What does 作用 mean in Chinese?

作用 (zuò yòng) means "to act on; to affect; action; function; activity; impact; result; effect; purpose; intent; to play a role; corresponds to English -ity, -ism, -ization" in Chinese. The new HSK exam tests it at HSK 4.

How do you pronounce 作用?

作用 is pronounced "zuò yòng" in Mandarin Chinese. It is made up of 2 syllables.

What HSK level is 作用?

作用 is an HSK 4 word on the new HSK exam syllabus. It is HSK 3 on the old exam, HSK 4 on the new one.

What characters make up 作用?

作用 is made up of the characters 作, 用. Each character has its own meaning and can appear in other words.

How do you write 作用?

You can practice writing 作用 using our stroke order tool.

作用 (zuò yòng), to act on

作用

zuò yòng

to act on; to affect; action; function

HSK 4 Was HSK 3verbclassifier

Characters in This Word

作用

Definitions

(verb, classifier) to act on
to affect
action
function
activity
impact
result
effect
purpose
intent
to play a role
corresponds to English -ity, -ism, -ization

Classifier: 个 (gè)

Example Sentences

这有很大作用。

Zhè yǒu hěn dà zuòyòng

This has a great impact

Related Words

影响(yǐng xiǎng)· influence

→

到(dào)· to (a place)

→

牵一发而动全身(qiān yī fà ér dòng quán shēn)· lit. pull one hair and the whole body moves

→

沙盘推演(shā pán tuī yǎn)· to plan a military mission on a sand table (idiom)

→

HSK levels

New HSK exam: HSK 4
HSK 2.0: HSK 3
HSK Lord study list: HSK 2 list

作用: HSK 3 on the old exam, HSK 4 on the new one. See where your old level lands

New exam levels follow the CLEC syllabus released 15 November 2025. The first official sitting is announced for 13 December 2026. HSK 7-9 is one advanced band.

On the new HSK 4 exam

Studying for HSK 4? Keep 作用 with the rest of your level.

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Start studying free The words new HSK 4 adds

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.