起到 (qǐ dào) — to have (an effect); to play (a role)

Definition

起到 (qǐ dào) means 'to have (an effect)' or 'to play (a role)' and is used in fixed collocations like 起到作用 (play a role) or 起到效果 (have an effect). Unlike general 'have' verbs (有, 具有, 拥有), 起到 focuses on the function or result something produces, not possession of an abstract quality. It is often used with 了 to indicate a completed effect.

verb

to have (an effect)to play (a role)

Easily confused

祈祷qí dǎosound-aliketo pray, to say prayers

Examples

起到。
Zhège jiànyì qǐ dào le hěn hǎo de zuòyòng.
This suggestion has played a very good role.
起到。
Yùndòng néng qǐ dào duànliàn shēntǐ de zuòyòng.
Exercise can play a role in training the body.
起到。
Tā de yǎnjiǎng qǐ dào le hěn hǎo de xiàoguǒ.
His speech had a very good effect.

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