Usage and Nuances
The verb 造成 (zào chéng) is commonly used to indicate that something has caused or brought about a result, often negative or serious. It frequently appears in contexts involving accidents, damage, or undesirable outcomes.
Common Collocations
- 造成损失 (cause losses): used in business or financial contexts.
- 造成影响 (cause an impact): used when something affects a situation or environment.
- 造成伤害 (cause injury): used in physical or emotional harm contexts.
Register and Tone
This verb is formal and often used in written or official contexts such as news reports, formal discussions, or academic writing. It is less common in casual spoken language where simpler verbs like "让" or "引起" might be preferred.
Common Confusion
Avoid confusing 造成 with 引起 (yǐnqǐ), which also means "to cause" but is more neutral and can be used for both positive and negative effects. 造成 often implies a more concrete or serious consequence.