Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
加剧 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
加剧jiājùto intensifyHSK 6, v, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto sharpenHSK 6, v, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto accelerateHSK 6, v, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto aggravateHSK 6, v, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto exacerbateHSK 6, v, rank #22067, Hard
加剧jiājùto embitterHSK 6, v, rank #22067, Hard
jiājù(jia1ju4) T1
  1. 1to intensify
  2. 2to sharpen
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
加剧(加劇)jiājù(jia1ju4)

The term 加剧 (jiā jù) means to intensify or to exacerbate a situation, typically referring to negative circumstances such as conflict, problems, or diseases. It is often used in contexts where a condition worsens or becomes more severe, emphasizing a notable increase in intensity or severity.

Frequency#22067DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

The concept of 加剧 is often discussed in the context of environmental issues in China, such as pollution exacerbating public health crises. This reflects a societal concern that is increasingly prevalent in both media and public discourse.

Memory Tip

Imagine a 'jiā' (加) of fuel being added to a fire, making it 'jù' (剧) grow fiercer. Visualize pouring gasoline onto a small flame, causing it to escalate into a blazing inferno. This imagery links the action of intensifying with the pronunciation and meaning of the word.

Meanings of 加剧

jiājù(jia1ju4)
1to intensify
2to sharpen
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 加剧

加剧Simplified
加劇Traditional
Strokes
Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#22067Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 加剧

JasonAmy

Podcast: 加剧

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 加剧

Quick Contrast

恶化 (èhuà) - use 加剧 (jiājù) when emphasizing an intensification of a negative situation, while 恶化 (èhuà) focuses more on the deterioration aspect.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a 'jiā' (加) of fuel being added to a fire, making it 'jù' (剧) grow fiercer. Visualize pouring gasoline onto a small flame, causing it to escalate into a blazing inferno. This imagery links the action of intensifying with the pronunciation and meaning of the word.

Usage Notes

Common mistakes include using 加剧 in positive contexts; it is strictly negative in connotation. It is often used in formal discussions, particularly in media or academic settings. Be mindful of the tone, as using the wrong tone can alter the meaning, especially in rapid speech.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 term, 加剧 connects with other advanced vocabulary related to social issues, health, and conflict. Students should focus on its usage in complex sentences and learn synonyms or antonyms to expand their understanding.

Cultural Note

The concept of 加剧 is often discussed in the context of environmental issues in China, such as pollution exacerbating public health crises. This reflects a societal concern that is increasingly prevalent in both media and public discourse.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 加剧 with 加强 (jiā qiáng), mistakenly believing both mean to enhance positively. A wrong example would be saying '这件事情加剧了我们的关系' (This matter intensified our relationship), which implies a negative worsening rather than improvement.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 加剧

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 加剧 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

jiāto add
HSK 35 strokes
View full entry
drama
HSK 610 strokes
View full entry

Write 加剧

Practice writing 加剧 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 加剧

加剧 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 6 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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Complete the Sentence

有几个小时,紧张局势有所____。

For several hours, tension mounted.

Example Sentences for 加剧 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
有几个小时,紧张局势有所加剧。

yǒu jī gè xiǎo shí, , jǐn zhāng jú shì yǒu suǒ jiā。

For several hours, tension mounted.
2
这可能会加剧爆发核战争的危险。

zhè kě néng huì jiā jù bào fā hé zhàn zhēng de wēi xiǎn。

This could intensify the risk of a nuclear exchange.
3
每蹬一下车子,疼痛都在加剧.

měi dēng yī xià chē zǐ, , téng tòng dū zài jiā.

It began to sharpen with each stroke.

Cultural Notes for 加剧

🏮Cultural insight

The concept of 加剧 is often discussed in the context of environmental issues in China, such as pollution exacerbating public health crises. This reflects a societal concern that is increasingly prevalent in both media and public discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions about 加剧

No, 加剧 is strictly used to describe negative intensification.