刺激

• Pinyin: cì jī
• Hanzi breakdown: 刺 = 朿 (thorn) + 刂 (knife radical); 激 = 氵(water) + 敫 (phonetic component)

Meaning

To stimulate; to provoke. Also a noun meaning stimulation or excitement.

Can describe physical stimulation (spicy food, bright light), emotional provocation (hurtful words), or exciting experiences (roller coasters). In economics, it means to boost or stimulate. The adjective use means thrilling or exciting.

Examples

1. 过山车太刺激了，我下来以后腿都在发抖。 The roller coaster was so thrilling — my legs were shaking after I got off.
2. 辣椒吃太多会刺激肠胃，对身体不好。 Eating too many chili peppers irritates the stomach and is bad for your health.
3. 政府出台了一系列政策来刺激经济增长。 The government introduced a series of policies to stimulate economic growth.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, economics, health

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个游戏真刺激！(This game is really exciting!)
• 不要用那种话刺激他。(Don't provoke him with those kinds of words.)

Don't Say

• 说'很刺激的食物'来形容好吃 (Don't say food is 刺激 to mean delicious — 刺激 implies irritation to the stomach; use 好吃 or 美味 instead)

Origin & History

刺 (prick/stab) + 激 (surge/excite) — the combination conveys the idea of provoking a strong reaction, as if being jabbed into action.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal