影响 (yǐngxiǎng)

影响 describes the effect that one thing has on another, whether positive, negative, or neutral, and functions as both a verb and a noun.

Meanings

[verb] To influence, to affect, to have an impact on.
[noun] Influence, impact, effect.

Example Sentences

气候变化正在深刻影响全球的农业生产格局和粮食安全。 Qìhòu biànhuà zhèngzài shēnkè yǐngxiǎng quánqiú de nóngyè shēngchǎn géjú hé liángshí ānquán. Climate change is profoundly affecting global agricultural production patterns and food security.

她从小受到父母的影响，对文学和艺术产生了浓厚的兴趣。 Tā cóngxiǎo shòudào fùmǔ de yǐngxiǎng, duì wénxué hé yìshù chǎnshēng le nónghòu de xìngqù. Influenced by her parents from an early age, she developed a deep interest in literature and art.

这次经济危机的影响波及全球，没有任何国家能够完全置身事外。 Zhè cì jīngjì wēijī de yǐngxiǎng bōjí quánqiú, méiyǒu rènhé guójiā nénggòu wánquán zhìshēn shìwài. The impact of this economic crisis spread globally, and no country was able to completely stay out of it.

睡眠质量对人的情绪和工作效率有着不可忽视的重要影响。 Shuìmián zhìliàng duì rén de qíngxù hé gōngzuò xiàolǜ yǒuzhe bùkě hūshì de zhòngyào yǐngxiǎng. Sleep quality has an important impact on a person's mood and work efficiency that cannot be ignored.

Collocations

Collocation	Meaning
产生影响	to have an effect
受到影响	to be affected
深远影响	far-reaching influence
负面影响	negative impact
影响力	influence, clout

Usage Notes

影响 is one of the most frequently used words in analytical and formal writing. The noun 影响力 (influence/clout) describes a person's or institution's power to sway others. The pattern 对...有影响 (to have an influence on) and 受到...的影响 (to be influenced by) are both essential. Compare with 作用 (zuòyòng — effect/role), which is more neutral and scientific in tone.

Memory Hook

影 means "shadow" and 响 means "echo/sound" — a shadow follows you and an echo carries your voice forward; both are traces left behind, like the lasting imprint of influence.