Expressing “to do" with 做, 作 and 干
These verbs have the same meaning, but they can be used differently.
The verb 做
The verb 做 
is usually used to emphasize that an action is performed with a particular object. This action often requires movement.
The verb is neutral. It means that it is neither positive, nor negative.
For example: 做衣服 , 做作业 .
is usually used to emphasize that an action is performed with a particular object. This action often requires movement.
The verb is neutral. It means that it is neither positive, nor negative.
For example: 做衣服 , 做作业 .
Pay attention
做 is placed before a noun or a noun phrase.
A noun phrase is a phrase in which the main word is a noun.
Examples
我们轮流做家务
We take turns doing our homework
wǒmen lúnliú zuò jiāwù
我喜欢你那样做
I like that you do it
wǒ xǐhuan nǐ nàyàng zuò
我喜欢接受挑战做别人拒绝做的工作
I like to take on work challenges that others refuse to do
wǒ xǐhuan jiēshòu tiǎozhàn zuò biéren jùjué zuò de gōngzuò
The verb 作
The verb 作 is usually used either with abstract objects or with actions which don’t produce real objects.
作 is usually negative.
For example: 作弊 , 作恶 .
is usually used either with abstract objects or with actions which don’t produce real objects.
作 is usually negative.
For example: 作弊 , 作恶 .
Pay attention
作 is placed before a noun or a noun phrase.
Examples
先把情况考虑周全再作决定
Before you make a decision, consider the situation
xiān bǎ qíngkuàng kǎolǜ zhōuquán zài zuò juédìng
该购物中心同意不再作假广告
The shopping center agreed to stop false advertising
gāi gòuwù zhōngxīn tóngyì bú zài zuòjiǎ guǎnggào
她没作任何回答
She didn’t answer
tā méi zuò rènhé huídá
The verb 干
The verb 干 is also used with abstract objects. The verb is usually negative.
干 is mostly used in set expressions. For example:
干活
干什么？
不干了
is also used with abstract objects. The verb is usually negative.
干 is mostly used in set expressions. For example:
干活
干什么？
不干了 Pay attention
干 is placed before a noun or a noun phrase.
Examples
我儿子不喜欢数学，每一次都是做一会儿作业就不干了
My son doesn’t like math. Every time he does a little homework, he quickly gives up
wǒ érzi bù xǐhuan shùxué, měi yí cì dōu shì zuò yìhuǐr zuòyè jiù bú gān le
你到底知不知道自己在干什么？
Do you even know what you’re doing?
nǐ dàodǐ zhī bù zhīdao zìjǐ zài gàn shénme
天一亮他们就开始干活了
They start working when the sun comes up
tiān yí liàng tāmen jiù kāishǐ gànhuó le