Meaning and Usage
"挑拨" (tiǎo bō) means to incite discord or disharmony, often by stirring up conflicts or misunderstandings between people or groups. It is typically used in negative contexts where someone deliberately causes trouble or tension.
Common Contexts
This verb is often used in social, workplace, or political contexts where relationships are sensitive. For example, "挑拨离间" is a common phrase meaning to sow discord or create division.
Collocations and Patterns
- 挑拨离间: to sow discord between people
- 挑拨关系: to incite conflict in relationships
- 挑拨感情: to stir up emotional conflicts
These collocations emphasize the act of deliberately causing separation or mistrust.
Usage Notes
When using "挑拨," the speaker usually implies intentional and harmful interference. It is not used for accidental misunderstandings. Avoid confusing it with neutral verbs like "影响" (influence) or "干扰" (interfere), as "挑拨" carries a strong negative connotation of provocation.