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 does have 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
- 干活儿
- 干嘛
- 干掉
Example Sentences
做 has some common set phrases
Common Phrases
- 做事
- 做人
- 做爱
Example Sentences
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
做 can mean "to make"
Common Phrases
- 做饭
- 做衣服
- 做家具
Example Sentences
做 can mean "to be"
Common Phrases
- 做人
- 做朋友
