verb phrase HSK 4
to work · to take effect · to be effective · to play a role
Meaning
起作用 literally means 'to rise/begin function' and describes something beginning to have an effect or influence. It's used when talking about things like medicine working, plans taking effect, or factors playing a role in a situation.
Usage
This is a common phrase in both spoken and written Chinese. It often appears in statements about whether something is effective or functional. Frequently used with negation (不起作用 'doesn't work') or in questions about effectiveness. Can be used for both concrete things (medicine, methods) and abstract concepts (influence, factors).
Examples
- 01这种药对我不起作用。.This medicine doesn't work for me.
- 02你的建议真的起作用了，谢谢你！, !Your advice really worked, thank you!
Characters
Common collocations
- 起作用了it's working now, it's taking effect
- 没起作用didn't work, had no effect
- 真的起作用吗does it really work?
- 对...起作用...to have an effect on...
Antonyms
Origin
Combines 起 (to begin/rise) with 作用 (function/effect), creating the sense of 'beginning to function' or 'coming into effect'.