作用 (zuòyòng)

作用 refers to the function, effect, or role that something has — what it does or how it influences something else.

Meanings

[noun] function, effect, role, action (what something does or contributes)

Example Sentences

睡眠对健康有很重要的作用。 Shuìmián duì jiànkāng yǒu hěn zhòngyào de zuòyòng. Sleep plays a very important role in health.

这种药对感冒有很好的作用。 Zhè zhǒng yào duì gǎnmào yǒu hěn hǎo de zuòyòng. This medicine has a good effect on the common cold.

团队合作发挥了很大的作用。 Tuánduì hézuò fāhuī le hěn dà de zuòyòng. Teamwork played a big role.

锻炼对减肥有直接的作用。 Duànliàn duì jiǎnféi yǒu zhíjiē de zuòyòng. Exercise has a direct effect on weight loss.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
发挥作用	play a role; bring into effect
起到作用	have an effect; work
重要作用	important role
副作用	side effect

Usage Notes

作用 is commonly used in the pattern 对…有作用 (have an effect on) or 发挥作用 (play a role / bring into play). It is a neutral noun and does not inherently imply a positive or negative effect — context determines that. Compare with 效果 (result/effect), which focuses more on the outcome.

Memory Hook

作 (make/do) + 用 (use/function) = "making use" or "what it does" = function/effect.