Meaning and Usage
The verb 奏效 (zòuxiào) means "to take effect" or "to work". It is often used to describe whether a method, medicine, suggestion, or action produces the desired result.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see 奏效 in medical contexts (e.g., treatments or medicines), problem-solving scenarios, or when evaluating the effectiveness of advice or strategies.
Collocations and Patterns
- 方案奏效 (fāng'àn zòuxiào): the plan works
- 药物奏效 (yàowù zòuxiào): the medicine takes effect
- 建议奏效 (jiànyì zòuxiào): the suggestion works
These collocations emphasize the success or effectiveness of something intended to solve a problem or improve a situation.
Nuances
Using 奏效 implies a positive outcome after an attempt. It is more formal and often used in written or semi-formal spoken Chinese. It differs from simply saying 有效 (yǒuxiào), which means "effective" but does not necessarily imply the action has already produced results.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 奏效 with 效果 (xiàoguǒ), which is a noun meaning "effect" or "result." 奏效 is a verb phrase focusing on the action of becoming effective.