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March 24, 2026
作为(作為)zuòwéi(zuo4wei2)
作为 (zuòwéi) is a verb that refers to acting in a certain capacity or fulfilling a role. It can also mean to regard something in a particular way, often used to express how one perceives or interprets a situation or individual.
Strokes11Frequency#570DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of roles and responsibilities is significant, often reflected in social hierarchies and relationships, such as familial roles or workplace positions. 作为 embodies this notion of identity and function within society.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person wearing different hats (each representing a role) while saying 'I do this as...' (zuò wéi). The character '作' represents action (like wearing a hat), while '为' implies the purpose or role, making it easier to associate the meaning with the pronunciation.
Meanings of 作为
zuòwéi(zuo4wei2)
1one's conduct
2deed
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About 作为
作为Simplified
作為Traditional
11Strokes
—Radical
介词jiècípreposition (prep.)Part of Speech
#570Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L4IntermediateTOCFLL4HSKKL2CEFRB1
Podcast: 作为
Podcast: 作为
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AI Study Notes for 作为
Quick Contrast
作为 (zuòwéi) vs 视为 (shìwéi) — use 作为 for emphasizing the role or capacity someone fulfills, while 视为 focuses more on the perception or interpretation of something.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 作为 with similar words like 作为者 (zuòwéi zhě, 'one who acts as'). It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; the second syllable 'wei' should be pronounced with a rising tone.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 作为 connects well with other verbs that describe actions and roles. Students should focus on using it in sentences that clarify relationships or roles, enhancing their understanding of context.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 作为 by omitting context, such as saying '作为很重要' (zuòwéi hěn zhòngyào) instead of '作为一个团队成员很重要' (zuòwéi yīgè tuánduì chéngyuán hěn zhòngyào), which means 'acting as a team member is important'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 作为
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作为 (zuòwéi) is a verb that refers to acting in a certain capacity or fulfilling a role. It can also mean to regard something in a particular way, often used to express how one perceives or interprets a situation or individual.
When to use 作为
Common mistakes include confusing 作为 with similar words like 作为者 (zuòwéi zhě, 'one who acts as'). It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone; the second syllable 'wei' should be pronounced with a rising tone.
作为 or something close to it
作为 (zuòwéi) vs 视为 (shìwéi) — use 作为 for emphasizing the role or capacity someone fulfills, while 视为 focuses more on the perception or interpretation of something.
What learners get wrong
Learners often misuse 作为 by omitting context, such as saying '作为很重要' (zuòwéi hěn zhòngyào) instead of '作为一个团队成员很重要' (zuòwéi yīgè tuánduì chéngyuán hěn zhòngyào), which means 'acting as a team member is important'.
Write 作为
作
为
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Grammar Patterns of 作为
作为 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 11 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
