zuò

Zuò is a Chinese character meaning "to sit," "to rest," or "to be located." It is a fundamental character used in a wide variety of contexts. As a verb, zuò can describe the physical act of sitting down, as in "wǒ zuò zài yǐzi shàng" (I sit on the chair). It can also imply a state of being in a particular place, such as "zhè jiàn shì qíng zuò zài tā shēn shàng" (this matter rests upon him).

Beyond its literal meanings, zuò can also be used metaphorically. For instance, it can indicate a position of authority or responsibility, like in the phrase "zuò zhǔ" (to be in charge). In some expressions, zuò conveys the idea of enduring or suffering, as in "zuò kǔ" (to endure hardship). The character is also prevalent in compound words, contributing to diverse meanings related to location, position, and status. Its versatility makes it one of the most commonly encountered and essential characters in the Chinese language.