Definition
挑衅 (tiǎo xìn) means 'to provoke, to taunt' — it implies a deliberate, confrontational act intended to stir up conflict, often in competitive or hostile settings (sports, politics). It is stronger and more formal than 惹 (rě), the everyday word for 'to provoke' in casual situations; 奚落 (xī luò) is narrower, meaning 'to taunt or ridicule' with words.
verb
to provoketo taunt
Examples
- 挑衅。Tā gùyì shuō nàxiē huà lái tiǎo xìn wǒ.He deliberately said those things to provoke me.
- 挑衅。Duìfāng qiúyuán míngxiǎn zài tiǎo xìn wǒmen.The opposing player is clearly provoking us.
- 挑衅。Bú yào yòng zhè zhǒng yǔqì tiǎo xìn biérén.Don't provoke others with that tone of voice.
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