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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "to influence" with 左右 (zuǒyòu)

    Actions & Events
    Causation

    Structure

    Subject + 左右 + Object

    Explanation

    The verb 左右 (zuǒyòu) means "to influence," "to control," or "to sway" someone or something. While 左右 literally means "left and right," as a verb it conveys the idea of exerting influence over a situation or decision. It is used in formal or written Chinese to describe forces that shape outcomes.

    Examples

    • 不要让情绪左右你的判断。

      Bú yào ràng qíngxù zuǒyòu nǐ de pànduàn.

      Don't let emotions influence your judgment.

    • 天气变化左右了今年农作物的产量。

      Tiānqì biànhuà zuǒyòu le jīnnián nóngzuòwù de chǎnliàng.

      Weather changes affected this year's crop yields.

    • 舆论往往会左右公众对事件的看法。

      Yúlùn wǎngwǎng huì zuǒyòu gōngzhòng duì shìjiàn de kànfǎ.

      Public opinion often influences how people view events.

    Expressing "to influence" with 左右 (zuǒyòu) | Chinese Grammar