and typically appears in written contexts. For example, one might say, '他称作博士' (tā chēngzuò bóshì) meaning 'He is called Doctor.'

称作 or something close to it

称为 (chēngwéi) — use 称作 (chéngzuò) for more formal contexts, while 称为 (chēngwéi) is often used in general or casual references.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 称作 with 叫, using them interchangeably. For example, they might say '我称作张' instead of '我叫张,' which would be incorrect; the correct form for introducing one's name is '我叫张.'

Write 称作

称
作

Practice writing 称作 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Ask Jason

Have a question about 称作?

Jason answers about this word at your level: example sentences, how it differs from similar words, and a way to remember it.

Sign in free to ask. New accounts start with 200 AI credits.

Frequently asked questions about 称作

It's best to use 称作 in more formal situations, such as written texts or professional settings. In casual conversation, 叫 (jiào) is more appropriate.

Jason Recommends

Not sure what to learn after 称作?

Jason picks three words from your level and explains why each one is worth your time next. It takes a free account so he knows what you already know.

A sample week, replayed. Every page you study lands here in the order you did it — your own replay starts with a free account.

See the Learning Lab