Understanding "称作" - Chinese Word Explanation

1. Basic Information

• Word: 称作
• Pinyin: chēng zuò
• Literal Meaning: “to call as” or “to name as”
• Primary Meaning: to be called; to be known as; to refer to something as

2. In-depth Explanation

• Context and Usage: 称作 is used when explaining what something is called, named, or referred to. It is often more formal or written than everyday expressions like 叫, which also means “to be called.” You will commonly see 称作 in explanations, definitions, academic writing, documentaries, articles, or formal speech.

In English, 称作 can often be translated as:
- “be called”
- “be known as”
- “be referred to as”
- “be termed”

The basic pattern is often:

A 称作 B
“A is called B” / “A is referred to as B”

It can also appear as:

把 A 称作 B
“to call A B” / “to refer to A as B”

Compared with 叫, 称作 sounds more precise and formal. For example, a child might say “This is called a panda” using 叫, while a textbook or teacher might use 称作 when defining a concept.

• Character Breakdown:
• 称: to call; to name; to say; to be known as
• 作: to act as; to serve as; to be regarded as

Together, 称作 means “to call something as” or “to refer to something as.”

3. Example Sentences

• Chinese: 这种动物称作熊猫。
• Pinyin: Zhè zhǒng dòngwù chēng zuò xióngmāo.

• English: This kind of animal is called a panda.

• Chinese: 人们把他称作现代文学之父。

• Pinyin: Rénmen bǎ tā chēng zuò xiàndài wénxué zhī fù.

• English: People refer to him as the father of modern literature.

• Chinese: 这个节日也称作春节。

• Pinyin: Zhège jiérì yě chēng zuò Chūnjié.
• English: This festival is also known as the Spring Festival.

Cultural Notes (if applicable)

称作 is especially useful in formal Chinese because Chinese often distinguishes between casual everyday language and more written or academic expressions. While 叫 is common in speech, 称作 is often preferred when introducing terms, titles, historical figures, cultural ideas, or scientific concepts.

For example, when explaining Chinese culture, one might say 农历新年也称作春节, meaning “Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival.” This gives the sentence a clear, explanatory tone.

Conclusion

称作 means “to be called” or “to be referred to as.” It is a more formal and explanatory word than 叫, making it useful for definitions, introductions, cultural explanations, and written Chinese. Remember the pattern A 称作 B: “A is called B.”