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March 24, 2026
挑衅(挑釁)tiǎoxìn(tiao3xin4)
The verb 挑衅 (tiǎo xìn) means to provoke or to instigate a reaction from someone, often in a confrontational context. This term is commonly used in discussions about conflicts, arguments, or interpersonal tensions, where one party is deliberately trying to elicit an aggressive or defensive response from another.
Frequency#8157DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of maintaining harmony is significant, making the act of 挑衅 especially noteworthy. Provocation is seen as a serious breach of social etiquette, and conflicts often require mediation rather than escalation.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person holding a stick, poking a sleeping bear to '挑' (tiǎo) it awake. The '衅' (xìn) sounds like 'sin', which hints at the wrongdoing of provoking someone. Picture the bear waking up angry, illustrating the core meaning of provoking a reaction.
Meanings of 挑衅
tiǎoxìn(tiao3xin4)
1to provoke
2provocation
Exercise 1 of 2
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About 挑衅
挑衅Simplified
挑釁Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#8157Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 挑衅
Podcast: 挑衅
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AI Study Notes for 挑衅
Quick Contrast
挑衅 (tiǎoxìn) vs 激怒 (jīnù) — use 挑衅 when the intent is to provoke a reaction, while 激怒 focuses on the result of making someone angry.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person holding a stick, poking a sleeping bear to '挑' (tiǎo) it awake. The '衅' (xìn) sounds like 'sin', which hints at the wrongdoing of provoking someone. Picture the bear waking up angry, illustrating the core meaning of provoking a reaction.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that 挑衅 carries a negative connotation and is often used in serious contexts like political or personal disputes. Common collocations include '挑衅行为' (provocative behavior) and '挑衅言辞' (provocative words). Avoid using it in light-hearted situations as it may sound overly aggressive.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 6 word, 挑衅 is essential for discussing complex social and emotional topics. Learners should focus on understanding its usage in different contexts, particularly in media or literature that addresses conflict.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of maintaining harmony is significant, making the act of 挑衅 especially noteworthy. Provocation is seen as a serious breach of social etiquette, and conflicts often require mediation rather than escalation.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 挑衅 with simpler terms like '挑' (to choose), mixing up the meanings. For example, saying '我挑衅水果' (I provoke fruit) is incorrect; instead, use it in contexts involving conflict or tension.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 挑衅
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Grammar Patterns of 挑衅
挑衅 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 2 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
她因受到____而过失杀人的有罪答辩被驳回。
Her plea of guilty to manslaughter through provocation was rejected.
Example Sentences for 挑衅 (4)
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1
她因受到挑衅而过失杀人的有罪答辩被驳回。
tā yīn shòu dào tiāo xìn ér guò shī shā rén de yǒu zuì dá biàn bèi bó huí。
Her plea of guilty to manslaughter through provocation was rejected.
They hurled defiant taunts at the riot police, who responded in kind.
3
他在犯罪现场留了个条儿，向警探挑衅。
tā zài fàn zuì xiàn cháng liú le gè tiáo ér， ， xiàng jǐng tàn tiāo。
He left a note at the scene of the crime, challenging detectives to catch him.
4
一切在它饱了肚子之后向它挑衅的混蛋,它都恨!
yī qiē zài tā bǎo le dù zǐ zhī hòu xiàng tā tiāo xìn de hùn dàn, , tā dū!
It hates all those who provoke it after it has eaten its fill.
Cultural Notes for 挑衅
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, the concept of maintaining harmony is significant, making the act of 挑衅 especially noteworthy. Provocation is seen as a serious breach of social etiquette, and conflicts often require mediation rather than escalation.
Frequently Asked Questions about 挑衅
You can say, '他的言论被视为对我们国家的挑衅' (His remarks are seen as a provocation against our country).
Yes, it is often used in formal discussions about politics, law, or serious interpersonal conflicts.
The opposite would be '和解' (hé jiě), which means to reconcile or settle a dispute peacefully.
