导致 (dǎo zhì) — to cause, to lead to (often a negative outcome)

Definition

导致 (dǎo zhì) means 'to cause, to lead to' and is used specifically for negative or undesirable outcomes. It is more direct and formal than 引起 (yǐn qǐ), which is neutral and can be used for positive, negative, or neutral results. 造成 (zào chéng) also implies negative or neutral consequences but often emphasizes the result of an action or event.

verb

to causeto lead to (often a negative outcome)

Examples

导致。
Tā de bú rènzhēn dǎo zhì le zhè cì shībài.
His carelessness caused this failure.
导致。
Chángqī áoyè huì dǎo zhì jiànkāng wèntí.
Long-term staying up late can cause health problems.
导致。
Zhè chǎng dàyǔ dǎo zhì le yánzhòng de dǔchē.
This heavy rain caused serious traffic jams caused serious traffic jams.

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