使

shǐ

HSK 4

使 — shǐ

1. to make; to cause (someone or something to be in a certain state)

   这件事使他很难过。 zhèjiàn shì shǐ tā hěn nánguò — This matter made him very sad.

2. to enable; to allow; to render (someone able to do something)

   这台机器使我们节省了很多时间。 zhè tái jīqì shǐ wǒmen jiéshěng le hěnduō shíjiān — This machine enabled us to save a lot of time.

3. to use; to employ (a tool, method, or person)

   外国人来中国学着使筷子吃饭。 wàiguórén lái zhōngguó xué zhe shǐ kuàizi chīfàn — Foreigners coming to China learn to use chopsticks to eat.

4. to send; to instruct somebody to do something (give orders or assign a task)

   古代帝王常使大臣前去和谈。 gǔdài dìwáng cháng shǐ dàchén qiánqù hétán — In ancient times, emperors often sent ministers to negotiate peace.

5. envoy; messenger (a person sent on a mission)

   他被派为使前往邻国传达国书。 tā bèi pài wèi shǐ qiánwǎng línguó chuándá guóshū — He was dispatched as an envoy to a neighboring state to deliver the official letter.