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造成 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
造成zàochéngto bring aboutHSK 5, v, 16 strokes, rank #1266, Hard
造成zàochéngto createHSK 5, v, 16 strokes, rank #1266, Hard
造成zàochéngto causeHSK 5, v, 16 strokes, rank #1266, Hard
zàochéng(zao4cheng2)zao cheng T4
  1. 1to bring about
  2. 2to create
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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.

Strokes16Frequency#1266DifficultyHard
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
Exercise 1 of 2

By ear

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About 造成

造成Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#1266Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

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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.

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.

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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Component characters

造zàoto make
HSK 510 strokes辶
View full entry
成chéngto succeed
HSK 66 strokes戈
View full entry

How to say to bring about in Chinese

“to bring about” in Chinese is造成zàochéng

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.

When to use 造成

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).

造成 or something close to it

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.

What learners get wrong

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'.

Write 造成

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.

Exercise 1 of 4

Fill the gap

Type the missing word. Pinyin works; then pick the character.

这种局面所____的不确定性肯定让你感到困惑。

The uncertainty created by this situation must be confusing for you.

Example sentences for 造成 (10)

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1
这种局面所造成的不确定性肯定让你感到困惑。

zhè zhǒng júmiàn suǒ zàochéng de bùquèdìngxìng kěndìng ràng nǐ gǎndào kùnhuò。

The uncertainty created by this situation must be confusing for you.
2
还有几次事故主要是起飞时引擎出现故障造成的。

háiyǒu jǐ cì shìgù zhǔyào shì qǐfēi shí yǐnqíng chūxiàn gùzhàng zàochéng de。

There were also several accidents mainly caused by engine failures on take-off.
3
拼写错误经常是由于匆忙而造成的。

pīn xiě cuòwù jīngcháng shì yóuyú cōngmáng ér zàochéng de。

Spelling mistakes are often just the result of haste.
4
的确,她的死是我间接造成的。我不该把她留在那里。

díquè, tā de sǐ shì wǒ jiànjiē zàochéng de。 wǒ bù gāi bǎ tā liú zài nàlǐ。

Indirectly, I did cause her death. I shouldn'thave left her there.
5
葡萄酒生产过剩及由此造成的市价低迷引起了经济波动。

pútaojiǔ shēngchǎn guòshèng jí yóucǐ zàochéng de shì jià dīmí yǐnqǐ le jīngjì bōdòng。

Overproduction and consequent low market prices for wine caused economic tremors.
6
这给我的个人生活和我的工作都造成了严重的不良影响。

zhè gěi wǒ de gèrén shēnghuó hé wǒ de gōngzuò dōu zàochéng le yánzhòng de bùliáng yǐngxiǎng。

This has taken a great toll on me personally and professionally.
7
这所大学的一些经济困难是由其自身造成的。

zhè suǒ dàxué de yìxiē jīngjì kùnnan shì yóu qí zìshēn zàochéng de。

Some of the university's financial troubles are of its own making.
8
我必须查清造成这一混乱局面的真正原因。

wǒ bìxū chá qīng zàochéng zhè yī hùnluàn júmiàn de zhēnzhèng yuányīn。

I have to get to the bottom of this mess.
9
有大量疾病是由不明环境因素造成的。

yǒu dàliàng jíbìng shì yóu bù míng huánjìng yīnsù zàochéng de。

A surprising number of ailments are caused by unsuspected environmental factors.
10
大楼主体的斜墙给人造成一种视错觉。

dàlóu zhǔtǐ de xié qiáng gěi rénzào chéng yī zhǒng shì cuòjué。

Sloping walls on the bulk of the building create an optical illusion.

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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.

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