Comparing "gan" and "zuo"
干 (gàn) and 做 (zuò) are both verbs that mean "to do" as in "to do work" or "to have nothing to do." 做 can be used in both formal and informal settings, whereas 干 is used more often in informal speech and writing. A key difference between these words is that 做 also can mean "to make," whereas 干 does not have any similar usage.
| 干 (gàn) | 做 (zuò) | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | to do | to do, to make |
| Part of Speech | verb | verb |
| Formality | informal | flexible |
Contents
干 has some common informal set phrases
These phrases are common in informal speech and writing (such as on WeChat), so you should really know them.
Common Phrases
- 干活
- 干吗
Example Sentences
- 你在干吗？我想请你帮我一个忙。
- 我干过很多活儿，但是都是体力活儿。
- 自行车被偷了，这是他干的，不是我干的。
- 我是一个快递员，每天要干十二个小时的活儿，很累。
- 有时候 孩子 很 努力 帮 我们 干活 ， 我会 奖励 他 一个 巧克力 。
做 meaning "to do" has some common set phrases
Common Phrases
- 做手术
- 做测试
- 做运动
- 做作业
Example Sentences
- 加例句
- 加例句
- 加例句
做 and 干 are often interchangeable
Just keep in mind that 干 is only suitable for informal language. Don't replace a 做 with 干 in a formal setting!
Common Phrases
- 做什么 / 干什么
Example Sentences
- 这 是 你 干 的 吗 ？
- 这 是 你 做 的 吗 ？
- 你是干什么的？
- 你是做什么的？
- 你 周末 准备 干什么 ？
- 你 周末 准备 做什么 ？
- 我 相信 你们 ， 这 件 事 却 不 能 这样 干 。
- 我 相信 你们 ， 这 件 事 却 不 能 这样 做 。
做 can mean "to make"
Common Phrases
- 做饭
- 做决定
- 做爱
Example Sentences
做 can mean "to be"
Common Phrases
- 做朋友
- 做医生
Example Sentences
- 长大以后，父母希望我做一个医生。
- 我不想和你做朋友。
