How common it is
作用 appears often in everyday Chinese, so it is worth practicing early and reviewing often.
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Pronunciation focus
Say zuòyòng slowly first, then repeat it in a short phrase. Listen for the tone shape.
Usage note
作用表示效果、用途或影响。
zuò yòng biǎo shì xiào guǒ 、 yòng tú huò yǐng xiǎng。
作用 means effect, purpose, or influence.
Context note
作用常用于说明事物的功能。
zuò yòng cháng yòng yú shuō míng shì wù de gōng néng。
It is often used to describe the function of things.
5 examples
水对身体有作用。
shuǐ duì shēn tǐ yǒu zuò yòng。
Water has a role in the body.
这个药有什么作用？
zhè ge yào yǒu shén me zuò yòng？
What is the effect of this medicine?
阳光对植物很有作用。
yáng guāng duì zhí wù hěn yǒu zuò yòng。
Sunlight is very important for plants.
这句话起到很大作用。
zhè jù huà qǐ dào hěn dà zuò yòng。
This sentence plays a big role.
工具的作用很明显。
gōng jù de zuò yòng hěn míng xiǎn。
The function of the tool is very clear.
5 mini stories
老师讲了时间管理的作用。
lǎo shī jiǎng le shí jiān guǎn lǐ de zuò yòng。
The teacher explained the value of time management.
运动对健康有很大作用。
yùn dòng duì jiàn kāng yǒu hěn dà zuò yòng。
Exercise has a big effect on health.
朋友的鼓励起了作用。
péng yǒu de gǔ lì qǐ le zuò yòng。
A friend's encouragement worked.
这个按钮的作用是开灯。
zhè ge àn niǔ de zuò yòng shì kāi dēng。
The function of this button is to turn on the light.
他明白了学习的作用。
tā míng bái le xué xí de zuò yòng。
He understood the importance of learning.