Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing to make or cause with 使 (shǐ)

    Causation

    Structure

    Subject + 使 + Object + Verb/Adjective

    Explanation

    The verb 使 (shǐ) means 'to make' or 'to cause' and is used in formal or written Chinese to indicate that one thing causes another to happen. It introduces a causative construction where the subject brings about a result. For example, 使他成功 means 'caused him to succeed.'

    Examples

    • 这个消息使大家都很高兴。

      Zhège xiāoxi shǐ dàjiā dōu hěn gāoxìng.

      This news made everyone very happy.

    • 恶劣的天气使航班延误了三个小时。

      Èliè de tiānqì shǐ hángbān yánwù le sān ge xiǎoshí.

      The severe weather caused the flight to be delayed by three hours.

    • 他的演讲使我深受启发。

      Tā de yǎnjiǎng shǐ wǒ shēn shòu qǐfā.

      His speech deeply inspired me.

    Similar Grammar

    Often Confused With

    Expressing to make or cause with 使 (shǐ) | Chinese Grammar