每天成语
background texture
< 化险为夷情不自禁 >

所作所为

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: suǒ zuò suǒ wéi
  • English Translation: Actions and behavior (one's conduct)
  • Idiom Composition: 「所」（A particle that turns the following verb into a noun phrase ('that which').）＋「作」（To do; to make; to perform.）＋「所」（A particle that turns the following verb into a noun phrase ('that which').）＋「为」（To act; to do; to conduct oneself.）
  • Meaning: Refers to the sum total of a person's actions, deeds, or conduct. While it can be neutral, it is frequently used in contexts where a person's character is being judged or where they are being held accountable for their behavior.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「所作所为」 contains the following nuances:

  • The Totality of Conduct: By pairing 作 (zuò) and 为 (wéi), both meaning 'to do' or 'to act,' the idiom emphasizes a person's entire body of work or behavior over time, rather than a single isolated incident.
  • Behavior as a Subject of Judgment: This term is rarely used for trivial actions. It is almost always used when the behavior in question is being evaluated as good or bad, or when someone is being held to a moral standard.
  • Contextual Nuance: While technically neutral, it leans toward negative contexts in modern usage—similar to the English word 'deeds' or 'doings' when used in a phrase like 'answer for your deeds.'

3. Usage

「所作所为」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Accountability and Criticism: The most common usage, where someone is told to take responsibility for the consequences of their deeds.
    • Example:「你要为自己的所作所为负责，不能总是推卸责任。」
      （You must take responsibility for your actions; you can't always shift the blame to others.）
  • Objective Observation: Used when a third party is observing and judging a person's pattern of behavior.
    • Example:「大家都在看着你的所作所为，群众的眼睛是雪亮的。」
      （Everyone is watching your behavior; the eyes of the public are sharp.）
  • Self-Reflection: Used when looking back at one's own past conduct with regret or for re-evaluation.
    • Example:「回想起当年的所作所为，他感到十分后悔。」
      （Recalling his past deeds, he felt deep regret.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 我不理解他这么做的动机，但他的所作所为确实伤害了很多人。
    （I don't understand his motives, but his actions have certainly hurt many people.）
  2. 无论你怎么解释，事实胜于雄辩，你的所作所为已经说明了一切。
    （No matter how you explain it, facts speak louder than words; your conduct has already explained everything.）
  3. 作为公众人物，要注意自己的一言一行和所作所为。
    （As a public figure, one must be mindful of their every word and action.）
  4. 虽然他嘴上说得好听，但所作所为却完全相反。
    （Although he talks a good game, his actions are the exact opposite.）
  5. 历史会公正地评价每个人的所作所为。
    （History will judge everyone's deeds fairly.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • In Chinese culture, there is a strong emphasis on judging a person by their actions rather than their words. This is reflected in the classic teaching of Confucius (孔子) to 'listen to their words and observe their actions'—听其言而观其行 (tīng qí yán ér guān qí xíng).
  • The phrase 所作所为 (suǒ zuò suǒ wéi) carries much more weight than the simple verb 做 (zuò). Using this idiom signals that you are looking at the person's character and the consequences of their life choices.
  • It is a versatile phrase found in both formal literature and serious daily conversation, often appearing in legal, political, or highly personal confrontations.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

所作所为 (suǒ zuò suǒ wéi) describes the entirety of what a person does. It goes beyond a single movement to encompass a person's track record or 'deeds.' It is a powerful term used when emphasizing that actions speak louder than words, particularly in scenarios involving criticism, accountability, or moral evaluation.

'造句' Feature Usage Guide

造句练习📝

Try creating sentences using '所作所为'!

0/50