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March 24, 2026
合作hézuò(he2zuo4)
合作 (hézuò) means to cooperate or collaborate with others to achieve a common goal. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in business partnerships, group projects, or community efforts, emphasizing teamwork and shared responsibility.
Frequency#925DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cooperation is highly valued, particularly in the context of family, business, and community. The concept of 'guanxi' (关系), which refers to the network of relationships, often underlines the importance of cooperation in achieving success.
Memory Tip
Imagine two people (represented by the characters '合' and '作') shaking hands to symbolize working together. The character '合' looks like a roof over a person, suggesting that cooperation is about bringing people together under one roof for a shared purpose.
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AI Study Notes for 合作
Quick Contrast
合作 (hézuò) vs 协作 (xiézuò): use 合作 for general cooperation and 协作 when emphasizing coordinated teamwork; 合作 (hézuò) vs 共同 (gòngtóng): use 合作 for the act of working together and 共同 to highlight shared interests or goals.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine two people (represented by the characters '合' and '作') shaking hands to symbolize working together. The character '合' looks like a roof over a person, suggesting that cooperation is about bringing people together under one roof for a shared purpose.
Usage Notes
Be mindful of the context when using 合作, as it can carry a more formal tone in business settings. Common collocations include 合作项目 (cooperative project) and 合作伙伴 (partner). Avoid using it in overly casual contexts where simpler terms might suffice.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 合作 connects well with other vocabulary related to teamwork and communication. Focus on phrases that include this term to build your conversational skills in collaborative settings, such as in business discussions.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, cooperation is highly valued, particularly in the context of family, business, and community. The concept of 'guanxi' (关系), which refers to the network of relationships, often underlines the importance of cooperation in achieving success.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 合作 with the similar term 参与 (cān yù, to participate), using them interchangeably. For example, saying '我参与这个项目' (I cooperate in this project) is incorrect; '我合作这个项目' (I cooperate on this project) is more appropriate.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 合作
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Grammar Patterns of 合作
合作 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 5 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.
The two airlines will cooperate on ticketing and schedules.
10
安东尼及其 合作者 们利用病人的自身材料制造替代器官.
ān dōng ní jí qí hé zuò zhě mén lì yòng bìng rén de zì shēn cái liào zhì zào tì dài.
Atala and co - workers make replacement parts out of patients'own raw materials.
Cultural Notes for 合作
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, cooperation is highly valued, particularly in the context of family, business, and community. The concept of 'guanxi' (关系), which refers to the network of relationships, often underlines the importance of cooperation in achieving success.
Frequently Asked Questions about 合作
No, while it is frequently used in business, 合作 can also refer to any situation where people work together, such as in school projects or community service.
合作 generally implies cooperation in a broader sense, while 协作 often refers to collaborative work that involves coordination among people.
Yes, but be aware of the context; it may sound a bit formal if used in very casual situations.
