引起 (yǐnqǐ)

引起 describes one thing causing or triggering another, typically a reaction, feeling, problem, or event.

Meanings

[verb] To cause, to give rise to, to trigger, to arouse, to lead to.

Example Sentences

这篇报道引起了社会各界的广泛关注和讨论。 Zhè piān bàodào yǐnqǐ le shèhuì gèjiè de guǎngfàn guānzhù hé tǎolùn. This report aroused widespread attention and discussion across all sectors of society.

长期不规律的饮食习惯可能引起多种慢性疾病。 Chángqī bù guīlǜ de yǐnshí xíguàn kěnéng yǐnqǐ duō zhǒng mànxìng jíbìng. Long-term irregular eating habits may lead to a variety of chronic diseases.

这个问题如果处理不当，很可能引起更大范围的社会矛盾。 Zhège wèntí rúguǒ chǔlǐ bùdàng, hěn kěnéng yǐnqǐ gèng dà fànwéi de shèhuì máodùn. If this issue is not handled properly, it could very likely trigger social conflicts on a larger scale.

她对音乐的热情最初是被一场偶然听到的街头演奏引起的。 Tā duì yīnyuè de rèqíng zuìchū shì bèi yī chǎng ǒurán tīng dào de jiētóu yǎnzòu yǐnqǐ de. Her passion for music was initially sparked by a street performance she happened to hear.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
引起关注	to attract attention
引起争议	to provoke controversy
引起误解	to cause misunderstanding
引起反应	to trigger a reaction
引起兴趣	to arouse interest

Usage Notes

引起 requires an object that is typically an effect or reaction, not a concrete action. Common objects include: 关注 (attention), 争议 (controversy), 误解 (misunderstanding), 反应 (reaction), 变化 (change). It is always the cause that precedes 引起, not the agent performing an intentional act — so while a person can 引起 something unintentionally, it is more naturally the circumstance or action that does so.

Memory Hook

引 means "to lead/guide" and 起 means "to rise/start" — one thing leading another thing to rise up and start happening is the essence of triggering a result.