导致

• Pinyin: dǎo zhì
• Hanzi breakdown: 导 = 道 simplified (way) + 寸 (measure); 致 = 至 (arrive) + 攵 (strike, action)

Meaning

To lead to; to cause; to result in. Indicates that one event or action brings about a particular outcome.

A formal verb frequently used in news, reports, and academic writing to express causation. Almost always introduces a negative result, though occasionally neutral. It connects a cause to its consequence in a single sentence or across clauses.

Examples

1. 长时间看手机可能导致眼睛不舒服。 Looking at your phone for a long time can lead to eye discomfort.
2. 那场大雨导致好几条路都被水淹了。 That heavy rain caused several roads to be flooded.
3. 工作压力太大导致他经常失眠。 Too much work pressure caused him to frequently suffer from insomnia.

Usage Guide

Context: news, academic, everyday

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 吸烟可能导致很多健康问题。(Smoking can lead to many health problems.)
• 这个错误导致了严重的后果。(This mistake caused serious consequences.)

Don't Say

• 用导致引出好的结果 (Avoid using 导致 for positive outcomes — it almost always implies something negative; use 带来 for positive results)

Origin & History

导 means to lead or guide, and 致 means to bring about or cause. Combined, they express the idea of one thing leading to another outcome.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal