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March 24, 2026
造成zàochéng(zao4cheng2)
造成 (zào chéng) refers to the act of causing or bringing about a particular result or situation. It is often used in contexts involving negative outcomes, such as accidents or problems, but can also pertain to positive results. The nuance of this term implies an active role in the creation of a consequence.
Frequency#1266DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the concept of 造成 often relates to accountability, especially in discussions about social issues or environmental concerns, reflecting a collective sense of responsibility.
Memory Tip
Think of 造成 as 'zào' (to create) and 'chéng' (to become). Imagine a factory (the character for 'create') that produces problems (the character for 'become')—the factory is causing issues in the community.
Meanings of 造成
zàochéng(zao4cheng2)
1to bring about
2to create
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About 造成
造成Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1266Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 造成
Podcast: 造成
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AI Study Notes for 造成
Quick Contrast
导致 (dǎozhì) is used when emphasizing the direct causation of an event or situation, while 造成 (zàochéng) can imply a broader or more indirect role in bringing about a consequence.
Memory Mnemonic
Think of 造成 as 'zào' (to create) and 'chéng' (to become). Imagine a factory (the character for 'create') that produces problems (the character for 'become')—the factory is causing issues in the community.
Usage Notes
Be careful not to confuse 造成 with similar terms like 引起 (yǐnqǐ), which means 'to evoke' and is often more neutral. 造成 is typically used in more formal contexts, such as reports or discussions about causes and effects. Common collocations include 造成损失 (to cause losses) and 造成影响 (to create an impact).
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, 造成 connects well with other causative verbs like 导致 (dǎozhì) and 影响 (yǐngxiǎng). Focus on practicing its use in sentences that discuss causes and effects, as this will deepen your understanding of its application in various contexts.
Cultural Note
In Chinese society, the concept of 造成 often relates to accountability, especially in discussions about social issues or environmental concerns, reflecting a collective sense of responsibility.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misuse 造成 in informal speech, where simpler terms like 出现 (chūxiàn) or 引起 (yǐnqǐ) might be more appropriate. For example, saying '造成一个问题' (to cause a problem) in casual conversation can sound overly formal; instead, use '出现一个问题'.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 造成
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Grammar Patterns of 造成
造成 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Sloping walls on the bulk of the building create an optical illusion.
Cultural Notes for 造成
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese society, the concept of 造成 often relates to accountability, especially in discussions about social issues or environmental concerns, reflecting a collective sense of responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions about 造成
Yes, while 造成 is often associated with negative effects, it can also refer to positive results when discussing achievements.
造成 specifically means to cause something to happen, while 影响 means to influence or affect something without necessarily causing it.
Yes, 造成 is commonly used in formal contexts such as reports, academic writing, and discussions about causes.
