Usage of 当作
当作 is a verb phrase used to express treating or regarding something as something else. It often implies a subjective judgment or interpretation. For example, you can 当作 a failure as a learning opportunity or 当作 a friend as someone precious.
Common Collocations
- 把...当作... (to regard/treat ... as ...): This is the most common pattern, where the object is explicitly marked by 把 and the role or identity is indicated after 当作.
- 当作没看见/没听见 (to pretend not to see/hear): Used to indicate ignoring something deliberately.
Nuances
当作 often carries a sense of personal perspective or attitude. It differs from 认为 (to think) because 当作 emphasizes the act of treating or considering something in a particular way, not just thinking about it.
Avoiding Confusion
Do not confuse 当作 with 当做, which is a variant but less formal. Also, 当作 is not used as a noun or adjective; it functions as a verb phrase.
Using 当作 correctly helps express subjective interpretation or treatment of people, events, or things in natural conversation.