Usage of 叫作
The phrase 叫作 (jiàozuò) is used to indicate the name or title of a person, place, or thing. It is a formal way to say "is called" or "named." It often appears in written or formal spoken Chinese.
Common contexts
You will see 叫作 used when introducing names of mountains, books, people, or other proper nouns. It is slightly more formal than simply using 叫 or 是 called.
Collocations and patterns
- 叫作 + [name]: to state the name of something or someone.
- 这座山叫作 + [mountain name]: naming a mountain.
- 这本书叫作 + [book title]: naming a book.
Nuance and register
叫作 carries a neutral to formal tone and is often found in descriptive or narrative contexts. It is less common in casual conversation where 叫 or 是 might be preferred.
Common confusion
Do not confuse 叫作 with 叫, which can mean "to shout" or "to call" in a more immediate or informal sense. 叫作 specifically introduces a name or title.