促使

• Pinyin: cù shǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 促 = 亻(person) + 足 (foot, phonetic); 使 = 亻(person) + 吏 (official)

Meaning

To urge; to impel; to cause someone to do something. Emphasises an external force driving action.

Unlike 促进 which focuses on positive development, 促使 emphasises that an external factor pushes or compels someone to act. Often used when describing circumstances, events, or reasons that lead to a decision or change. Neutral in tone — the outcome can be positive or negative.

Examples

1. 这次经历促使他下定决心去国外留学。 This experience prompted him to make up his mind to study abroad.
2. 环境问题日益严重，促使政府采取了新的措施。 The increasingly serious environmental problems compelled the government to adopt new measures.
3. 朋友的鼓励促使她勇敢地参加了比赛。 Her friend's encouragement prompted her to bravely enter the competition.

Usage Guide

Context: writing, news, analysis

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 是什么促使你做出这个决定的？(What prompted you to make this decision?)
• 竞争促使企业不断创新。(Competition drives companies to keep innovating.)

Don't Say

• 用促使来代替促进 (Don't confuse 促使 with 促进 — 促使 means to cause/compel someone to act; 促进 means to promote positive development)

Origin & History

促 (urge/press) + 使 (cause/make) — both characters convey the idea of causing action, together intensifying the sense of external compulsion.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal