Comparing the two "zuo"
做 and 作 both are verbs that can be easily confused because both mean “to do” and are pronounced “ zuò” (fourth tone). While these both mean “to do”, the use of these two words is very different and almost always not interchangeable. 做 is used very commonly in both in informal/formal situations, whereas 作 is used only in formal situations.
| 做 (zuò) | 作 (zuò) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to do (work), to make (food, friends) | (mostly for parts of other words) |
| Part of Speech | verb | verb |
| Formality | flexible | formal |
Contents
To say to say do work with your hands like making clothes or making food use 做.
Common Phrases
In the following examples only 做 can be used.
- 做衣服
- 做饭
- 做工
To say make friends use 做.
Common Phrases
- 做朋友
Sometimes to say “to be” also uses 做.
Common Phrases
- 做父亲
- 做母亲
- 做演员
- 做客
To say to do a thought out or abstract undertakings use 作.
Common Phrases
In the following examples only 作 can be used.
- 作报告
- 作奋斗
- 作者
- 作文
