Definition
造 (zào) is a versatile verb meaning 'to build, make, or manufacture' concrete objects (houses, machines, cars). When used for 'fabricating' a story or excuse, it overlaps with 编造 (biān zào) but is less formal; 虚构 (xū gòu) is more literary and used for fictional narratives. 制造 (zhì zào) is the formal, compound synonym for manufacturing goods or causing abstract results (e.g., trouble).
verb
to buildto constructto manufactureto inventto fabricate
Easily confused
- 靠kàolook-aliketo lean against; to come near to
- 早zǎosound-alikeearly
- 酷kùlook-alike(loanword) cool, stylish, hip
- 糟zāosound-aliketerrible; in a bad state
- 凿záosound-aliketo chisel, to bore, to dig
- 灶zàosound-alikekitchen stove; cooking range
- 枣zǎosound-alikejujube (Chinese date)
Examples
- 造。Tāmen dǎsuàn zài shān shàng zào yí dòng fángzi.They plan to build a house on the mountain.
- 造。Zhège gōngsī zào hěnduō qìchē.This company manufactures many cars.
- 造。Tā zào le yí gè jiǎ gùshi lái piàn rén.He fabricated a fake story to deceive people.
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