Chinese word

作为

Pronunciation

Pinyinzuò wéi

Meaning

  • prepositionas

Example

他作为老师很负责。tā zuò wéi lǎo shī hěn fù zé

As a teacher, he is very responsible.

Illustration for 作为 (as)

More examples

这份资料可以作为参考。zhè fèn zī liào ké yǐ zuò wéi cān kǎo

This material can be used as a reference.

Core concept

A chosen role or standpoint becomes the frame for judging what someone does or what something means.

Common phrases

  • 作为参考zuò wéi cān kǎo

    as a reference

  • 作为借口zuò wéi jiè kǒu

    as an excuse

Similar words

身为shēn wèi: States a person's status or role to explain the duties or qualities linked to it.
以yǐ: Uses something as the basis or means for treating or handling a matter.
对于duì yú: Introduces the topic or target connected with a view, opinion, or effect.

Definition in Chinese

放在名词短语前，表示以某种身份、资格或角度看待或评价人或事，常用于说明立场或导出结论，语体偏正式。fàng zài míng cí duán yǔ qián biǎo shì yǐ móu zhǒng shēn fèn zī gé huò jiǎo dù kàn dài huò píng jià rén huò shì cháng yòng yú shuō míng lì chǎng huò dǎo chū jié lùn yú tǐ piān zhèng shì

Word origin

作为 (zuòwéi, "as; conduct") combines 作 (zuò, "do") + 为 (wéi, "be or act as"), linking action with a role or manner of acting.

Usage tips

  • English as can introduce a clause, but this Chinese pattern places a noun phrase after the word to name the role or viewpoint before the main statement.

Other meanings

  • conductnoun

Word lists with this word