有所作为

有所作為
yǒusuǒzuòwéi
idiom #17,182

Meanings

  1. 1 to achieve something worthwhile
  2. 2 to make a positive contribution
  3. 3 to accomplish something

Characters

Literally 'to have that which one has done' — i.e., to have real accomplishments.

Examples

Niánqīngrén yīnggāi nǔlì yǒusuǒzuòwéi.
Young people should strive to achieve something worthwhile.
Tā zài zhège lǐngyù yǒusuǒzuòwéi.
He has made accomplishments in this field.

Tips

grammar
有所 is a classical pattern meaning 'to have some (degree of)...' and appears in many idioms: 有所不同 (somewhat different), 有所改善 (somewhat improved), 有所作为 (to have achievements).

Stroke Order

yǒu
suǒ
zuò
wèi