作用 (zuòyòng) — function; role; effect

作用 (zuòyòng)

作用 refers to the function or role that something plays, or the effect and impact it has on something else.

Meanings

1. [noun] function; role; the purpose something serves
2. [noun] effect; impact; the result produced by an action or substance

Example Sentences

这种药对发烧有很好的作用。 Zhè zhǒng yào duì fāshāo yǒu hěn hǎo de zuòyòng. This medicine has a very good effect on fever.

老师在学生的成长中起了很大的作用。 Lǎoshī zài xuésheng de chéngzhǎng zhōng qǐ le hěn dà de zuòyòng. Teachers play a very important role in students' growth.

这个工具的作用是拧螺丝。 Zhège gōngjù de zuòyòng shì nǐng luósī. The function of this tool is to tighten screws.

运动对健康有积极的作用。 Yùndòng duì jiànkāng yǒu jījí de zuòyòng. Exercise has a positive effect on health.

Collocations

Memory Hook

作 means "to do/make" and 用 means "use" — the 作用 of something is what it does and what it is used for.