令
HSK 5- Causative
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The verb 令 means "to cause" or "to make," used in written language to indicate the cause of a result or emotion.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The verb 令 (lìng) means "to cause" or "to make," similar to 让 and 使 but carrying a more formal tone, typically used in written language or official contexts. This structure emphasizes that a certain event or person is the direct cause of a psychological state, emotion, or specific outcome in another party.
The most common phrase is 令人 (lìng rén), meaning "to make one..." or "to make people...," followed by an emotion adjective such as 感动 (moved), 失望 (disappointed), or 兴奋 (excited).
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 这个消息真令人兴奋。繁: 這個消息真令人興奮。Zhè ge xiāoxi zhēn lìng rén xīngfèn.
This news is truly exciting.
- 他的话令我很生气。繁: 他的話令我很生氣。Tā de huà lìng wǒ hěn shēngqì.
His words made me very angry.
- 考试的结果令人失望。繁: 考試的結果令人失望。Kǎoshì de jiéguǒ lìng rén shīwàng.
The exam results were disappointing.
- 她的表演令人印象深刻。Tā de biǎoyǎn lìng rén yìnxiàng shēnkè.
Her performance left a deep impression.
- 这个故事令人感动。繁: 這個故事令人感動。Zhè ge gùshi lìng rén gǎndòng.
This story is deeply moving.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:你令我不高兴。Correct:你让我不高兴。
令 carries a formal, literary tone. In everyday communication, using 让 or 叫 would be more natural.
- Wrong:这个消息兴奋令人。Correct:这个消息令人兴奋。
The correct structure is "Cause + 令 + Object + Result"; the object 人 must come immediately after 令.