称作

chēngzuò

to be called; to be known as

HSK 6

Character Breakdown

Usage and Meaning

The verb '称作' (chēngzuò) means 'to call' or 'to name' something in a formal or literary way. It is often used when introducing a name, title, or term for a person, object, or concept.

Common Contexts

  • Naming or labeling things, especially in writing or formal speech.
  • Describing how something is referred to in different regions or contexts.
  • Self-reference or how someone describes themselves in a text.

Collocations and Patterns

Nuances

'称作' is more formal and literary than simply '' or ''. It often appears in written language or formal speech. It implies a deliberate naming or designation rather than casual naming.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse '称作' with '称为', which is similar but slightly more formal and often used in official or academic contexts. '称作' is more flexible and common in everyday formal writing.

Example Sentences

这种花在南方称作‘凤凰花’。

Zhè zhǒng huā zài nánfāng chēngzuò ‘fènghuáng huā’.

This kind of flower is called 'Phoenix flower' in the south.

他在文章中称作自己是一个普通人。

Tā zài wénzhāng zhōng chēngzuò zìjǐ shì yīgè pǔtōng rén.

He called himself an ordinary person in the article.

这个词在不同地区称作不同的名字。

Zhège cí zài bùtóng dìqū chēngzuò bùtóng de míngzì.

This word is called different names in different regions.