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March 24, 2026
作用zuòyòng(zuo4yong4)
作用 (zuòyòng) refers to the action or effect that something has in a given context. It can describe the function or purpose of an object or concept, and is often used in both scientific and everyday discussions to indicate how one thing influences another.
Frequency#1563DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 作用 is often linked to traditional philosophies like Daoism, which emphasize the interconnected roles of elements in nature and society. Understanding this can help learners appreciate the depth of the term.
Memory Tip
Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zuo') where each animal has a specific 'yong' (role). The actions they take create effects in their environment, illustrating the concept of 作用 as the role or function something plays in its surroundings.
Meanings of 作用
zuòyòng(zuo4yong4)
1to act on
2to affect
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About 作用
作用Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#1563Frequency Rank
个Measure Word
HSK 2.0L4HSK 3.0L4ElementaryTOCFLL2HSKKL1CEFRA1
Podcast: 作用
Podcast: 作用
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AI Study Notes for 作用
Quick Contrast
功能 (gōngnéng) - use 作用 (zuòyòng) when emphasizing the effect or influence of something in a context, while 功能 (gōngnéng) focuses more on the inherent capabilities or roles of an object.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a 'zoo' (sounds like 'zuo') where each animal has a specific 'yong' (role). The actions they take create effects in their environment, illustrating the concept of 作用 as the role or function something plays in its surroundings.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include using 作用 in overly complex sentences where simpler words would suffice. It's important to note the usage in both formal and informal contexts, especially in academic writing. Be cautious with tone; mispronouncing it can alter the meaning.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 4 word, 作用 connects well with other vocabulary related to functions and effects, such as 效果 (xiàoguǒ, effect) and 影响 (yǐngxiǎng, influence). Focus on understanding its usage in different contexts to enhance comprehension.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of 作用 is often linked to traditional philosophies like Daoism, which emphasize the interconnected roles of elements in nature and society. Understanding this can help learners appreciate the depth of the term.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 作用 with 影响 (yǐngxiǎng, influence), mistakenly saying '这本书有很大的影响' (This book has a big effect) instead of '这本书有很大的作用'. Remember, 作用 emphasizes the role rather than just the influence.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 作用
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Grammar Patterns of 作用
作用 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 13 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.
These days work plays an important part in a single woman's life.
8
他在受着毒品毒副作用影响的同时还出现了休克。
tā zài shòu zháo dú pǐn dú fù zuò yòng yǐng xiǎng de tóng shí huán chū xiàn le xiū kè。
He was suffering from shock as well as the after-effects of drugs.
9
毫无疑问，政治和经济因素在其中起了作用。
háo wú yí wèn， ， zhèng zhì hé jīng jì yīn sù zài qí zhōng qǐ le zuò。
Undoubtedly, political and economic factors have played their part.
10
他称赞了她在反种族隔离制的斗争中发挥的重要作用。
tā chēng zàn le tā zài fǎn zhǒng zú gé lí zhì de dǒu zhēng zhōng fā huī de zhòng yào zuò yòng。
He praised her role in the struggle against apartheid.
Cultural Notes for 作用
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of 作用 is often linked to traditional philosophies like Daoism, which emphasize the interconnected roles of elements in nature and society. Understanding this can help learners appreciate the depth of the term.
🌏Cross-cultural Insight
The concept of function or role in Western contexts tends to emphasize individualism, whereas in Chinese culture, it often highlights collective relationships and interdependence among entities.
Frequently Asked Questions about 作用
No, while both relate to effects, 效果 specifically refers to the outcome of an action, whereas 作用 focuses on the role or function.
Primarily, yes, but it can also serve as a noun to refer to the concept of effect or function.
Practice associating the first tone in 'zuò' with action and the fourth tone in 'yòng' with impact to reinforce the meaning.
