Meanings of 作
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Podcast: 作
Podcast: 作
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AI Study Notes for 作
作 (zuō) vs 做 (zuò) — use 作 when emphasizing creation or composition, while 做 is more about performing an action or task.
Learners often confuse 作 with 做 (zuò), which also means 'to do' but is used in different contexts. 作 is typically more formal and can refer to creating works, while 做 is about practical actions. Pay attention to tone as it can change meanings.
作 is part of HSK Level 4 vocabulary. It connects with other action-related verbs at this level, and learners should focus on its various meanings and how it combines with other characters to form compound words.
Learners may mistakenly use 作 in contexts where 做 is required, such as saying '我作饭' (I make food) instead of '我做饭.' Additionally, confusing the tones can lead to incorrect meanings, so practicing the tonal differences is crucial.
Pronunciation of 作
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Jason Explains 作 to You
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Etymology of 作
Phonosemantic compound. 亻 represents the meaning and 乍 represents the sound.
A person 亻 making something for the first time 乍; 乍 also provides the pronunciation
Origin
What kind of character is 作?
Decomposition of 作
Parts
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How to say to do in Chinese
“to do” in Chinese is作
The character 作 (zuō) primarily means 'to do' or 'to make,' but it has a wide range of applications including 'to write' or 'to compose.' It is often used in contexts involving creation, performance, or action, and can also imply a sense of pretending or behaving in a certain way.
When to use 作
Learners often confuse 作 with 做 (zuò), which also means 'to do' but is used in different contexts. 作 is typically more formal and can refer to creating works, while 做 is about practical actions. Pay attention to tone as it can change meanings.
作 or something close to it
作 (zuō) vs 做 (zuò) — use 作 when emphasizing creation or composition, while 做 is more about performing an action or task.
What learners get wrong
Learners may mistakenly use 作 in contexts where 做 is required, such as saying '我作饭' (I make food) instead of '我做饭.' Additionally, confusing the tones can lead to incorrect meanings, so practicing the tonal differences is crucial.
Write 作
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Practice writing 作 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.
Grammar Patterns of 作
作 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 12 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.
Fill the gap
Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.
你先吃饭，再做____业。
First eat, then do homework.
Example Sentences for 作 (16)
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Word Family of 作
Words with 作
What does 工作 mean?
Frequently Asked Questions about 作
No, while 作 can mean 'to write,' it also encompasses actions like 'to do,' 'to make,' and 'to act.'
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