verb HSK 4
zào chéng
to cause · to result in · to bring about

Meaning

造成 means to cause or bring about something, typically negative consequences or results. It emphasizes the creation or formation of a particular situation or outcome, often implying that actions or events have led to problems, damage, or undesirable effects.

Usage

This verb is commonly used in formal contexts, news reports, and written Chinese to describe causation, especially for accidents, losses, damage, or negative impacts. It typically appears with abstract nouns describing problems or consequences. Native speakers use it when explaining how one thing led to another, particularly in serious or official contexts.

Examples

  1. 01
    这场大雨造成了严重的交通堵塞。
    Zhè chǎng zào chéng le yán zhòng de jiāo tōng .
    This heavy rain caused serious traffic congestion.
  2. 02
    他的粗心造成了很大的损失。
    de xīn zào chéng le hěn de sǔn shī.
    His carelessness resulted in great losses.

Characters

Common collocations

  • 造成损失
    zào chéng sǔn shī
    to cause losses
  • 造成影响
    zào chéng yǐng xiǎng
    to cause impact/effect
  • 造成伤害
    zào chéng shāng hài
    to cause harm/injury
  • 造成严重后果
    zào chéng yán zhòng hòu guǒ
    to cause serious consequences

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 造 (to make/create) and 成 (to become/accomplish), literally meaning 'to create into being' or 'to make something come into existence.' This combination reflects the process of bringing about a result or consequence.

Related