1to act on; to affect
2action; function; activity
3impact; result; effect
4purpose; intent
5(suffix) -ation, -tion etc, as in 抑制作用, inhibition
Examples
tā它xiàn zài现在qǐ起zuò yòng作用le了。
它现在起作用了。
It works now.
这是个作用强烈的药。
This medicine has a strong effect.
我好奇耳垂有什么作用。
I wonder what ear lobes are for.