使
HSK 3- Causative
Structure (结构 jiégòu)
Meaning (意思 yìsi)
The verb 使 is used to indicate a cause that brings about a result or state, carrying a more formal register than 'làm cho'.
Explanation (解释 jiěshì)
The verb 使 means "to cause" or "to make." It is used to express that a thing or action (the cause) brings about a certain result or state in an object. 使 carries a more formal register than 让 or 叫, and is typically used in written language or formal, polite contexts.
Examples (例句 lìjù)(5)
- 他的话使我很生气。繁: 他的話使我很生氣。Tā de huà shǐ wǒ hěn shēngqì.
His words made me very angry.
- 这个消息使大家很高兴。繁: 這個消息使大家很高興。Zhège xiāoxi shǐ dàjiā hěn gāoxìng.
This news made everyone very happy.
- 努力学习能使你进步。繁: 努力學習能使你進步。Nǔlì xuéxí néng shǐ nǐ jìnbù.
Diligent study can help you make progress.
- 他的鼓励使我有了信心。繁: 他的鼓勵使我有了信心。Tā de gǔlì shǐ wǒ yǒu le xìnxīn.
His encouragement gave me confidence.
- 这次失败使他成长了许多。繁: 這次失敗使他成長了許多。Zhè cì shībài shǐ tā chéngzhǎng le xǔduō.
This failure made him grow up much more.
Common mistakes
- Wrong:老师使我写作业。Correct:老师让我写作业。
使 is not used to command or request someone to do something. In this case, using 让 (request) or 叫 (order) would be more natural.
- Wrong:你使我看看你的手机。Correct:你让我看看你的手机。
使 carries a formal tone and is unsuitable for everyday speech; 让 is the appropriate choice for casual spoken language.