肇
cause; start; initiate
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesverb
to cause; to provoke; to give rise to
formalOften used for negative events like accidents or trouble; carries a formal or written tone.
Drunk driving is highly likely to cause accidents.
Who started this chaos?
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A single disagreement can provoke a dispute.
The fire was caused by aged wiring.
His reckless actions could lead to serious consequences.
verb
to begin; to start; to initiate
literaryUsed in classical or formal written language to denote the beginning of something, often of a significant event or period.
Beginning from here, the impact is far-reaching.
With the beginning of the new dynasty, everything is renewed.
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This reform initiated a new era.
The treaty initiated peace between the two countries.
Great undertakings often have humble beginnings.
noun
a surname
neutralA Chinese surname, relatively uncommon.
Mr. Zhao is our new manager.
There are not many famous historical figures with the surname Zhao.
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Her surname is Zhao, given name Qiushi.
The Zhao surname is a major surname in this village.
May I ask your surname? — My surname is Zhao.