Comparing the two "zuo"
做 (zuò) and 作 (zuò) are both verbs that can be easily confused because both mean “to do” and are pronounced identically. While these both mean “to do,” the use of these two words is different and rarely interchangeable. 做 is used very commonly in both in both informal and formal contexts, whereas 作 is used only in specific 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
Use 做 "to do" work with your hands or "to make" things
Common Phrases
In the following examples only 做 can be used.
- 做事
- 做家务
- 做衣服
- 做饭
- 做面
- 做菜
Example Sentences
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Use 做 to say "make friends"
做朋友 is one of the few common abstract uses of 做, where there's nothing physical actually being made.
- 例句
- 例句
- 例句
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Use 做 for “to be” certain roles
Common Phrases
- 做妈妈
- 做爸爸
- 做父亲
- 做老师
- 做演员
- 做客
Example Sentences
- 例句
- 例句
- 例句
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Use 作 "to do" a thought-out or abstract undertaking
Common Phrases
In the following examples only 作 can be used. You'll notice that these are not super-common phrases.
- 作报告
- 作奋斗
Example Sentences
- 例句
- 例句
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Notable Exceptions
Note that the following phrases may seem abstract, but do not use 作; they can only use 做:
- 做作业
- 做生意
作 is also used in some common nouns
作 is also commonly used as part of some words, but it's not a verb in these cases:
- 作者
- 作文
Sources and further reading
Websites
“做”和“作”的区别？ https://zhidao.baidu.com/question/16095504.html
