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B1 verb #5,000 most common 9 min read

驱使

qushi Top 5,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 驱使 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 驱使 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 驱使 as a very strong way to say 'make' or 'push'. While you won't use it much in basic greetings, you might see it in simple stories about animals. For example, 'The man drives the horse' (那个人驱使马). At this stage, focus on the literal meaning: pushing something to move forward. It is like the word 'go' but with a strong push behind it. You don't need to worry about the deep psychological meanings yet. Just remember that it involves a 'driver' and a 'mover'. If you see it in a picture book, it probably refers to someone commanding an animal or a servant to do a task. It's a formal word, so it's not something you'd say to your friends at a party.

At the A2 level, you start to see 驱使 used with simple feelings. You might learn the phrase 'driven by hunger' (被饥饿驱使). This helps you explain why someone does something unusual. Instead of just saying 'He is hungry, so he ate,' you can say 'Hunger drove him to find food.' This adds a bit more 'flavor' to your Chinese. You should also recognize that 驱使 is different from '让' (ràng). '让' is for simple requests, but 驱使 is for a strong force. Imagine a big wind pushing a small boat—that is the 'feeling' of 驱使. Start noticing it in short reading passages about nature or basic history where kings 'drive' their soldiers into battle.

At the B1 level, you should master the most common structure: '在...的驱使下' (Under the drive of...). This is a key grammar point for intermediate learners. You will use it to describe motivations like curiosity (好奇心), interest (利益), or fear (恐惧). For example, 'Driven by curiosity, I opened the box' (在好奇心的驱使下，我打开了盒子). This level is where the word becomes truly useful for your writing and speaking. It allows you to talk about the 'why' behind human behavior in a more sophisticated way. You should also understand that 驱使 can imply being used by others, like in a job where you feel like a tool. It's a great word for discussing themes in movies or short stories.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 驱使 in more abstract and professional contexts. You might use it to discuss economic drivers, social pressures, or complex character motivations in literature. You should be able to distinguish it from similar words like 促使 (to catalyze) and 迫使 (to force). For instance, you might write an essay about how 'competition drives innovation' (竞争驱使创新). You will also encounter it in the passive voice '被...所驱使', which sounds more formal and literary. At this stage, 驱使 is no longer just about 'pushing'; it's about the deep, underlying forces that shape society and individual destiny. You can use it to critique modern life, such as being 'driven by fame and wealth' (为名利所驱使).

At the C1 level, your use of 驱使 should be nuanced and precise. you will use it to describe philosophical concepts or subtle psychological states. You might explore the idea of 'fate' (命运的驱使) or 'subconscious drives' (潜意识的驱使). You will also recognize it in classical-style four-character idioms or formal political speeches. At this level, you understand that 驱使 can have a derogatory nuance, implying a loss of soul or agency. You might analyze how a character in a classic novel is '驱使-ed' by their tragic flaws. Your ability to use this word in a variety of registers—from academic writing to literary critique—will demonstrate your high level of Chinese proficiency. You might even use it metaphorically to describe the movement of history or the flow of time.

At the C2 level, 驱使 becomes a tool for profound intellectual expression. You will encounter it in the most advanced literature, legal documents, and philosophical treatises. You can discuss the 'driving forces' of civilizations or the 'biological drives' of the human species with ease. You will appreciate the word's etymological roots in ancient chariot-driving and how that historical weight carries over into modern metaphorical usage. At this level, you can use 驱使 to discuss the tension between free will and determinism. You might write a thesis on 'What drives the modern soul?' using 驱使 as a central concept. Your mastery is such that you can use the word in rare, archaic patterns or highly specialized professional jargon without hesitation, perfectly capturing the exact 'force' you wish to describe.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

驱使 in 30 Seconds

驱使 (qūshǐ) means 'to drive' or 'to prompt'. It describes a force that pushes someone to act, like curiosity or profit.
It is commonly used in the phrase '在...的驱使下' (Under the drive of...) to explain the 'why' behind an action.
The word can imply internal emotions driving you or being ordered around by someone else in a formal context.
It is a B1 level word, essential for moving from basic sentences to describing complex human motivations and social forces.

The Chinese verb 驱使 (qūshǐ) is a sophisticated yet essential term that describes the act of prompting, urging, or driving someone to take action. At its core, it suggests a force—either internal or external—that compels an individual to behave in a certain way, often bypassing their immediate logic or hesitation. Historically, the character 驱 (qū) referred to the act of whipping a horse to make it run faster, while 使 (使) means to cause or to command. When combined, they evoke the image of a charioteer directing a powerful animal, which serves as a perfect metaphor for how emotions, needs, or superiors direct human behavior.

Internal Motivation: In modern psychological contexts, 驱使 is frequently used to describe being 'driven' by abstract nouns like curiosity, hunger, or ambition. For instance, 'driven by curiosity' (在好奇心的驱使下) is one of the most common collocations you will encounter in literature and high-level conversation.

正是这种对知识的渴望，驱使着他不断探索未知的领域。 (It is precisely this thirst for knowledge that drives him to continuously explore unknown territories.)

External Pressure: Beyond internal feelings, the word can also describe being ordered around or exploited by others, especially in a workplace or historical context. If a boss treats employees like mere tools, one might say they are being '驱使' like servants or animals.

Furthermore, the word carries a sense of inevitability. When someone is '驱使-ed' by fate or profit, it implies that the force is so strong that the person has little choice but to follow. This makes it a powerful word for storytelling, news reporting, and philosophical discussions. In business, it might describe what drives market trends (e.g., 'profit-driven' or 利益驱使). In personal development, it asks the question: 'What drives you?' (是什么在驱使你？). Understanding this word allows you to move beyond simple verbs like 'make' (让) or 'cause' (让) and describe the deep-seated motivations behind human actions.

他被利益驱使，做出了错误的决定。 (Driven by profit, he made the wrong decision.)

为了生存，他不得不接受命运的驱使。 (To survive, he had to accept the driving force of fate.)

Social Context: In modern Chinese society, the word is often used to critique materialism. Social commentators might discuss how people are '驱使-ed' by the desire for fame and wealth (名利驱使), suggesting a loss of individual agency in the face of societal pressures.

不要让金钱驱使你的灵魂。 (Don't let money drive your soul.)

这种力量驱使着整个社会向前发展。 (This force drives the entire society forward.)

Using 驱使 correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility. It can function as a transitive verb (driving someone) or within a passive-like prepositional phrase. The most common pattern for intermediate learners is the 'Under the drive of...' structure. This structure allows you to identify the specific emotion or circumstance that caused the action.

Pattern 1: 在 + [Noun] + 的驱使下: This is the 'golden rule' for using 驱使. It means 'Under the drive/motivation of [Noun]'. For example: '在好奇心的驱使下，他打开了信封' (Driven by curiosity, he opened the envelope).

在强烈的责任感驱使下，他完成了这项艰巨的任务。 (Driven by a strong sense of responsibility, he completed this arduous task.)

Pattern 2: [Subject] + 驱使 + [Object] + [Verb/Action]: This is the active form. It indicates that the subject is forcing the object to do something. For example: '贫穷驱使他走上了犯罪的道路' (Poverty drove him to the path of crime).

是什么力量在驱使你如此努力地工作？ (What force is driving you to work so hard?)

In more formal or literary contexts, 驱使 can stand alone to describe the state of being manipulated. For instance, '任人驱使' (rèn rén qūshǐ) means to let oneself be ordered around by anyone. This highlights the lack of autonomy. When writing, remember that 驱使 carries a weight of seriousness. It suggests that the action taken was not just a whim, but the result of a significant underlying pressure. Whether you are describing a character in a novel or explaining the motivations behind a business merger, 驱使 provides the necessary depth to your Chinese expression.

他不想一辈子被别人驱使。 (He doesn't want to be ordered around by others his whole life.)

虚荣心驱使她购买了昂贵的奢侈品。 (Vanity drove her to buy expensive luxury goods.)

Pattern 3: 被 + [Force] + 所驱使: This is a formal passive construction. It emphasizes the person being the recipient of the drive. '被欲望所驱使' (Driven by desire).

人类的行为往往被潜意识所驱使。 (Human behavior is often driven by the subconscious.)

他无法抗拒那种驱使他前进的力量。 (He could not resist the force that drove him forward.)

You might be wondering where a B1-level student would actually encounter 驱使 in daily life. While it isn't as common as 'want' or 'need' in casual street talk, it is a staple of media, literature, and formal analysis. If you are watching a Chinese drama, reading a news article about economic drivers, or listening to a podcast about psychology, you will hear it constantly.

News and Media: Journalists use 驱使 to explain the 'why' behind events. For example, 'Market demand drives prices up' (市场需求驱使价格上涨). It sounds more professional and objective than saying 'Market demand makes prices go up.'

新闻报道指出，是利益驱使这几家公司进行合作。 (The news report pointed out that it was interest/profit that drove these companies to cooperate.)

Literature and Storytelling: In novels, 驱使 is the perfect word to describe a character's internal struggle. It highlights that the character isn't just acting—they are being pushed by a deep emotion like revenge, love, or fear.

In business meetings, leaders might talk about 'innovation-driven' strategies (创新驱使). In educational settings, teachers might discuss what 'drives' students to learn (学习动机的驱使). Even in historical documentaries, you'll hear about how hunger 'drove' people to migrate (饥饿驱使人们迁徙). By recognizing 驱使, you are tapping into the language of causation and motivation that defines much of professional and intellectual Chinese discourse. It is a bridge from 'what happened' to 'why it happened'.

在这个竞争激烈的时代，压力驱使着每个人不断进步。 (In this highly competitive era, pressure drives everyone to continuously improve.)

他被一种莫名的恐惧感所驱使，连夜逃离了那个城市。 (Driven by an inexplicable sense of fear, he fled the city overnight.)

Psychological Discussions: When talking about habits or addiction, 驱使 describes the uncontrollable urge. 'Dopamine drives our search for novelty' (多巴胺驱使我们寻找新鲜感).

正是这种对完美的追求，驱使着这位艺术家创作出了不朽的作品。 (It was exactly this pursuit of perfection that driven this artist to create immortal works.)

在生存本能的驱使下，他学会了在荒野中生存。 (Driven by the instinct for survival, he learned to survive in the wilderness.)

Even though 驱使 is a versatile word, learners often trip up on its register and nuance. The most frequent mistake is using it for mundane, everyday actions where simpler verbs like '让' (ràng) or '叫' (jiào) are more appropriate. Because 驱使 implies a powerful, almost irresistible force, using it for small things can sound overly dramatic or even comical.

Mistake 1: Over-dramatizing Everyday Life: Incorrect: '妈妈驱使我洗碗' (Mom drove me to wash dishes). Unless your mother was literally using a whip or you are writing a tragic novel about chores, this is too strong. Better: '妈妈叫我洗碗'.

错误：他驱使我帮他拿杯水。 (Error: He 'drove' me to get him a glass of water. - Sounds like you are his slave.)

Mistake 2: Confusing 驱使 with 促使 (cùshǐ): While they look similar, 促使 means 'to promote' or 'to catalyze' an outcome, often a positive or neutral one. 驱使 focuses on the *inner drive* or *force* acting upon a person. You '促使' a change, but you '驱使' a person.

Another common error is forgetting the '的' in the pattern '在...的驱使下'. Without the '的', the sentence becomes grammatically broken. Also, be careful with the passive voice. While you can say '被...驱使', it is much more common to use the '在...下' structure. Finally, remember that 驱使 is almost always used with abstract nouns (curiosity, greed, fear) rather than concrete objects. You don't '驱使' a car (you '开' or '驾驶' it), though you can '驱使' a horse in a literal, historical sense.

正确：在金钱的驱使下，他铤而走险。 (Correct: Driven by money, he took a risk.)

错误：他在金钱驱使下... (Error: Missing '的'.)

Mistake 3: Misunderstanding the connotation: 驱使 is often slightly negative or neutral, suggesting a lack of free will. If you want to say someone 'inspired' you (which is positive and voluntary), use '鼓舞' (gǔwǔ) or '激励' (jīlì) instead.

他不再愿意被贪婪所驱使。 (He is no longer willing to be driven by greed.)

这种本能的驱使是无法抗拒的。 (This instinctive drive is irresistible.)

To truly master 驱使, you need to know how it stacks up against its synonyms. Chinese has many words for 'making' or 'driving' someone to do something, and choosing the right one is the mark of an advanced speaker. Let's compare 驱使 with its closest relatives.

驱使 vs. 迫使 (pòshǐ): 迫使 means 'to force' or 'to compel'. It is much stronger and more negative than 驱使. While 驱使 can be an inner curiosity, 迫使 is almost always an external, unwanted pressure. You are '迫使-ed' by a threat or a crisis.

生活迫使他放弃了梦想。 (Life forced him to give up his dream.) vs. 好奇心驱使他去尝试。 (Curiosity drove him to try.)

驱使 vs. 促使 (cùshǐ): 促使 is about 'catalyzing' an event. It is often used for inanimate objects or situations. 'The rain prompted the plants to grow' would use 促使. 驱使 is more personal and psychological.

Other alternatives include 激励 (jīlì) and 鼓舞 (gǔwǔ). These are strictly positive. If a teacher 'drives' you to succeed in a good way, use 激励. If a speech 'drives' you to take action for a cause, use 鼓舞. 驱使 is more neutral—it just describes the force, whether it's a noble passion or a dark obsession. Finally, 指使 (zhǐshǐ) is a very specific synonym that means 'to instigate' or 'to order someone to do something bad behind the scenes'. If a criminal 'drives' his accomplice to steal, he is '指使-ing' them.

是谁指使你这么做的？ (Who instigated/ordered you to do this? - usually implies a crime.)

他的话语激励着我前进。 (His words inspired/motivated me to move forward.)

驱使 vs. 驱动 (qūdòng): 驱动 is more technical. It's used for 'drivers' in computers or 'data-driven' (数据驱动) business models. 驱使 is for human motivation.

这种新型发动机是由电力驱动的。 (This new engine is driven by electricity.)

他的一生都在为理想所驱使。 (His whole life has been driven by his ideals.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient China, the 'Six Arts' included 'Charioteering' (御), which is closely related to the original meaning of '驱'—the skill of driving and controlling powerful forces.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃuː ʃiː/

US /tʃu ʃi/

The primary stress is on the first syllable 'qū', with the second syllable 'shǐ' receiving a distinct tone change.

Rhymes With

屈 (qū) 虚 (xū) 需 (xū) 使 (shǐ) 史 (shǐ) 始 (shǐ) 死 (sǐ) 指 (zhǐ)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'q' as 'k' (it should be an unaspirated 'ch' sound).
Confusing the third tone of 'shǐ' with the fourth tone 'shì'.
Merging the two sounds into one syllable.
Failing to round the lips enough for the 'u' in 'qū'.
Pronouncing 'sh' as a flat 's' instead of a retroflex 'sh'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in written texts and news, easy to recognize once the pattern is known.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of the '在...下' structure and appropriate abstract nouns.

Speaking 4/5

Can sound too formal if used in casual conversation, requires practice with register.

Listening 3/5

Distinctive sounds 'qū' and 'shǐ' make it relatively easy to pick out in formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

让 (to let) 使 (to cause) 心 (heart) 力 (force) 动 (move)

Learn Next

迫使 (force) 促使 (catalyze) 动机 (motivation) 欲望 (desire) 本能 (instinct)

Advanced

驱动力 (driving force) 异化 (alienation) 主观能动性 (subjective initiative)

Grammar to Know

The '在...下' structure for circumstances.

在老师的帮助下，我进步很快。

The '被...所' passive construction.

他被这种美景所吸引。

Abstract nouns as subjects for causative verbs.

贫穷让他学会了坚强。

Reflexive verbs with '自己'.

他总是逼迫自己做得更好。

Serial verb constructions.

他驱使马跑向森林。

Examples by Level

他驱使马快跑。

He drives the horse to run fast.

Simple Subject-Verb-Object-Action structure.

老农夫驱使牛耕地。

The old farmer drives the ox to plow the field.

Literal use of driving an animal.

不要驱使小猫。

Don't drive/push the kitten around.

Negative command with '不要'.

他驱使下属工作。

He drives his subordinates to work.

Literal use in a hierarchy.

风驱使云移动。

The wind drives the clouds to move.

Nature as the subject.

谁在驱使你？

Who is driving/ordering you?

Interrogative sentence.

他被驱使着走。

He was driven to walk.

Simple passive with '被'.

驱使马儿去喝水。

Drive the horses to go drink water.

Imperative sentence.

饥饿驱使他去找食物。

Hunger drove him to look for food.

Abstract noun as the subject.

寒冷驱使人们穿上厚衣服。

The cold drove people to put on thick clothes.

Cause and effect.

他被好奇心驱使。

He was driven by curiosity.

Passive voice with an emotion.

金钱驱使他努力工作。

Money drives him to work hard.

External motivation.

是什么驱使你来到这里？

What drove you to come here?

Common question for motivation.

他不想被别人驱使。

He doesn't want to be ordered around by others.

Using '不想' with passive '被'.

恐惧驱使他跑开了。

Fear drove him to run away.

Emotion leading to action.

那个人驱使他的仆人。

That man drives his servants.

Social hierarchy context.

在好奇心的驱使下，他打开了那个神秘的盒子。

Driven by curiosity, he opened that mysterious box.

The standard '在...的驱使下' pattern.

为了成功，他驱使自己每天学习十小时。

To succeed, he drove himself to study ten hours a day.

Reflexive use (driving oneself).

在利益的驱使下，一些人会做出违法的行为。

Driven by interest/profit, some people will commit illegal acts.

Formal social observation.

他不喜欢那种被人驱使的感觉。

He doesn't like the feeling of being ordered around.

Noun phrase '被人驱使的感觉'.

正是这种对未知的渴望驱使着人类探索太空。

It is exactly this thirst for the unknown that drives humanity to explore space.

Emphatic '正是...驱使着' structure.

在强烈的责任感驱使下，他留下来完成了工作。

Driven by a strong sense of responsibility, he stayed to finish the work.

Abstract compound noun '责任感'.

是什么力量在驱使这个社会不断进步？

What force is driving this society to continuously progress?

Philosophical question.

他被虚荣心驱使，买了一辆昂贵的跑车。

Driven by vanity, he bought an expensive sports car.

Passive voice with a negative trait.

人类的行为往往是由本能所驱使的。

Human behavior is often driven by instinct.

Formal '由...所驱使' passive structure.

在权力的驱使下，他变得越来越贪婪。

Driven by power, he became increasingly greedy.

Describing character change.

这种新型发动机是由先进的技术驱使的。

This new engine is driven by advanced technology.

Technical/Metaphorical use.

他拒绝任人驱使，决定辞职创业。

He refused to be ordered around and decided to quit and start a business.

Using '任人驱使' as a fixed phrase.

市场需求是驱使价格波动的核心因素。

Market demand is the core factor driving price fluctuations.

Economic context.

在生存压力的驱使下，他不得不打两份工。

Driven by the pressure of survival, he had to work two jobs.

Social reality context.

不要让仇恨驱使你的行动。

Don't let hatred drive your actions.

Moral advice.

他一生都在为理想所驱使，从未动摇。

He has been driven by his ideals his whole life and never wavered.

Positive formal use.

这篇文章探讨了驱使人们进行艺术创作的心理动机。

This article explores the psychological motivations that drive people to engage in artistic creation.

Academic register.

在那个动荡的年代，饥饿和贫穷驱使着成千上万的人背井离乡。

In those turbulent times, hunger and poverty drove thousands of people to leave their homes.

Historical/Literary register.

他的一言一行似乎都受到某种神秘力量的驱使。

Every word and action of his seems to be driven by some mysterious force.

Mysterious/Literary nuance.

这种深层的情感驱使，往往是理性无法解释的。

This deep emotional drive is often inexplicable by reason.

Abstract noun phrase '情感驱使'.

他不再甘心做一个任人驱使的棋子。

He was no longer willing to be a pawn ordered around by others.

Metaphorical use in politics/social status.

在利益最大化的驱使下，某些企业忽视了环境保护。

Driven by profit maximization, some companies ignored environmental protection.

Formal social critique.

这种内在的驱动力驱使着他不断突破自我极限。

This inner driving force drives him to constantly break through his own limits.

Redundant but emphatic use for drive.

我们必须反思，是什么在真正驱使我们的消费行为？

We must reflect on what is truly driving our consumption behavior.

Reflective/Critical question.

纵观历史，文明的演进往往受到生存意志的深刻驱使。

Throughout history, the evolution of civilizations has often been profoundly driven by the will to survive.

High-level historical analysis.

他笔下的角色往往在命运的驱使下走向悲剧的终局。

The characters in his writing often head toward a tragic end under the drive of fate.

Literary criticism.

这种驱使感并非源于外界，而是来自于灵魂深处的呐喊。

This sense of being driven does not originate from the outside world, but from a cry deep within the soul.

Philosophical/Spiritual context.

在资本逻辑的无情驱使下，人有时会被异化为生产工具。

Under the ruthless drive of the logic of capital, humans are sometimes alienated into tools of production.

Marxist/Sociological theory.

他深刻地意识到，自己的一生不过是在某种宏大叙事的驱使下演戏。

He realized deeply that his life was nothing more than acting under the drive of some grand narrative.

Post-modernist reflection.

科学探索的本质，在于那种驱使人类揭开自然奥秘的好奇心。

The essence of scientific exploration lies in that curiosity that drives humanity to uncover the mysteries of nature.

Formal philosophical definition.

这种驱使力是如此强大，以至于法律和道德有时也难以约束。

This driving force is so powerful that law and morality are sometimes difficult to constrain.

Legal/Ethical discussion.

他在权欲的驱使下迷失了自我，最终众叛亲离。

Driven by the desire for power, he lost himself and was eventually deserted by everyone.

Moralistic/Literary narrative.

Synonyms

推动促使激励迫使指使

Antonyms

阻碍抑制

Common Collocations

好奇心驱使

利益驱使

欲望驱使

名利驱使

命运驱使

本能驱使

情感驱使

权力驱使

驱使他人

任人驱使

Common Phrases

在...的驱使下

— Driven by... This is the most common way to explain motivation.

在贪婪的驱使下，他犯了错。

受...驱使

— Being driven by... (similar to the above, slightly more formal).

他受某种使命感驱使。

驱使某人做某事

— To drive someone to do something.

贫穷驱使他去偷窃。

任人驱使

— To let oneself be ordered around by anyone.

他绝不会任人驱使。

被欲望驱使

— To be driven by desire.

他被强烈的欲望驱使着。

听候驱使

— To be at someone's disposal (very formal/polite).

随时听候您的驱使。

驱使感

— A sense of being driven.

他内心有一种强烈的驱使感。

内在驱使

— Internal drive.

内在驱使比外在奖励更重要。

盲目驱使

— Blindly driven.

不要被情绪盲目驱使。

驱使奴隶

— To drive slaves (historical context).

奴隶主驱使奴隶干活。

Often Confused With

驱使 vs 迫使

迫使 means to force someone against their will, while 驱使 can be internal motivation.

驱使 vs 促使

促使 focuses on the result/catalyst, while 驱使 focuses on the drive/force.

驱使 vs 指使

指使 is specifically for ordering someone to do something bad or illegal.

Idioms & Expressions

"任人驱使"

— To be at the beck and call of others; to be manipulated.

他性格软弱，总是任人驱使。

Neutral

"利令智昏"

— Driven by profit to the point of losing one's mind/reason.

他利令智昏，竟然去骗亲戚的钱。

Literary

"见利忘义"

— Driven by profit and forgetting righteousness.

这种见利忘义的人不值得信任。

Formal

"听命于人"

— To be under someone's command (related to being driven by others).

他不得不听命于人。

Neutral

"为人作嫁"

— To be driven to work for the benefit of others without gaining anything oneself.

辛苦了半天，结果是为人作嫁。

Literary

"驱策他人"

— To whip and drive others (similar to 驱使).

他习惯于驱策他人。

Formal

"马首是瞻"

— To follow someone's lead blindly (driven by their direction).

大家都对他马首是瞻。

Literary

"唯命是从"

— To be absolutely obedient to someone's drive/orders.

他对老板唯命是从。

Formal

"呼之即来，挥之即去"

— To be summoned and dismissed at will; treated like a tool.

你不能对我呼之即来，挥之即去。

Informal

"受制于人"

— To be controlled by others (the state of being 驱使-ed).

他不想一直受制于人。

Formal

Easily Confused

驱使 vs 驱动

Both mean 'drive'.

驱动 is more technical (drivers, engines) or abstract (data-driven). 驱使 is more psychological and human-centric.

数据驱动决策 (Data-driven) vs. 好奇心驱使探索 (Curiosity-driven).

驱使 vs 激励

Both involve motivation.

激励 is always positive and inspiring. 驱使 is neutral and can be negative (driven by greed).

激励员工 (Inspire employees) vs. 利益驱使 (Driven by profit).

驱使 vs 差遣

Both involve sending/commanding someone.

差遣 is more about the act of sending someone on a task. 驱使 is about the force behind the action.

听从差遣 (Follow orders/errands) vs. 受人驱使 (Being driven/used by others).

驱使 vs 推动

Both mean 'push'.

推动 is used for physical pushing or promoting a project/trend. 驱使 is for psychological driving.

推动改革 (Push reform) vs. 欲望驱使 (Driven by desire).

驱使 vs 使唤

Both mean to order someone around.

使唤 is informal and often used for daily chores or servants. 驱使 is more formal and psychological.

别使唤我！ (Don't boss me around!) vs. 驱使奴隶 (Drive slaves).

Sentence Patterns

在 [Noun] 的驱使下，[Action]。

在好奇心的驱使下，他走进了密室。

[Subject] 驱使 [Object] [Verb]。

饥饿驱使他去寻找食物。

[Subject] 被 [Noun] 所驱使。

他被强烈的虚荣心所驱使。

是什么驱使 [Subject] [Verb]？

是什么驱使你做出这个决定？

[Noun] 的驱使是 [Adjective] 的。

这种内在的驱使是不可阻挡的。

任人驱使的 [Noun]。

他不想做一个任人驱使的傀儡。

[Abstract Force] 深刻地驱使着 [Process]。

生存意志深刻地驱使着文明的演进。

受 [Force] 驱使而 [Action]。

受利益驱使而忽视环保的行为必须停止。

Word Family

Nouns

驱动力 (driving force)

驱使者 (driver/commander)

Verbs

驱逐 (to expel)

驱动 (to drive/actuate)

驱赶 (to drive away)

Adjectives

驱使性的 (driving/compelling)

命令 (command)

动力 (motivation)

欲望 (desire)

迫使 (force)

促使 (catalyze)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in written Chinese, news, and formal speeches; less common in casual daily chatter.

Common Mistakes

妈妈驱使我写作业。 → 妈妈叫我写作业。
驱使 is too formal and strong for a simple request from a parent. It sounds like she is using a whip.
在好奇心驱使下... → 在好奇心的驱使下...
Don't forget the '的' (de) in this common prepositional structure.
他驱使汽车回家。 → 他开车回家。
驱使 is for animals or metaphorical 'driving' of people/emotions, not for operating vehicles.
那是我的驱使。 → 那是我的动力。
驱使 is usually a verb or part of a phrase. If you mean 'That is my motivation', use '动力' (dònglì).
由于利益迫使，他做了这件事。 → 在利益的驱使下，他做了这件事。
迫使 (pòshǐ) implies external force/threat. 利益 (profit) is an internal or circumstantial drive, so 驱使 is better.

Tips

Master the Pattern

Memorize '在...的驱使下'. It is the most frequent and useful way to use this word in both writing and speaking.

Pair with Emotions

Try pairing 驱使 with abstract nouns like 好奇心 (curiosity), 恐惧 (fear), 贪婪 (greed), and 责任感 (responsibility).

Keep it Formal

Use 驱使 in essays, news reports, or stories. In casual talk with friends, stick to simpler words like '让' or '叫' unless you're being dramatic.

Understand Agency

Remember that 驱使 often implies the subject isn't fully in control. Use it to describe deep impulses or external pressures.

Listen for 'Qu'

The sound 'qū' is very distinctive. When you hear it followed by 'shǐ', think about what 'force' is being discussed.

Use for Character Depth

In creative writing, use 驱使 to show what truly motivates your characters, making them feel more complex.

驱使 vs 迫使

If someone is being forced against their will by a person, use 迫使. If they are being pushed by a feeling, use 驱使.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure 'qū' is a flat high tone. If you drop the tone, it might sound like 'qu' (to go), which changes the meaning entirely.

Context Clues

When you see 驱使 in a news headline, look for the words around it to identify the economic or social 'driver' being discussed.

The Horse Metaphor

Always keep the image of a horse being driven in your mind. It helps you remember the 'pushing' nature of the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Q' as a 'Quick' horse and 'SHI' as a 'Shift' in behavior. You 'Quickly Shift' because something is driving you.

Visual Association

Imagine a person being pulled by a glowing heart (curiosity) or a heavy chain (poverty) toward a door. That pulling force is '驱使'.

Word Web

动机 (motivation) 内心 (inner heart) 迫使 (force) 好奇心 (curiosity) 利益 (profit) 本能 (instinct) 压力 (pressure) 行为 (behavior)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about what 'drives' you to learn Chinese using the pattern '在...的驱使下'.

Word Origin

The word is composed of two ancient characters. '驱' (qū) depicts a horse and a whip, meaning to gallop or drive animals. '使' (shǐ) originally meant a messenger or to send someone on a mission. Together, they evolved from literal driving of animals to the metaphorical driving of people and their actions.

Original meaning: To drive a horse and command a servant.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it to describe people; implying someone is '任人驱使' (at the beck and call of others) can be offensive as it suggests they lack autonomy.

English speakers often use 'driven' as a compliment (e.g., 'He is very driven'). In Chinese, '驱使' is more neutral and can sometimes imply you are being manipulated or are not in control.

Commonly found in Lu Xun's essays to describe social pressures. Used in modern psychological translations for Freud's 'drives'. Frequent in historical dramas like 'Nirvana in Fire' to describe political schemes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Psychology

内在驱使 (internal drive)
本能驱使 (instinctive drive)
情感驱使 (emotional drive)
潜意识驱使 (subconscious drive)

Business

利益驱使 (profit-driven)
需求驱使 (demand-driven)
创新驱使 (innovation-driven)
市场驱使 (market-driven)

Literature

命运的驱使 (the drive of fate)
复仇的驱使 (driven by revenge)
权力的驱使 (driven by power)
内心的驱使 (inner drive)

Daily Life

好奇心驱使 (curiosity-driven)
受人驱使 (being ordered around)
驱使自己 (drive oneself)
任人驱使 (at someone's beck and call)

Social Critique

名利驱使 (driven by fame and wealth)
虚荣心驱使 (driven by vanity)
盲目驱使 (blindly driven)
金钱驱使 (money-driven)

Conversation Starters

"是什么驱使你决定学习中文的？ (What drove you to decide to learn Chinese?)"

"你觉得在工作中，什么最能驱使你进步？ (What do you think drives you to progress most at work?)"

"你曾经有过被好奇心驱使而做傻事的经历吗？ (Have you ever done something silly driven by curiosity?)"

"你认为现代社会的人主要是被什么所驱使的？ (What do you think people in modern society are mainly driven by?)"

"你喜欢自己掌控生活，还是偶尔也愿意受人驱使？ (Do you like to control your life, or are you occasionally willing to be driven by others?)"

Journal Prompts

写一写在好奇心的驱使下，你做过的一件难忘的事情。 (Write about an unforgettable thing you did driven by curiosity.)

反思一下，在你的职业生涯中，是什么力量在驱使你前进？ (Reflect on what forces are driving you forward in your career?)

讨论一下‘金钱驱使’对社会的影响。 (Discuss the impact of being 'money-driven' on society.)

描述一个你认为完全被命运驱使的小说人物。 (Describe a fictional character you think is completely driven by fate.)

如果你不再受名利驱使，你的生活会发生什么变化？ (If you were no longer driven by fame and wealth, how would your life change?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is neutral. It depends on what is driving the person. 'Driven by love' is positive, while 'driven by greed' is negative. However, 'being driven by others' (被人驱使) is usually seen as negative as it implies a loss of autonomy.

No. For a car, you should use '开' (kāi) or '驾驶' (jiàshǐ). 驱使 is only for animals (literally) or people/emotions (metaphorically).

让 (ràng) is a simple, common word for 'let' or 'make'. 驱使 (qūshǐ) is much more formal and implies a powerful force or motivation. You wouldn't say 'Mom 驱使 me to eat,' but you would say 'Poverty 驱使 him to work.'

The most natural way is '在好奇心的驱使下' (zài hàoqíxīn de qūshǐ xià).

Yes, it's very common in phrases like '利益驱使' (profit-driven) or '市场驱使' (market-driven) to describe why companies take certain actions.

Yes, in phrases like '这种驱使是不可避免的' (This drive is unavoidable), though it is more commonly used as a verb.

It means to let oneself be ordered around or manipulated by others, like a tool or a puppet. It is usually a negative description of someone's character.

No, the 'q' in Pinyin is a 'ch' sound made with the tongue against the bottom teeth. It is aspirated and sharp.

Yes, such as '风驱使着云' (The wind drives the clouds), but this is more common in poetic or literary contexts.

It is typically considered a B1 (Intermediate) word because it moves beyond basic actions into the realm of explaining motivations and complex causes.