发挥作用 (fā huī zuò yòng)

verb phrase HSK 5

Traditional 發揮作用

fā huī zuò yòng

to play a role · to function · to take effect · to have an effect

Meaning

This phrase describes something or someone actively performing their intended function or producing their expected effect. It emphasizes the realization or manifestation of potential, capability, or influence in a practical context.

Usage

Commonly used in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe how policies, systems, people, or resources fulfill their purposes. Often appears with degree complements or in passive constructions. Frequently paired with modifiers like 充分 (chōngfèn, fully), 积极 (jījí, actively), or 重要 (zhòngyào, important) to indicate the degree or nature of the effect.

Examples

01
这项政策在促进经济发展方面发挥了重要作用。
Zhè xiàng zhèngcè zài cùjìn jīngjì fāzhǎn fāngmiàn fā huī le zhòngyào zuò yòng.
This policy has played an important role in promoting economic development.
02
我们要充分发挥每个人的专长和优势作用。
Wǒmen yào chōngfèn fā huī měi gè rén de zhuāncháng hé yōushì zuò yòng.
We need to fully bring into play each person's expertise and strengths.

Characters

Common collocations

充分发挥作用
chōngfèn fā huī zuò yòng
to fully play a role
发挥重要作用
fā huī zhòngyào zuò yòng
to play an important role
发挥积极作用
fā huī jījí zuò yòng
to play a positive role
没有发挥作用
méiyǒu fā huī zuò yòng
did not have an effect

Antonyms

失效shī xiàoto lose effectiveness

Origin

发挥 originally means to bring out or develop fully, while 作用 means function or effect. Together they form a common phrase meaning to bring one's function or effect into full play.