作者 in 30 Seconds
- The word '作者' (zuòzhě) means 'author' and is used to identify the person who wrote a specific piece of work like a book or article.
- It is a neutral and functional term, distinct from '作家' (zuòjiā), which implies a professional or literary status in writing.
- In academic contexts, it refers to researchers and contributors, including roles like 'first author' or 'corresponding author'.
- Grammatically, it is a noun and often appears in possessive structures like '书的作者' (the author of the book).
The term 作者 (zuòzhě) is a fundamental noun in the Chinese language used to identify the creator of a written work. While it is most commonly translated as 'author' or 'writer,' its application spans a wide variety of media and professional contexts. In its most literal sense, the character 作 (zuò) means to do, to make, or to compose, while 者 (zhě) is a classical Chinese suffix that transforms a verb into a noun representing the person performing the action, similar to the English suffix '-er'. Therefore, zuòzhě is literally 'the one who creates.'
- Formal Literature
- In the world of books and publishing, this term refers to the person who wrote the manuscript. It is the standard label found on book covers and in library catalogs.
- Academic Research
- In scientific journals and university papers, it denotes the primary researcher or the group of individuals responsible for the study and its documentation.
- Digital Media
- On blogs, news websites, and social media platforms, it identifies the individual who composed the specific post or article being read.
请问这本书的作者是谁？(May I ask who the author of this book is?)
Understanding the nuance between 作者 and 作家 (zuòjiā) is crucial for B1 learners. While both refer to people who write, zuòjiā specifically implies a professional writer or a literary figure of some standing, often associated with novels or poetry. In contrast, zuòzhě is more functional and neutral; anyone who writes a single article, a thesis, or even a simple document is the zuòzhě of that specific piece. This distinction is vital in formal introductions and academic citations.
这位作者的文笔非常优美。(This author's writing style is very beautiful.)
In legal and copyright contexts, the term carries significant weight. It identifies the owner of intellectual property. During a contract signing for a book deal, the individual is referred to as 'Party A' or specifically as the zuòzhě. This highlights the word's importance in professional and legal environments beyond mere casual conversation.
- Copyright Law
- The legal entity or person who holds the moral and economic rights to a creative work.
这篇文章的作者享有署名权。(The author of this article enjoys the right of authorship/attribution.)
Using 作者 (zuòzhě) correctly requires an understanding of its role as a noun that often acts as the subject or object of a sentence, or as a modifier in a possessive phrase. Because it represents a person, it is frequently paired with possessive particles and verbs related to creation, thought, and communication.
- Possessive Usage
- The most common pattern is [Work] + 的 + 作者 or [作者] + 的 + [Attribute]. For example: '这部小说的作者' (The author of this novel).
我们需要联系原作者获得授权。(We need to contact the original author to get authorization.)
When discussing the intent or perspective of a writer, zuòzhě is the standard term. In Chinese literature classes, students are often asked to analyze '作者的意图' (the author's intention) or '作者的背景' (the author's background). This usage is very formal and fits perfectly within the B1 level requirement for discussing abstract concepts like themes and purposes.
从文中可以看出，作者对未来充满了希望。(From the text, it can be seen that the author is full of hope for the future.)
In the context of multiple contributors, you will see the term modified by adjectives like '第一作者' (dì-yī zuòzhě, first author) or '通讯作者' (tōngxù zuòzhě, corresponding author). These are essential terms for anyone involved in academic writing or reading research papers in Chinese.
- Academic Hierarchy
- 第一作者 (First Author): The person who did the most work. 通讯作者 (Corresponding Author): The person responsible for communication.
他是这篇论文的联合作者之一。(He is one of the co-authors of this paper.)
Finally, in everyday conversation, if you are reading a blog post or an article and want to comment on the person who wrote it, you would use zuòzhě. It sounds more natural and less grandiose than calling a random blogger a zuòjiā (writer/novelist). It keeps the focus on the specific piece of work being discussed.
我不同意作者在第三段提出的观点。(I disagree with the point the author raised in the third paragraph.)
The word 作者 (zuòzhě) is ubiquitous in environments where information is shared, analyzed, or celebrated. If you step into a Chinese bookstore (书店 - shūdiàn), the word is everywhere. You will see signs for '作者签名会' (zuòzhě qiānmíng huì) which means 'author book signing event'. This is a prime example of where the term bridges the gap between the professional world and public engagement.
- In Schools and Universities
- Teachers frequently use the word when discussing literature. '请分析作者的情感' (Please analyze the author's emotions) is a standard instruction in high school and college Chinese classes.
这位作者在序言中解释了他的创作动机。(The author explained his creative motivation in the preface.)
In the digital age, '作者' has found a new home in app interfaces. On platforms like WeChat Official Accounts (微信公众号), Zhihu (知乎), or Weibo (微博), you will often see a section titled '作者简介' (zuòzhě jiǎnjiè) or '关于作者' (guānyú zuòzhě), meaning 'Author Bio' or 'About the Author'. Here, it serves as a functional label for content creators of all kinds.
News broadcasts and podcasts also use the word when citing reports or opinion pieces. A news anchor might say, '根据这篇文章的作者介绍...' (According to the introduction by the author of this article...). This establishes the credibility of the source by pointing directly to the individual responsible for the content.
很多作者都喜欢在安静的环境下写作。(Many authors like to write in a quiet environment.)
- Library and Databases
- When searching for a book online or in a library database, '作者' is the standard field name for the creator's name, alongside '书名' (title) and '出版日期' (publication date).
Lastly, in the legal realm, if there is a dispute over plagiarism (抄袭 - chāoxí), the term zuòzhě is used in court to define the original creator. You might hear phrases like '原作者的权益' (the rights and interests of the original author) in legal news reports or documentaries about intellectual property rights in China.
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning Chinese is the confusion between 作者 (zuòzhě) and 作家 (zuòjiā). While both can translate to 'writer' or 'author', they are not interchangeable in all contexts. Using zuòjiā for a student writing an essay or a blogger writing a short post sounds overly dramatic and slightly incorrect. Zuòjiā is a title of prestige, whereas zuòzhě is a role relative to a piece of work.
- Mistake: Over-using '作家'
- Incorrect: 我是这篇博客的作家。 (I am the 'literary giant' of this blog.) Correct: 我是这篇博客的作者。 (I am the author of this blog.)
别把作者和书中的主角混为一谈。(Don't confuse the author with the protagonist in the book.)
Another common pitfall is the confusion with 笔者 (bǐzhě). Bǐzhě is a humble way for an author to refer to themselves in their own writing (equivalent to 'the author' or 'the writer' used in the third person within an article). Students sometimes use bǐzhě when talking about someone else, which is grammatically incorrect. You use zuòzhě to talk about others; you use bǐzhě to refer to yourself in a formal essay.
Phonetic mistakes are also common. The 'zh' in zhě is a retroflex sound, meaning the tongue should be curled back. Beginners often pronounce it as 'zě' or 'jě'. Practicing the distinction between the flat 'z' and the curled 'zh' is essential for being understood. Furthermore, ensure you don't confuse the character zhě (者) with zhè (这 - this), as they sound similar but have completely different tones and meanings.
- Measure Word Errors
- Avoid using '只' (zhī) or other inappropriate measure words. Use '位' (wèi) for respect or '个' (gè) for general reference.
这是一位非常有才华的作者。(This is a very talented author.)
Lastly, learners sometimes forget to include the possessive particle '的' (de) when linking the work to the author. Saying '书作者' (shū zuòzhě) is technically understandable but sounds clipped and unnatural compared to '书的作者' (shū de zuòzhě).
In Chinese, there are several words related to writing and authorship, each with its own specific register and context. Choosing the right one shows a high level of linguistic competence. Let's compare 作者 (zuòzhě) with its closest relatives.
- 作者 (zuòzhě) vs. 作家 (zuòjiā)
- '作者' is the general term for anyone who writes a specific piece (article, report, book). '作家' is a professional title for someone who writes literature (novels, essays) as a career.
- 作者 (zuòzhě) vs. 笔者 (bǐzhě)
- '作者' is used by a third party to refer to the writer. '笔者' (literally 'the person with the pen') is a formal way for the writer to refer to themselves within the text.
- 作者 (zuòzhě) vs. 编者 (biānzhě)
- '作者' creates the content. '编者' (editor) compiles or organizes the content. You will often see '编著者' (biānzhùzhě) for textbooks, meaning the person both edited and wrote parts of it.
虽然他不是职业作家，但他确实是这本技术手册的作者。(Although he is not a professional writer, he is indeed the author of this technical manual.)
For more specific types of writing, you might use 撰稿人 (zhuàngǎorén), which refers to a contributor or a freelance writer for a newspaper or magazine. If the person is writing poetry, they are a 诗人 (shīrén). If they write plays, they are a 剧作家 (jùzuòjiā). Note how zuòzhě remains the umbrella term that covers all of these roles in relation to their specific output.
In academic citations, you might also encounter 著者 (zhùzhě). While very similar to zuòzhě, zhùzhě is even more formal and is specifically used for the person who wrote a substantial scholarly book or treatise. In a library catalog, you will see '著' (zhù) after the author's name to indicate they wrote it, whereas '编' (biān) indicates they edited it.
作为撰稿人，他每月为杂志提供两篇文章。(As a contributor, he provides two articles to the magazine every month.)
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
In ancient Chinese texts, '者' was often used after verbs to create nouns, a practice that survives in many modern words like '记者' (one who records/journalist) and '学者' (one who learns/scholar).
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'zhě' as 'zě' (failing to curl the tongue).
- Pronouncing 'zuò' as 'zuō' (wrong tone).
- Confusing 'zhě' with 'zhè' (this).
- Confusing 'zuò' with 'zuó' (yesterday).
- Merging the two syllables into one sound.
Difficulty Rating
The characters are common but '者' requires understanding its role as a suffix.
Writing '者' requires correct stroke order for the top part.
Must distinguish 'zh' from 'z' carefully.
Easily recognizable in context.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
The '者' (zhě) suffix for agent nouns.
记者 (jìzhě - journalist), 读者 (dúzhě - reader).
Using '位' (wèi) for respectful counting of people.
三位作者 (three authors).
Possessive '的' (de) with people and their creations.
作者的作品 (the author's work).
Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) with '创作' (create).
作者创作了小说。(The author created the novel.)
Using '通过' (tōngguò) to show means/method.
作者通过文字表达情感。(The author expresses emotion through words.)
Examples by Level
谁是这本书的作者？
Who is the author of this book?
Uses 谁 (who) to ask about the person.
他是我的老师，也是一位作者。
He is my teacher and also an author.
Uses 位 (wèi) as a respectful measure word.
作者的名字在书上。
The author's name is on the book.
Uses 的 (de) for possession.
我不认识这个作者。
I don't know this author.
Uses 认识 (rènshi) for knowing people.
作者很有名。
The author is very famous.
Simple subject-adjective structure.
请看作者的介绍。
Please look at the author's introduction.
Uses 请 (qǐng) for polite requests.
作者在北京工作。
The author works in Beijing.
Uses 在 (zài) for location.
这本书有两个作者。
This book has two authors.
Uses 两 (liǎng) for the number two before a noun.
我想见见这位作者。
I want to meet this author for a bit.
Uses verb reduplication (见见) for a casual action.
作者写了很多好书。
The author has written many good books.
Uses 了 (le) to indicate completed action.
你知道作者的国籍吗？
Do you know the author's nationality?
Uses 吗 (ma) for a yes/no question.
作者在文中说，我们要保护环境。
The author says in the text that we should protect the environment.
Uses 在文中 (in the text) as a locational phrase.
这位作者的中文非常好。
This author's Chinese is very good.
Possessive structure linking author to language skill.
作者每天早上写作。
The author writes every morning.
Uses 每天 (every day) as a time adverb.
我们要学习作者的精神。
We should learn from the author's spirit.
Uses 学习 (xuéxí) meaning to learn from/emulate.
作者给读者写了一封信。
The author wrote a letter to the readers.
Uses 给 (gěi) to indicate the recipient.
作者在第三章详细描述了那个城市。
The author described that city in detail in the third chapter.
Uses 详细 (xiángxì) as an adverb.
你同意作者的观点吗？
Do you agree with the author's viewpoint?
Uses 观点 (guāndiǎn) for viewpoint.
作者通过这个故事反映了社会问题。
The author reflected social problems through this story.
Uses 通过 (tōngguò) meaning 'through' or 'by means of'.
为了联系作者，我发了很多封邮件。
In order to contact the author, I sent many emails.
Uses 为了 (wèile) to indicate purpose.
作者的生平对他的创作有很大影响。
The author's life had a great influence on his creation.
Uses 对...有影响 (to have an influence on...).
虽然作者很有名，但他生活很简朴。
Although the author is very famous, he lives a very simple life.
Uses 虽然...但是... (although... but...).
我们需要确认文章作者的身份。
We need to confirm the identity of the article's author.
Uses 确认 (quèrèn) for confirm.
作者在结尾留下了一个悬念。
The author left a suspense at the end.
Uses 留下 (liúxià) for 'left behind'.
作为第一作者，他负责了大部分的实验工作。
As the first author, he was responsible for most of the experimental work.
Uses 作为 (zuòwéi) meaning 'as' or 'in the capacity of'.
作者的叙述方式非常有创意。
The author's narrative style is very creative.
Uses 叙述方式 (xùshù fāngshì) for narrative style.
这篇文章的作者试图挑战传统的观念。
The author of this article attempts to challenge traditional concepts.
Uses 试图 (shìtú) for 'attempt to'.
引用他人作品时必须注明原作者。
When citing others' works, the original author must be noted.
Uses 必须 (bìxū) for 'must'.
作者对人物心理的刻画入木三分。
The author's portrayal of the characters' psychology is profound and vivid.
Uses the idiom 入木三分 (rùmù sānfēn) for profoundness.
我们要尊重作者的劳动成果。
We should respect the author's fruits of labor.
Uses 劳动成果 (láodòng chéngguǒ) for fruits of labor.
该书的作者是一位著名的经济学家。
The author of the book is a famous economist.
Uses 该 (gāi) as a formal word for 'this/that'.
作者在后记中表达了对家人的感谢。
The author expressed gratitude to his family in the afterword.
Uses 后记 (hòujì) for afterword.
作者的文字透露出一种淡淡的忧伤。
The author's words reveal a hint of faint sadness.
Uses 透露出 (tòulù chū) for 'reveal/leak out'.
我们要辩证地看待作者提出的理论。
We should look at the theory proposed by the author dialectically.
Uses 辩证地 (biànzhèng de) for 'dialectically'.
作者巧妙地将历史事实与虚构情节结合在一起。
The author skillfully combined historical facts with fictional plots.
Uses 巧妙地 (qiǎomiào de) for 'skillfully'.
由于作者的匿名性，这篇文章引起了广泛的猜测。
Due to the author's anonymity, this article caused widespread speculation.
Uses 匿名性 (nìmíng xìng) for 'anonymity'.
作者试图通过隐喻来探讨人性的复杂性。
The author attempts to explore the complexity of human nature through metaphors.
Uses 探讨 (tàntǎo) for 'explore/discuss'.
该论文的通讯作者负责处理所有的审稿意见。
The corresponding author of the paper is responsible for handling all review comments.
Uses 审稿意见 (shěngǎo yìjiàn) for 'review comments'.
作者在书中流露出的批判精神令人深思。
The critical spirit revealed by the author in the book is thought-provoking.
Uses 流露出 (liúlù chū) for 'reveal/manifest'.
我们应当关注作者背后的文化语境。
We should pay attention to the cultural context behind the author.
Uses 语境 (yǔjìng) for 'context'.
解构主义认为，作者的意图并非文本意义的唯一来源。
Deconstructionism holds that the author's intention is not the sole source of a text's meaning.
Uses 并非 (bìngfēi) as a formal 'is not'.
这位作者的语言风格具有极高的辨识度。
This author's linguistic style has an extremely high degree of recognizability.
Uses 辨识度 (biànshì dù) for 'recognizability'.
作者以其敏锐的洞察力捕捉到了时代的脉搏。
The author, with their keen insight, captured the pulse of the era.
Uses 脉搏 (màibó) metaphorically for 'pulse/vibe'.
作品的成功往往取决于作者与读者之间的共鸣。
The success of a work often depends on the resonance between the author and the reader.
Uses 共鸣 (gòngmíng) for 'resonance'.
作者在论证过程中展现了严密的逻辑思维。
The author demonstrated rigorous logical thinking during the argumentation process.
Uses 严密 (yánmì) for 'rigorous/tight'.
法律明确规定了作者对其作品享有的精神权利。
The law clearly stipulates the moral rights that authors enjoy over their works.
Uses 明确规定 (míngquè guīdìng) for 'clearly stipulate'.
作者在自序中详尽地阐述了该书的学术价值。
The author elaborately expounded the academic value of the book in the preface.
Uses 阐述 (chǎnshù) for 'expound/elaborate'.
我们要警惕作者在叙事中可能存在的偏见。
We should be wary of potential biases the author may have in the narrative.
Uses 警惕 (jǐngtì) for 'be wary of/alert to'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— A basic question asking for the identity of the writer.
请问这篇文章的作者是谁？
— The act of getting in touch with the person who wrote something.
你可以通过邮件联系作者。
— Refers to the opinions or perspectives held by the writer.
我非常赞同作者的观点。
— Refers to the unique way a writer expresses themselves.
这位作者的风格很幽默。
— The history or personal details of the writer.
了解作者的背景有助于理解作品。
— The purpose or goal the writer had in mind.
作者的意图是为了启发读者。
— Used to quote the author directly or refer to their own words.
作者本人说他还在写续集。
— To meet the writer in person.
下周我有机会见作者。
— The name of the writer.
我忘了作者的名字了。
— The collective body of work produced by the writer.
这是作者最著名的作品。
Often Confused With
A professional writer/novelist. Use '作者' for a specific work's creator.
A way for an author to refer to themselves. Don't use it for others.
A journalist. They write news, but the term is specific to the profession.
Idioms & Expressions
— The writing reflects the person; one's writing style reveals their character.
读他的文章，你会发现真是文如其人。
Literary/Formal— Literally 'penetrating three inches into wood'; describes writing that is profound and vivid.
作者对社会的描写可谓入木三分。
Literary— A gifted pen produces flowers; describes highly talented and beautiful writing.
这位作者妙笔生花，故事写得极好。
Literary— To tell a story in a straightforward, perhaps dull, way.
作者采用了平铺直叙的手法。
Neutral/Critical— Concise but comprehensive; brief and to the point.
作者的论述言简意赅。
Formal— Every word is a gem; describes writing where every word is precious and beautiful.
这篇文章真是字字珠玑，值得反复阅读。
Literary— To add the finishing touch that brings something to life.
作者在结尾处的描写起到了画龙点睛的作用。
General/Literary— To weed through the old to bring forth the new; innovate.
作者在传统题材中推陈出新。
Formal— To make one's argument consistent; to justify oneself.
作者在文中努力自圆其说。
Neutral/Critical— Lifelike; vivid (often used for characters created by an author).
作者把这个角色写得栩栩如生。
GeneralEasily Confused
Both end in '者' and are related to books.
作者 is the one who writes; 读者 is the one who reads.
作者写书，读者看书。
Contains the 'zhe' sound.
或者 means 'or'. It is a conjunction, not a person noun.
你想喝咖啡或者茶？
Sounds similar to the 'zhe' in 'zuozhe'.
这个 means 'this one'. It is a demonstrative pronoun.
我要这个。
Starts with 'zuo'.
作业 means 'homework'. It is a thing, not a person.
我还没写完作业。
Both are professions ending in 'zhe'.
记者 is a journalist/reporter; 作者 is an author/writer.
记者在采访作者。
Sentence Patterns
谁是[Work]的作者？
谁是这本书的作者？
作者写了[Number]本[Noun]。
作者写了五本小说。
作者认为[Opinion]。
作者认为教育非常重要。
为了[Purpose]，作者[Action]。
为了写这本书，作者去了很多地方。
作为[Role]，作者[Responsibility]。
作为第一作者，他负责数据分析。
引用[Work]时，请注明作者。
引用本文时，请注明作者姓名。
作者试图通过[Method]来[Goal]。
作者试图通过隐喻来探讨人性。
文本的意义不仅限于作者的意图。
文本的意义不仅限于作者的意图，还包括读者的理解。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely high in educational, literary, and professional contexts.
-
Using '作家' for a student writer.
→
使用'作者'。
'作家' implies a professional status. A student writing an essay is simply the '作者' of that essay.
-
Pronouncing 'zhě' with a flat tongue (like 'zě').
→
Curl the tongue back for 'zh'.
The 'zh' sound is a retroflex. Failing to curl the tongue makes the word sound like 'zě', which is not a standard word.
-
Saying '书作者' instead of '书的作者'。
→
书的作者
In Chinese, you usually need the possessive particle '的' to link a work and its author clearly.
-
Using '笔者' to refer to another person.
→
使用'作者'来指代他人。
'笔者' is strictly a first-person reference used by the writer themselves within a text.
-
Confusing '作者' (zuòzhě) with '或者' (huòzhě)。
→
注意声调和第一个字。
'或者' means 'or' and is a conjunction. '作者' is a noun meaning 'author'. They sound similar to beginners.
Tips
Use '位' for Respect
When talking about an author you admire or in a formal setting, always use '位' (wèi) instead of '个' (gè). For example: '三位作者' sounds much more professional than '三个作者'.
Learn the 'Zhe' Family
Learning '作者' alongside '读者' (reader) and '记者' (journalist) will help you remember the '者' suffix, which is very common for professional nouns in Chinese.
Stroke Order Matters
The character '者' has a specific stroke order. Make sure the long slanting stroke (撇) comes after the top horizontal strokes to keep the character balanced.
Retroflex Sound
The 'zh' in 'zhě' requires you to curl your tongue back. It's different from the 'z' in 'zuò'. Practice saying 'zuò-zhě' slowly to master the transition.
Academic Usage
In academic papers, you will often see '通讯作者' (corresponding author). This is the person you should email if you have questions about the research.
Author Signings
If you see a sign for '签名会' (qiānmíng huì) at a bookstore, it's an author signing event. These are great places to practice your Chinese with authors!
Copyright Awareness
Terms like '原作者' (original author) are important in China's growing intellectual property market. Knowing this word helps you understand copyright notices.
Look for '简介'
When reading a book, look for '作者简介' (author bio). It's usually on the back cover or the first few pages and provides good reading practice.
Don't confuse with 'Homework'
Beginners often mix up 'zuòzhě' (author) and 'zuòyè' (homework). Remember: the 'person' (者) is the author; the 'thing' (业) is the work/homework.
Self-Reference
If you are writing a formal article, try using '笔者' (bǐzhě) to refer to yourself. It will make your writing sound much more sophisticated to native speakers.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Zuo' (zuò) as 'doing' work at a desk, and 'Zhe' (zhě) as the 'person' sitting there. The person doing the work is the author.
Visual Association
Imagine a person (者) sitting at a desk making (作) a book. The desk is shaped like the character '作'.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to find the word '作者' on three different Chinese websites or book covers today.
Word Origin
The word '作者' comes from classical Chinese. '作' (zuò) originally depicted a person starting to work or standing up to do something. '者' (zhě) is an ancient particle used to denote 'the person who...'. Together, they literally mean 'the person who creates or makes something'.
Original meaning: Originally, it could refer to any craftsman or creator, but over time it became specialized for those who create written works.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
Always use '位' (wèi) when introducing an author to show proper respect.
In English, we often use 'writer' and 'author' interchangeably, but 'author' sounds slightly more formal. Chinese '作者' matches this formal 'author' perfectly.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Bookstore or Library
- 找作者的名字 (Look for the author's name)
- 作者签名本 (Signed copy by the author)
- 按作者分类 (Classify by author)
- 新晋作者 (New author)
Academic Paper
- 引用作者 (Cite the author)
- 第一作者 (First author)
- 共同作者 (Co-author)
- 联系通讯作者 (Contact the corresponding author)
Classroom Discussion
- 分析作者意图 (Analyze author's intent)
- 作者的立场 (Author's stance)
- 作者的背景 (Author's background)
- 讨论作者观点 (Discuss author's views)
News/Media
- 文章作者 (Article author)
- 特约作者 (Special contributor)
- 据作者介绍 (According to the author's intro)
- 作者的声明 (Author's statement)
Legal/Copyright
- 保护作者 (Protect the author)
- 原作者授权 (Original author's authorization)
- 侵犯作者权 (Infringe on author's rights)
- 作者署名 (Author's signature/attribution)
Conversation Starters
"你最喜欢的作者是谁？ (Who is your favorite author?)"
"你读过这位作者的其他书吗？ (Have you read other books by this author?)"
"你觉得作者在这个故事里想表达什么？ (What do you think the author wants to express in this story?)"
"如果你能见到这位作者，你会问他什么问题？ (If you could meet this author, what question would you ask him?)"
"你认为作者的背景对他的写作有影响吗？ (Do you think the author's background influences his writing?)"
Journal Prompts
写一写你最喜欢的作者，以及为什么你喜欢他的作品。 (Write about your favorite author and why you like their work.)
如果你是一位作者，你会写什么样的书？ (If you were an author, what kind of book would you write?)
讨论一下你对“作者意图”的看法。 (Discuss your views on 'author's intent'.)
描述一次你参加作者签名会的经历。 (Describe an experience attending an author's book signing.)
分析一篇最近读过的文章，谈谈作者的观点。 (Analyze a recently read article and talk about the author's viewpoint.)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsGenerally, no. For a YouTuber, you would use '博主' (bózhǔ) or '创作者' (chuàngzuòzhě). For a director, use '导演' (dǎoyǎn). '作者' is primarily for written works.
Yes, '作者' is neutral and polite. However, adding the measure word '位' (wèi) makes it more respectful, as in '这位作者'.
'作者' is the creator of a specific piece (e.g., 'the author of this report'). '作家' is a professional title (e.g., 'he is a famous writer/novelist').
You can say '共同作者' (gòngtóng zuòzhě) or '合著者' (hézhùzhě).
Chinese nouns are gender-neutral. '作者' can refer to a man or a woman.
It's better to say '我是一名作者' or '我是写书的'. Just '我是作者' sounds like you are 'the' author of something already mentioned.
Usually, you write the author's name followed by '等' (děng) if there are many, then the year. For example: (张三, 2023).
In legal terms, a company can be the 'copyright holder' (版权所有者), but '作者' usually refers to the actual human writer.
It means 'original author'. It is used when a work has been translated, adapted, or plagiarized.
Yes, it is a very common suffix meaning 'person who'. Examples include '学者' (scholar), '患者' (patient), and '志愿者' (volunteer).
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence using '作者' and '书'.
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Ask 'Who is the author of this article?' in Chinese.
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Write a sentence about your favorite author.
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Translate: 'We need to contact the author.'
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Write a short author bio (3 sentences) for yourself.
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Explain the difference between 作者 and 作家 in Chinese.
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Translate: 'The author expressed his love for nature in the story.'
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Write a sentence using '第一作者'.
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Translate: 'Please respect the original author.'
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Write a sentence using the idiom '文如其人'.
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Translate: 'The author's viewpoint is very clear.'
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Write a sentence about an author signing event.
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Translate: 'Do you agree with the author's opinion?'
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Write a sentence using '作者简介'.
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Translate: 'There are three authors for this report.'
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Write a sentence using '原作者'.
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Translate: 'The author used a lot of metaphors.'
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Write a sentence using '通讯作者'.
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Translate: 'The author was born in 1980.'
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Write a sentence discussing an author's style.
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Introduce your favorite author in 3 sentences.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Pronounce '作者' correctly with tones.
Read this aloud:
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Ask someone who the author of a book is.
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You said:
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Explain why it's important to cite an author.
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Say 'He is the first author of this paper.'
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Describe an author's style using one adjective.
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Tell a friend you want to go to an author's book signing.
Read this aloud:
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Discuss the difference between 'zuozhe' and 'zuojia'.
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Say 'I agree with the author's viewpoint.'
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Ask if anyone knows the author's nationality.
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Pronounce '第一作者' clearly.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'Please look at the author bio.'
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Ask a question to an author at a seminar.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'This is a signed book by the author.'
Read this aloud:
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Explain what 'anonymous author' means in Chinese.
Read this aloud:
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Say 'The author's writing is very beautiful.'
Read this aloud:
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Tell someone to credit the original author.
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Say 'The author captures the spirit of the era.'
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Say 'I want to be an author in the future.'
Read this aloud:
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Pronounce '通讯作者' correctly.
Read this aloud:
You said:
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Identify the word: '这本书的作者是谁？'
What is being discussed: '作者的观点非常独特。'
Who is being mentioned: '王教授是这篇文章的第一作者。'
What event is happening: '明天下午有作者签名会。'
Identify the tone of '作者'.
What is the requirement: '必须注明原作者的名字。'
What is the author's profession: '作者是一位著名的医生。'
What are they looking for: '我在找作者简介。'
What is being protected: '我们要保护作者的版权。'
Who is writing: '笔者认为，这个问题很重要。'
What is the author's nationality: '这位作者来自法国。'
What is the author's style: '作者的叙述非常简洁。'
What happened to the author: '作者刚刚发布了一本新书。'
Who is the corresponding author: '李博士是这篇论文的通讯作者。'
What is the author's intent: '作者的意图是启发读者。'
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The key takeaway is that '作者' is the essential term for identifying the creator of any written content. For example, '作者在序言中写道...' (The author wrote in the preface...) is a standard way to reference a writer's words.
- The word '作者' (zuòzhě) means 'author' and is used to identify the person who wrote a specific piece of work like a book or article.
- It is a neutral and functional term, distinct from '作家' (zuòjiā), which implies a professional or literary status in writing.
- In academic contexts, it refers to researchers and contributors, including roles like 'first author' or 'corresponding author'.
- Grammatically, it is a noun and often appears in possessive structures like '书的作者' (the author of the book).
Use '位' for Respect
When talking about an author you admire or in a formal setting, always use '位' (wèi) instead of '个' (gè). For example: '三位作者' sounds much more professional than '三个作者'.
Learn the 'Zhe' Family
Learning '作者' alongside '读者' (reader) and '记者' (journalist) will help you remember the '者' suffix, which is very common for professional nouns in Chinese.
Stroke Order Matters
The character '者' has a specific stroke order. Make sure the long slanting stroke (撇) comes after the top horizontal strokes to keep the character balanced.
Retroflex Sound
The 'zh' in 'zhě' requires you to curl your tongue back. It's different from the 'z' in 'zuò'. Practice saying 'zuò-zhě' slowly to master the transition.
Example
这篇文章的作者提出了一个新的理论。
