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B1 verb #4,500 most common 12 min read

牵涉

qianshe Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 牵涉 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 牵涉 in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word '牵涉' (qiānshè) might seem a bit advanced, but you can understand it as a way to say things are 'tied together'. Imagine two things connected by a string. If you pull one, the other moves. That's what '牵涉' means. In simple terms, it's like saying 'A has something to do with B'. For beginners, focus on the idea that this word is used for serious things, like when a problem in school affects many students. You won't use this word to say you like apples and oranges; you use it when a big event 'pulls' other things into it. Think of it as a 'big' version of the word 'related'. Even though you might not use it in daily conversation yet, knowing it helps you recognize when people are talking about important connections in stories or simple news.

For A2 learners, '牵涉' (qiānshè) is a verb used to describe when a situation or a problem 'touches' or 'affects' other people or things. It is more formal than '有关' (yǒuguān - related to). You can use it to describe a project at work that involves different departments. A key thing to remember is the structure '牵涉到' (qiānshè dào). For example, '这个问题牵涉到钱' (This problem involves money). At this level, you should start noticing that '牵涉' often appears when there is a complication. It's not just a simple link; it's a link that matters. If you are talking about a family matter that involves everyone, '牵涉' is a great word to use to show that the situation is significant.

At the B1 level, you are expected to understand the nuance of '牵涉' (qiānshè) as 'to involve' or 'to implicate'. This word is crucial for discussing complex topics like social issues, legal matters, or professional projects. It suggests that the components are 'entangled'. Unlike the neutral word '涉及' (shèjí), '牵涉' often implies that being involved might be difficult or have consequences. For example, '他被牵涉进了一场丑闻' (He was involved in a scandal). You should use '牵涉到' to describe the scope of an investigation or the factors influencing a decision. This word helps you move from simple descriptions to analyzing how different parts of a situation affect each other. It is a 'high-utility' word for formal writing and serious discussions.

At the B2 level, '牵涉' (qiānshè) should be used with precision to distinguish it from synonyms like '牵连' (qiānlián) or '关联' (guānlián). You should understand that '牵涉' can describe both physical involvement and abstract connections. In a B2 context, you might use it to discuss the 'ripple effect' of economic policies or the 'implication' of certain variables in a scientific study. You should also be comfortable using it in passive structures (被牵涉) and with various complements (牵涉进去, 牵涉到). It is a key word for constructing arguments about causality and responsibility. At this level, you should also recognize its use in fixed phrases like '牵涉面广' (having a wide scope of involvement), which is common in professional reports and news analysis.

For C1 learners, '牵涉' (qiānshè) is a tool for sophisticated analysis. You should be able to use it to describe the intricate web of interests in political or corporate environments. The word carries a weight of 'implication' that can be used rhetorically to highlight the gravity of a situation. You should understand its etymological roots—the 'pulling' (牵) and 'wading' (涉)—to appreciate its metaphorical power. In C1 writing, you might use it to discuss how a single historical event '牵涉' multiple cultural shifts over centuries. You should also be able to distinguish the subtle difference in register and tone between '牵涉', '涉及', and '关联' in academic and legal texts. Mastery at this level means knowing exactly when the 'entanglement' of '牵涉' is more appropriate than the simple 'coverage' of '涉及'.

At the C2 level, '牵涉' (qiānshè) is used with full mastery of its connotations and stylistic potential. You can employ it in high-level legal discourse, philosophical discussions, or literary analysis to describe the deep, often unavoidable, connections between entities. You understand that '牵涉' can imply a sense of 'fate' or 'inevitability' in being drawn into a situation. You can use it to critique complex social structures where every action '牵涉' a myriad of ethical considerations. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a conceptual lens through which to view the interconnectedness of the world. You can also play with the word in creative writing, utilizing its literal and metaphorical meanings to create rich, evocative imagery of entanglement and consequence.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

牵涉 in 30 Seconds

牵涉 (qiānshè) means to involve or implicate, often in complex or negative situations.
It combines 'pull' (牵) and 'wade' (涉), suggesting being dragged into a situation.
Commonly used in legal, professional, and serious contexts with the structure '牵涉到'.
It differs from '涉及' (shèjí) by implying a deeper, more entangled connection.

The Chinese verb 牵涉 (qiānshè) is a multifaceted term that describes the act of involving, implicating, or touching upon various elements within a specific situation. At its core, the word suggests a connection that is often complex, indirect, or even burdensome. When you use 牵涉, you are not just saying things are related; you are implying that one thing 'drags' or 'pulls' another into its orbit, much like a rope pulling an object or a person being forced to wade through deep water. This nuance is vital for English speakers to grasp because it often carries a weightier connotation than the simple English word 'involve'. It is frequently used when discussing legal cases, political scandals, scientific variables, or complicated family dynamics where the consequences of one action ripple out to affect others.

Literal Roots: The first character, 牵 (qiān), literally means 'to pull' or 'to lead,' historically depicting an ox being led by a rope. The second character, 涉 (shè), means 'to wade through water' or 'to experience.' Together, they create a mental image of being pulled into a stream—you are forced to deal with the flow of the situation.

这个案件牵涉到了很多人的利益。 (This case involves the interests of many people.)

In professional contexts, 牵涉 is the go-to word for describing the scope of a project or the breadth of an investigation. It helps specify the 'reach' of a problem. For example, if a company is restructuring, the manager might say the changes 牵涉 multiple departments. This signals that the impact is not localized but spreads across different sectors. Unlike the more neutral 涉及 (shèjí), 牵涉 often hints at a certain level of entanglement or potential trouble. If someone says you are 'involved' in a crime in Chinese, they would almost certainly use 牵涉 to emphasize that you have been drawn into the legal mess.

Common Contexts: It is most common in formal writing, news reports, and serious interpersonal discussions. You will rarely hear it in casual slang, but you will hear it constantly in 'Police and Law' (公检法) dramas.

这次改革牵涉面广，需要慎重考虑。 (This reform has a wide scope of involvement and needs careful consideration.)

Furthermore, 牵涉 is used to describe abstract relationships. It can refer to factors that influence a scientific outcome or the various historical events that led to a modern conflict. It suggests that the components are so intertwined that you cannot easily separate them. This makes it an essential word for B1 learners who are moving beyond simple 'A is B' sentences and starting to describe the complex mechanics of how the world works. Understanding this word allows you to articulate the ripple effects of actions and the interconnected nature of problems.

Emotional Nuance: While not always negative, it often carries a sense of 'burden' or 'complexity'. If a situation 牵涉 you, it means you are now responsible for or affected by something you might not have chosen to be a part of.

我不希望这件事牵涉到我的家人。 (I don't want this matter to involve my family.)

In summary, 牵涉 is a powerful verb for expressing the web of causality and involvement. It bridges the gap between simple connection and deep entanglement, making it indispensable for formal and serious communication in Mandarin Chinese.

Using 牵涉 (qiānshè) correctly requires understanding its typical grammatical structures. The most common pattern is Subject + 牵涉到 + Object. The addition of 到 (dào) acts as a resultative complement, indicating that the involvement has reached or touched upon a specific person, group, or factor. Without 到, the verb can still function, but 牵涉到 is significantly more common in spoken and written modern Chinese when an object follows. This structure allows the speaker to clearly define the boundaries of a situation's impact.

The 'Reach' Pattern: Example: 这个问题牵涉到很多技术细节。 (This problem involves many technical details.) Here, the problem is the subject, and the 'technical details' are the elements pulled into the scope of the problem.

不要把无辜的人牵涉进来。 (Don't involve innocent people [into this].)

Another frequent construction involves the use of 进来 (jìnlái) or 进去 (jìnqù) as directional complements. This usage emphasizes the act of 'dragging' someone into a mess or a situation. For instance, 被牵涉进去 (to be dragged into/involved in) is a common passive structure used when someone finds themselves caught up in a scandal or a difficult situation against their will or as a consequence of their actions. This highlights the 'pulling' (牵) aspect of the word, suggesting that the person is now stuck in the 'water' (涉) of the situation.

The 'Scope' Pattern: Example: 牵涉面很广 (The scope of involvement is very wide). In this case, 牵涉 is used as an attributive to describe the 'surface' or 'area' (面) of the impact. This is a very common phrase in news and reports.

这件事牵涉到他的个人名誉。 (This matter involves/affects his personal reputation.)

In academic or technical writing, 牵涉 is used to denote the variables or factors that must be considered. For example, 'The success of this experiment 牵涉 to several environmental factors.' This usage is slightly more neutral but still suggests that these factors are critically linked to the outcome. It is also used in the passive voice: 他被牵涉到这桩丑闻中 (He was involved in this scandal). Note the use of 中 (zhōng - middle/in) to indicate being inside the situation. This reinforces the idea of being surrounded by the complications of the event.

Comparison with '涉及': While 涉及 (shèjí) simply means 'to touch upon' or 'to relate to,' 牵涉 implies a deeper connection where the parts are 'pulled' together. If a book 'touches upon' history, use 涉及. If a crime 'implicates' a politician, use 牵涉.

由于牵涉到法律问题，我们必须咨询律师。 (Because legal issues are involved, we must consult a lawyer.)

By mastering these patterns, you can effectively communicate complex relationships and responsibilities in Mandarin, moving beyond simple descriptions to more nuanced analysis of situations.

The word 牵涉 (qiānshè) is a staple of formal and semi-formal Chinese discourse. If you enjoy watching Chinese news broadcasts (新闻联播) or reading newspapers like the People's Daily, you will encounter this word daily. It is the standard term for describing the scope of government policies, the breadth of economic shifts, and the participants in international disputes. In these contexts, it conveys a sense of gravity and scale, indicating that the matter at hand is not a simple, isolated incident but one with far-reaching implications.

In the News: News anchors often use the phrase 牵涉到多方利益 (involving the interests of multiple parties) when reporting on trade negotiations or land development projects. It signals to the audience that the situation is complicated and requires careful balancing.

这次调查牵涉到数家跨国公司。 (This investigation involves several multinational corporations.)

In the world of Chinese legal and police dramas (often called 刑侦剧), 牵涉 is a keyword. Detectives will use it to describe how a victim is linked to a suspect or how a piece of evidence 'implicates' a third party. You might hear a line like, '我们发现他竟然也牵涉在内' (We found that he was also involved/implicated). This adds a layer of suspense and mystery, as it suggests the 'web' of the crime is larger than initially thought. It is the language of investigation and discovery, perfect for describing the unraveling of a complex plot.

In Business Meetings: In a professional office setting, 牵涉 is used during project planning and risk assessment. A manager might say, '这个方案可能牵涉到加班问题' (This plan might involve the issue of overtime). It is a polite but firm way to bring up potential complications or requirements that must be addressed.

如果这个项目牵涉到预算增加，我们需要向总部申请。 (If this project involves a budget increase, we need to apply to headquarters.)

Socially, you might hear it when people are discussing 'gossip' or 'trouble' they want to avoid. A friend might say, '我不想牵涉到你们的矛盾中' (I don't want to get involved in your conflict). Here, it serves as a boundary-setting word, indicating that the speaker sees the situation as messy or problematic and wishes to remain 'un-pulled' (不被牵). It is a very effective way to express a desire for neutrality in a situation that is clearly not neutral. Finally, in academic lectures, professors use 牵涉 to explain the interconnectedness of theories or historical events, helping students see the 'big picture' of how different ideas pull on one another.

Cultural Connection: In a culture that values social harmony and clear boundaries of responsibility, knowing who is 牵涉 in what is crucial for navigating social hierarchies and avoiding 'loss of face' or unnecessary trouble.

学术研究往往牵涉到多个学科的交叉。 (Academic research often involves the intersection of multiple disciplines.)

Whether in the courtroom, the boardroom, or the living room, 牵涉 is the word of choice for describing the intricate ties that bind people and events together.

For English speakers, the most frequent mistake when using 牵涉 (qiānshè) is confusing it with other words that also translate as 'involve' or 'relate to'. The most common culprit is 涉及 (shèjí). While they are similar, 涉及 is generally more neutral and refers to 'touching upon' a topic or 'covering' a range of subjects. If you are writing a report and want to say it 'covers' three main points, you should use 涉及. If you use 牵涉, you are implying those three points are somehow 'caught up' in a mess or have a deep, potentially problematic connection. Using 牵涉 where 涉及 is intended can make your sentence sound unintentionally grave or suspicious.

Mistake 1: Confusing with '涉及': Incorrect: 这本书牵涉到中国历史。 (This book involves Chinese history - sounds like history is a problem for the book).
Correct: 这本书涉及到中国历史。 (This book touches upon/covers Chinese history).

不要混淆牵涉和涉及的用法。 (Don't confuse the usage of '牵涉' and '涉及'.)

Another mistake is using 牵涉 for positive participation. In English, we might say 'He is involved in the charity project.' In Chinese, if you use 他牵涉进这个慈善项目, it sounds like he is being investigated for something wrong within the project or that the project is a burden. For positive or neutral participation, use 参与 (cānyù) or 参加 (cānjiā). This is a common 'translation trap' where the dictionary definition of 'involve' leads learners to choose a word with the wrong emotional color.

Mistake 2: Missing the Complement '到': Learners often say 这牵涉很多问题. While understandable, it sounds incomplete in modern Mandarin. Adding 到 (dào) makes it flow naturally: 这牵涉到很多问题.

语法错误：这件事牵涉他。 (Grammar error: This matter involves him - missing '到' or '进来'.)

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse 牵涉 with 牵连 (qiānlián). 牵连 is even more negative than 牵涉. It specifically means to be implicated in a crime or trouble because of someone else. If your brother commits a crime and the police question you, you are 被牵连 (implicated/dragged in). 牵涉 is broader and can include non-negative technical involvement, whereas 牵连 is almost exclusively for 'guilt by association' or shared trouble.

Mistake 3: Over-complicating simple connections: If you just want to say 'This is related to that,' use 有关 (yǒuguān). Reserve 牵涉 for when the relationship is complex or has significant consequences.

记住：牵涉通常暗示着一种复杂的联系。 (Remember: '牵涉' usually implies a complex connection.)

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will use 牵涉 with the precision of a native speaker, ensuring your tone matches your intent.

To truly master 牵涉 (qiānshè), it is helpful to compare it with its 'cousins' in the Chinese language. Each word has a specific nuance that determines its appropriate context. The most frequent comparison is with 涉及 (shèjí). As mentioned, 涉及 is about 'range' and 'scope'. Think of 涉及 as a spotlight shining on various topics; it just touches them. Think of 牵涉 as a hook that pulls those topics into a deeper, more entangled relationship. In a legal context, 涉及法律 means 'relating to law', while 牵涉法律 means 'being entangled in legal issues'.

牵涉 vs. 涉及: 牵涉: Implies entanglement, complexity, or burden. (e.g., a scandal involving officials).
涉及: Implies range, scope, or coverage. (e.g., a book covering many topics).

这两个词虽然意思相近，但牵涉的语气更重。 (Although these two words have similar meanings, the tone of '牵涉' is heavier.)

Another similar word is 牵连 (qiānlián). This word focuses almost exclusively on the 'link' between people in a negative situation. If someone is 牵连, they are suffering because of their connection to someone else who did something wrong. 牵涉 is broader; a scientific problem can 牵涉 many factors, but factors aren't 'suffering' or 'guilty', so you wouldn't use 牵连 for them. Use 牵连 when you want to emphasize the 'collateral damage' or 'implication' of a person in a crime or disaster.

牵涉 vs. 牵连: 牵涉: General involvement, can be abstract (factors, issues).
牵连: Specific implication in trouble, usually between people.

他不想因为朋友的错误而被牵连。 (He doesn't want to be implicated because of his friend's mistake.)

For a more neutral or positive connection, you might use 关联 (guānlián) or 有关 (yǒuguān). 关联 is often used in technical or logical contexts, like 'data correlation' (数据关联). It suggests a structured, logical link without the 'dragging' connotation of 牵涉. 有关 is the most basic way to say 'related to' and is safe to use in almost any context if you aren't sure about the specific nuance of more complex words. Finally, 关系到 (guānxì dào) is used when something 'concerns' or 'affects' something very important, like 'This matter 关系到 our future.' It emphasizes the importance of the outcome rather than the complexity of the connection.

Summary of Alternatives

涉及: Scope/Coverage (Neutral)
牵连: Guilt by association (Negative)
关联: Correlation/Logical link (Technical)
有关: Related to (General)
关系到: Concerns/Affects (High stakes)

选择合适的词语能让你的表达更精准。 (Choosing the right word can make your expression more precise.)

By understanding these distinctions, you can navigate the subtle landscape of Chinese synonyms and choose the word that perfectly fits your intended meaning.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '涉' (shè) is also part of '跋涉' (báshè), which means to travel a long and arduous journey, reinforcing the idea that '牵涉' involves a difficult or complex path.

Pronunciation Guide

UK tɕʰjɛn⁵⁵ ʂɤ⁵¹

US tɕʰjɛn⁵⁵ ʂɤ⁵¹

In Mandarin, both syllables are typically given equal weight, but the 4th tone on 'shè' may sound more emphatic.

Rhymes With

边 (biān) 天 (tiān) 间 (jiān) 年 (nián) 色 (sè) 热 (rè) 乐 (lè) 特 (tè)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'qiān' as 'kian'. It should be a soft 'ch' sound.
Using the wrong tone for 'shè' (e.g., 3rd tone 'shě').
Confusing 'shè' with 'shé' (2nd tone).
Failing to aspirate the 'q' in 'qiān'.
Pronouncing 'shè' like English 'she'. The 'e' is a neutral mid-vowel [ɤ].

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and formal texts, easy to recognize but requires context for nuance.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct use of '到' or '进来' and understanding of negative connotations.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for serious discussions; tones must be accurate.

Listening 3/5

Frequently heard in formal media and serious dramas.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

有关关系参加问题人

Learn Next

涉及牵连关联因素后果

Advanced

勾结博弈纠葛瓜葛因果

Grammar to Know

Resultative Complements (到)

牵涉到 (reached/touched upon)

Directional Complements (进来/进去)

牵涉进来 (dragged in)

Passive Voice with '被'

他被牵涉了。

Topic-Comment Structure

这件事，牵涉面很广。

Attributive Phrases

牵涉到的人员 (The personnel involved)

Examples by Level

这个问题牵涉到你。

This problem involves you.

Subject + 牵涉到 + Person.

这件事牵涉到钱。

This matter involves money.

Using '牵涉到' for a simple object.

这不牵涉我。

This does not involve me.

Negative form: 不 + 牵涉.

牵涉到很多人。

It involves many people.

Emphasizing the number of people involved.

他在哪儿被牵涉？

Where was he involved?

Question form using '被' for passive involvement.

这个案子牵涉他。

This case involves him.

Direct object after '牵涉'.

不要牵涉我。

Don't involve me.

Imperative negative: 不要 + 牵涉.

牵涉到我的家。

It involves my family.

Using '家' as the object of involvement.

这个工作牵涉到三个部门。

This job involves three departments.

Describing the scope of a task.

他牵涉进了一个麻烦。

He got involved in a trouble.

Using '进' to show entering a situation.

这件事牵涉到我们的利益。

This matter involves our interests.

Abstract object: 利益 (interests).

我不想牵涉到你的私事。

I don't want to get involved in your private affairs.

Using '私事' (private affairs) as the object.

这次考试牵涉到很多知识点。

This exam involves many knowledge points.

Describing the content of an exam.

警察说他牵涉到一起案件。

The police said he is involved in a case.

Using '牵涉到' in a reported speech context.

这个决定牵涉到大家的未来。

This decision involves everyone's future.

High-stakes involvement.

你会被这件事牵涉吗？

Will you be involved in this matter?

Passive question using '被'.

这次改革牵涉面非常广。

The scope of this reform is very wide.

Using '牵涉面' to describe the area of impact.

这个问题牵涉到复杂的法律程序。

This issue involves complex legal procedures.

Using '牵涉到' with complex abstract nouns.

他不希望因为这件事牵涉到他的名誉。

He doesn't want his reputation to be involved because of this matter.

Using '名誉' (reputation) as the object.

由于牵涉到商业机密，我们不能透露更多。

Since it involves commercial secrets, we cannot reveal more.

Using '由于' (due to) to explain a constraint.

这桩丑闻牵涉到了几位高级官员。

This scandal involved several high-ranking officials.

Classic use for scandals and implications.

我们的合作牵涉到多方面的协调。

Our cooperation involves coordination on many fronts.

Describing the requirements of cooperation.

你确定你没有被牵涉进去吗？

Are you sure you weren't dragged into it?

Passive structure with directional complement '进去'.

这个项目的成功牵涉到每一个细节。

The success of this project involves every single detail.

Emphasizing the importance of all components.

这项政策的实施牵涉到千家万户的生计。

The implementation of this policy involves the livelihoods of thousands of households.

Using '千家万户' (thousands of households) for scale.

他被无端地牵涉进这场家族纷争中。

He was pointlessly dragged into this family feud.

Using '无端地' (pointlessly/without cause).

科学实验的结果往往牵涉到多种变量的相互作用。

The results of scientific experiments often involve the interaction of multiple variables.

Academic use for scientific variables.

这种药物的副作用可能牵涉到神经系统。

The side effects of this medicine might involve the nervous system.

Medical use for bodily systems.

在这个复杂的案件中，许多证人被牵涉其中。

In this complex case, many witnesses were involved.

Using '其中' (among/in it) as a location complement.

他的言论牵涉到了敏感的政治话题。

His remarks touched upon sensitive political topics.

Using '敏感' (sensitive) as an adjective.

为了避免被牵涉，他选择保持沉默。

To avoid being involved, he chose to remain silent.

Purpose clause: 为了避免...

这起事故牵涉到多方的法律责任。

This accident involves the legal liability of multiple parties.

Legal use for liability.

全球气候变化牵涉到人类文明的存续。

Global climate change involves the survival of human civilization.

High-level existential discussion.

该项研究牵涉到深层的伦理与道德困境。

This research involves deep ethical and moral dilemmas.

Using '深层' (deep level) and '困境' (dilemma).

历史的变迁往往牵涉到权力结构的重新洗牌。

Historical changes often involve a reshuffling of power structures.

Metaphorical use for power dynamics.

任何重大的社会变革都会牵涉到既得利益集团的阻挠。

Any major social change will involve obstruction from vested interest groups.

Using '既得利益集团' (vested interest groups).

文学作品的内涵常牵涉到作者复杂的个人经历。

The connotation of literary works often involves the author's complex personal experiences.

Literary analysis context.

这起跨国洗钱案牵涉之广，令人咋舌。

The scope of involvement in this transnational money laundering case is staggering.

Using '令人咋舌' (staggering/jaw-dropping).

他试图澄清自己并未牵涉进那场权力斗争。

He tried to clarify that he was not involved in that power struggle.

Using '澄清' (clarify) and '权力斗争' (power struggle).

城市规划的每一个变动都牵涉到生态平衡的维护。

Every change in urban planning involves the maintenance of ecological balance.

Using '生态平衡' (ecological balance).

本体论的探讨不可避免地会牵涉到语言的界限。

Ontological inquiries inevitably involve the boundaries of language.

Philosophical context using '本体论' (ontology).

这些相互交织的社会矛盾，其牵涉之深、之广，前所未有。

The depth and breadth of involvement of these intertwined social contradictions are unprecedented.

Using '之深、之广' for formal emphasis.

他被时代的洪流牵涉其中，身不由己。

He was swept into the torrent of the times, unable to help himself.

Literary metaphor using '洪流' (torrent) and '身不由己' (involuntary).

该案件的处理牵涉到宪法权利的司法解释。

The handling of this case involves the judicial interpretation of constitutional rights.

Legal/Constitutional context.

艺术创作的真谛往往牵涉到对人性深处的剖析。

The true essence of artistic creation often involves an analysis of the depths of human nature.

Aesthetic and psychological discussion.

任何宏观经济政策的调整，都牵涉到极其复杂的利益博弈。

Any adjustment of macroeconomic policy involves extremely complex games of interest.

Economic context using '利益博弈' (game of interests).

这部史诗般的巨著牵涉了数百个角色和数千年的历史。

This epic masterpiece involves hundreds of characters and thousands of years of history.

Describing the scale of a literary work.

由于牵涉到国家主权，双方在谈判中互不相让。

Since national sovereignty is involved, neither side would yield in the negotiations.

Diplomatic context using '国家主权' (national sovereignty).

Synonyms

连累波及关连纠缠

Antonyms

脱离撇清

Common Collocations

牵涉到利益

牵涉面广

被牵涉其中

牵涉到法律

牵涉到细节

牵涉到人命

牵涉到名誉

牵涉到变量

牵涉到资金

牵涉进丑闻

Common Phrases

牵涉其中

— To be involved in it. Usually used to describe someone caught in a situation.

很多无辜的人被牵涉其中。

不予牵涉

— Not to involve. A formal way to say something will not be linked.

此次讨论不予牵涉个人隐私。

多方牵涉

— Involving multiple parties. Used for complex negotiations.

这是一个多方牵涉的复杂协议。

深有牵涉

— Deeply involved. Suggesting a profound connection.

他与这家公司深有牵涉。

毫无牵涉

— Completely uninvolved. A strong denial of connection.

我对那件事毫无牵涉。

牵涉广泛

— Widely involving. Similar to '牵涉面广'.

该技术的应用牵涉广泛。

牵涉全局

— Involving the whole situation. Highlighting critical importance.

这一步棋牵涉全局。

牵涉因果

— Involving cause and effect. Used in philosophical or logical contexts.

这件事牵涉复杂的因果关系。

牵涉过深

— Involved too deeply. Often implying it's hard to get out.

他牵涉过深，无法自拔。

牵涉甚微

— Very little involvement. Suggesting a minor link.

这件事对我牵涉甚微。

Often Confused With

牵涉 vs 涉及

涉及 is neutral and refers to scope; 牵涉 is 'heavy' and refers to entanglement.

牵涉 vs 牵连

牵连 is specifically for being implicated in others' trouble/crimes.

牵涉 vs 有关

有关 is general; 牵涉 is specific to complex or consequential links.

Idioms & Expressions

"牵一发而动全身"

— Pull one hair and the whole body moves. Describes a situation where a small change affects everything.

这个部门的改革牵一发而动全身，牵涉到整个公司的运作。

Formal/Idiomatic

"错综复杂"

— Intricate and complex. Often used to describe situations that '牵涉' many things.

案件的情节错综复杂，牵涉到许多人。

Formal

"身陷囹圄"

— To be behind bars. Used when someone is '牵涉' in a crime and imprisoned.

他因牵涉贪污案而身陷囹圄。

Literary

"藕断丝连"

— The lotus root breaks but the fibers remain connected. Describes lingering involvements.

虽然分手了，他们之间还藕断丝连，牵涉不清。

Informal/Literary

"盘根错节"

— Twisted roots and gnarled branches. Describes deep-rooted and complex involvements.

当地的利益关系盘根错节，牵涉极广。

Formal/Literary

"城门失火，殃及池鱼"

— When the city gate is on fire, the fish in the moat suffer. Describes being '牵涉' in others' trouble.

公司倒闭了，员工们也牵涉其中，真是城门失火，殃及池鱼。

Idiomatic

"顺藤摸瓜"

— Follow the vine to find the melon. To track down those '牵涉' in a matter.

警方顺藤摸瓜，抓获了所有牵涉案件的人。

Idiomatic

"泥足深陷"

— Stuck deep in the mud. Involved too deeply in a bad situation.

他在赌博中泥足深陷，牵涉了巨额债务。

Literary/Metaphorical

"清者自清"

— The pure will remain pure. Used by someone denying they are '牵涉' in a scandal.

我没有牵涉那件事，清者自清。

Formal/Saying

"投鼠忌器"

— Hesitate to pelt the rat for fear of smashing the vase. Afraid to act because it '牵涉' important things.

因为牵涉到重要人物，调查人员有些投鼠忌器。

Idiomatic

Easily Confused

牵涉 vs 涉及

Both translate as 'involve'.

涉及 is for 'what is covered' (like a book's topics). 牵涉 is for 'what is entangled' (like a scandal's participants).

报告涉及到五个问题，但牵涉到三个部门的利益。

牵涉 vs 牵连

Both share '牵' and mean implication.

牵连 implies you are a victim of someone else's mistake. 牵涉 is a more general description of involvement.

他被这起贪污案牵连了。

牵涉 vs 关联

Both mean things are connected.

关联 is technical/logical (data, ideas). 牵涉 is situational/personal (trouble, factors).

这两件事之间没有逻辑关联。

牵涉 vs 参加

Both can mean being 'in' something.

参加 is voluntary participation in an event. 牵涉 is often involuntary or systemic involvement.

我参加了会议，但没有牵涉到他们的争执。

牵涉 vs 波及

Both mean an event affects others.

波及 implies spreading like a wave over an area. 牵涉 implies a direct link or entanglement.

洪水波及了整个村庄。

Sentence Patterns

A 牵涉 B。

这件事牵涉他。

A 牵涉到 B。

这个问题牵涉到钱。

A 被牵涉进 B 中。

他被牵涉进这场争论中。

牵涉到...的利益

这牵涉到大家的利益。

牵涉面 + Adjective

这次改革牵涉面很广。

由于牵涉到...，所以...

由于牵涉到机密，我们不能说。

牵涉之广/深，令人...

牵涉之广，令人震惊。

不可避免地牵涉到...

这不可避免地牵涉到伦理。

Word Family

Nouns

牵连 (qiānlián - implication)

涉案人 (shèànrén - person involved in a case)

Verbs

牵 (qiān - to pull)

涉 (shè - to wade/involve)

涉及 (shèjí - to touch upon)

Adjectives

涉外的 (shèwàide - foreign-related)

牵强的 (qiānqiǎngde - far-fetched)

关联

联系

影响

后果

责任

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, law, and business; medium frequency in daily life.

Common Mistakes

这本书牵涉到很多有趣的故事。 → 这本书涉及了很多有趣的故事。
牵涉 sounds too negative/heavy for 'interesting stories'. 涉及 is better for content coverage.
他牵涉了这个活动。 → 他参加了这个活动。
If he voluntarily joined a fun activity, use 参加. 牵涉 implies he was dragged into it or it's a problem.
这件事牵涉他。 → 这件事牵涉到他。
Missing the resultative complement '到' makes the sentence sound incomplete.
我不想被你牵涉。 → 我不想被你牵涉进去。
When using passive voice for being 'dragged in', adding '进去' (jìnqù) is more idiomatic.
这个问题牵涉到三个点。 → 这个问题涉及到三个方面。
For listing 'points' or 'aspects' in a neutral way, 涉及 is more appropriate.

Tips

Always use '到'

When an object follows '牵涉', adding '到' (dào) makes the sentence sound much more natural to native ears.

Watch the Connotation

Remember that '牵涉' is 'heavy'. Use it for scandals, problems, and complex factors, not for hobbies or simple lists.

Compare with '涉及'

If you are describing the scope of a textbook, use '涉及'. If you are describing the scope of a crime, use '牵涉'.

Social Harmony

In China, being '牵涉' in someone else's trouble is a major concern. Use this word to express caution in social situations.

Visualize the Ox

The character '牵' (pull) has the 'ox' radical (牛). Imagine pulling a heavy ox into a messy situation.

Police Dramas

Watch Chinese detective shows. You will hear '牵涉' every time a new suspect is linked to the crime.

Use in Reports

In business or academic reports, '牵涉' sounds very professional when discussing variables or stakeholders.

Setting Boundaries

Use '我不想牵涉其中' to politely but firmly decline getting involved in an office or family argument.

HSK Context

This word often appears in reading sections of HSK 4 and 5, usually in the context of news or formal reports.

Wading Water

The '涉' (shè) part means 'to wade through water'. It suggests that the involvement is something you have to 'get through'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an ox (牵) being pulled into a river (涉). The ox is 'involved' in the water now, whether it wants to be or not!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant spider web. If you touch one strand, the whole web 'qiān' (pulls) and you are 'shè' (wading) into the sticky mess.

Word Web

牵引 (pull) 涉及 (touch) 涉水 (wade) 关系 (relation) 利益 (interest) 丑闻 (scandal) 复杂 (complex) 范围 (scope)

Challenge

Try to write three sentences about a movie plot using '牵涉' to describe how the characters are linked to the mystery.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient characters. '牵' (qiān) dates back to oracle bone script, showing an ox (牛) being led by a rope (冖). '涉' (shè) shows feet (止) crossing water (水), originally meaning to wade through a stream.

Original meaning: To lead an animal across a river. Metaphorically, it evolved to mean 'dragging' something into a 'deep' or 'flowing' situation.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '牵涉' with friends' personal lives; it can sound like you are accusing them of being in trouble.

English speakers often use 'involve' neutrally. Chinese speakers use '牵涉' to signal that the involvement might be a problem or a serious matter.

Legal news regarding the 'Bo Xilai' case often used '牵涉' to describe the web of officials involved. The classic novel 'Dream of the Red Chamber' uses similar concepts of family entanglement. Modern police procedurals like 'The Knockout' (狂飙) use this word constantly.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal Investigations

牵涉到案件
被牵涉其中
牵涉到证据
牵涉到嫌疑人

Business Projects

牵涉到预算
牵涉到多个部门
牵涉到合同条款
牵涉到商业秘密

Personal Conflicts

牵涉到私事
别把我牵涉进去
牵涉到感情纠纷
牵涉到家庭矛盾

Academic Research

牵涉到多个变量
牵涉到伦理问题
牵涉到学科交叉
牵涉到历史背景

News Reporting

牵涉面广
牵涉到多方利益
牵涉到国际关系
牵涉到政策变动

Conversation Starters

"你觉得这个决定会牵涉到哪些人的利益？"

"在工作中，你最怕被牵涉进什么样的麻烦？"

"这个新项目会牵涉到我们部门吗？"

"你认为人工智能的发展会牵涉到哪些伦理问题？"

"如果你被无辜地牵涉进一场纠纷，你会怎么做？"

Journal Prompts

描述一次你被‘牵涉’进一个复杂情况的经历。你是如何处理的？

写一段话讨论环境保护如何‘牵涉’到每个人的日常生活。

分析一个你喜欢的电影角色是如何被‘牵涉’进核心冲突的。

谈谈在职场中，如何避免被‘牵涉’进不必要的办公室政治。

思考一下，一个人的成功通常会‘牵涉’到哪些因素？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is rarely used for purely positive things like 'winning' or 'joy'. It usually implies complexity, responsibility, or potential trouble. If you want to say a project 'involves' great opportunities, use '涉及' or '包含' (bāohán).

Yes, in modern Mandarin, '牵涉到' is the standard way to link the verb to an object. It sounds more natural and complete.

'被牵涉' means you are part of the situation's scope. '被牵连' means you are suffering or being punished because of your connection to the main culprit.

It's better to use '涉及'. '这本书牵涉到历史' sounds like history is a problematic issue for the book. '这本书涉及到历史' means it covers history as a topic.

Yes, but it makes the conversation sound more serious. If you are talking about something light, like who is coming to dinner, don't use it.

You can say '别把我牵涉进去' (Bié bǎ wǒ qiānshè jìnqù).

It means the 'surface area' (面) of the involvement is wide. It's used to describe big reforms, large investigations, or major changes.

No, it is primarily a verb. For the noun 'involvement', you might use '参与' or '牵连' depending on the context.

Yes, it is a key word for intermediate learners to discuss professional and social issues.

The most direct opposite is '无关' (unrelated) or '脱离' (separate from).