Meaning and Usage
The verb 闹事 (nàoshì) primarily means "to cause trouble" or "to create a disturbance." It often refers to disruptive behavior in public or social settings, such as protests, riots, or any form of disorderly conduct.
Common Contexts
闹事 is frequently used to describe groups or individuals who deliberately create conflict or chaos, often requiring intervention by authorities. It can also be used more generally to describe someone who stirs up trouble or refuses to keep peace.
Collocations and Patterns
- 闹事分子: troublemakers, those who cause disturbances
- 闹事现场: the scene of the disturbance
- 不闹事: to avoid causing trouble
These collocations highlight the word's strong association with social unrest or conflict.
Nuances
Using 闹事 often implies negative judgment about the behavior, suggesting irresponsibility or recklessness. It is not typically used for minor disagreements but for more serious disruptions.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 闹事 with 闹钟 (alarm clock) or 闹市 (busy city area). 闹事 specifically refers to causing trouble or disturbances, not just noise or busyness.