HSK 5
兼语句3
jiān yǔ jù 3
Pivotal Sentence 3 (兼语句3) - Causative Type
Explanation
This is a pivotal sentence (a sentence in which the object of the first verb is at the same time the subject of the second verb, e.g. 我请他来), of the cause-and-effect type: the subject (the person/thing performing, at the head of the sentence) causes another person/thing to fall into an action or state.
subject + causative verb + 兼语 (the pivot object) + verb/descriptive phrase. Common causative verbs: 叫 (jiào: tell, call), 让 (ràng: let, allow), 使 (shǐ: make, cause), 令 (lìng: cause). For example 老师叫她回去 (the teacher told her to go back), 这件事令她吃不下饭 (this matter made her unable to eat).
When expressing that A causes a reaction/action in B. 叫、让 lean toward colloquial speech and mean 'to order, to permit'; 使、令 lean toward formal/written usage and are only used for psychological, emotional effects (使人感动 move people, 令人失望 disappoint people).
使/令 are NOT used to order someone to do a concrete task (you do not say 使他回去), only 叫/让 can do that. Conversely, 使/令 are more formal when talking about emotions.
Vietnamese learners often add 了/过 between the causative verb and its object (wrong — you do not say 叫了她回去). Also do not use 使/令 to command a concrete action, and remember the causing agent usually stands right at the head of the sentence.
Examples
The teacher told her to go back a bit early.
This matter made her unable to eat.
His actions made everyone no longer dare to trust him.
Tomorrow's exam is keeping me from sleeping.
Practice
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Learn “兼语句3” effectively
The grammar point “兼语句3” (Pivotal Sentence 3 (兼语句3) - Causative Type) is one of the key structures at HSK 5. To use it fluently, you need to understand the contexts where it's used and practice regularly.
Study tip: read the examples aloud many times to build a natural reflex. Then try making your own sentences for your own situations. Use the audio button to hear and practice accurate pronunciation.
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