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B1 verb 8 min read

触发

chùfā
Examples Notes & Tips 触发 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 触发 in your Level:
At the A1 level, think of '触发' as a special way to say 'to start' or 'to push a button.' Imagine you have a toy car. You push a button, and the car moves. In Chinese, we say you '触发' the car's movement. Although this word is usually for older students, you can remember it by looking at the first part '触' (chù), which looks like a hand touching something. It is like 'touch' + 'start.' You use it when one small touch makes a big thing happen, like an alarm in a house or a light turning on when you walk by. Don't worry about using it in complex sentences yet; just remember it means 'to trigger' or 'to set off' something mechanical.
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For A2 learners, '触发' (chùfā) is an important word for talking about technology and basic cause-and-effect. You might see it when using a computer or a smartphone. For example, if you click a button and a window pops up, you '触发' that window. It is different from '开始' (kāishǐ - to start) because '触发' implies that a specific condition was met first. Think of it like an 'If... Then...' rule. IF you touch the sensor, THEN the alarm starts. You can use it in simple sentences like '不要触发警报' (Don't trigger the alarm). It helps you describe how things work around you, especially gadgets and security systems.
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At the B1 level, you should start using '触发' to describe not just physical buttons, but also abstract reactions. This is the level where you move from 'The sensor triggered the light' to 'His words triggered my memory.' You are now describing 'catalysts.' In B1 Chinese, you'll encounter this word in news reports about the economy (triggering a crisis) or in literature (triggering an emotion). You should understand that '触发' requires an object—you are triggering *something*. It is a transitive verb. It's also useful to learn the noun form '触发器' (trigger) for technical discussions. Practice using it to explain why something happened suddenly: '这个新闻触发了大家的讨论' (This news triggered everyone's discussion).
At the B2 level, '触发' becomes a key vocabulary item for professional and academic contexts. You should be able to distinguish it from similar words like '引起' (to cause/lead to) and '导致' (to result in). '触发' emphasizes the *mechanism* or the *immediate spark*. In B2 level writing, you can use it to describe complex systems, such as '触发机制' (trigger mechanism) in social science or biology. You should also be comfortable with the passive voice: '被触发' (was triggered). For example, '由于系统错误，安全协议被意外触发了' (Due to a system error, the security protocol was accidentally triggered). This shows a higher level of precision in describing logical sequences.
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For C1 learners, '触发' is used to analyze deep causal relationships in philosophy, advanced science, and high-level literature. You will see it used to describe 'latent' triggers—things that were waiting for a spark to explode. In a C1 context, you might discuss how a specific historical event '触发' a revolution, implying that the tensions were already there. You should also explore its use in high-tech fields like AI and neural networks, where '触发' describes the activation of specific nodes. Your usage should be nuanced; you use '触发' to pinpoint the exact moment a process began. It’s no longer just about buttons; it’s about the 'tipping point' of complex systems.
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At the C2 level, '触发' is a tool for precise articulation of systemic dynamics. You understand its etymological roots and its role as a functional term across various disciplines. You might use it in a legal context to describe 'triggering' a clause in a contract, or in a psychological thesis to describe 'triggering' a subconscious archetype. At this level, you can use '触发' metaphorically and with sophisticated modifiers. You might describe a '微弱的信号触发了连锁反应' (a faint signal triggered a chain reaction). The word represents the intersection of intentionality and automation. You are expected to use it fluently in debates about systemic change, where identifying the '触发点' (trigger point) is crucial for understanding the whole system.
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Examples Notes & Tips

触发 in 30 Seconds

  • A verb meaning 'to trigger' or 'to set off,' used for physical systems and abstract reactions.
  • Commonly found in technology, gaming, psychology, and news reporting contexts.
  • Implies an immediate, often automatic cause-and-effect relationship initiated by a specific stimulus.
  • Distinct from '引起' (cause) by its focus on mechanisms and 'If-Then' logic.

The Chinese verb 触发 (chùfā) is a versatile and essential term that bridges the gap between physical mechanics and abstract causation. At its core, it describes the action of initiating a process, often through a specific stimulus or 'trigger.' In modern Mandarin, it is the standard term used when discussing technology, systems, and psychological reactions. Whether you are talking about a smoke detector going off, a software function being executed, or a childhood memory being sparked by a specific scent, 触发 is the word you need.

Technical Context
In the world of engineering and computer science, 触发 refers to the execution of a command or the activation of a sensor. For instance, '触发报警器' (chùfā bàojǐngqì) means to trigger an alarm. It implies an 'If-Then' logic where a specific condition is met, resulting in an immediate action.
Psychological Context
In psychology, it describes how external stimuli can lead to internal states. A person might say a certain word '触发了他的痛苦回忆' (triggered his painful memories). Here, the word acts as the catalyst for an emotional response.

这个传感器非常灵敏，稍微有一点烟雾就会触发警报系统。

— This sensor is very sensitive; even a little smoke will trigger the alarm system.

The word is composed of two characters: 触 (chù), meaning 'to touch' or 'to contact,' and 发 (fā), meaning 'to send out,' 'to issue,' or 'to start.' Together, they create the image of something being set into motion by a single touch. This is why it is often used for landmines, traps, or automated systems. However, its usage has expanded significantly in the digital age. In programming, '触发器' (chùfāqì) is the direct translation for a 'trigger' in a database or a user interface event.

老师的这番话触发了他的创作灵感。

— The teacher's words triggered his creative inspiration.

In a broader societal sense, 触发 can be used to describe events that lead to large-scale changes. An economic policy might '触发市场波动' (trigger market fluctuations), or a single incident might '触发外交危机' (trigger a diplomatic crisis). In these cases, it emphasizes the causal link between a specific event and its wider consequences. As a learner, mastering 触发 allows you to describe complex cause-and-effect relationships with precision, moving beyond simple words like '让' (ràng - let/make) or '使' (shǐ - cause).

Using 触发 (chùfā) correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the types of objects it typically takes. Generally, the structure is [Subject/Cause] + 触发 + [Object/Result]. The subject can be a person, a physical object, or an abstract event, while the object is almost always an event, a system, or a reaction.

Pattern 1: Physical/Systemic Activation
When used with machines or electronics, the object is usually the device or the function being started.
Example: '点击这个按钮可以触发下载程序。' (Clicking this button triggers the download program.)
Pattern 2: Abstract Reactions
When used with feelings or social events, the object is often a noun representing a change.
Example: '这次事故触发了公众对安全问题的讨论。' (This accident triggered a public discussion on safety issues.)

不当的操作可能会触发系统的安全保护机制。

— Improper operation might trigger the system's security protection mechanism.

It is important to note that 触发 is a transitive verb, meaning it needs an object. You cannot simply say 'It triggered.' You must specify what was triggered. If you want to say something was triggered, you use the passive construction with '被' (bèi). For example, '警报被触发了' (The alarm was triggered). This is common in news reports or technical manuals.

In formal writing, 触发 is often paired with specific nouns to form set phrases. '触发机制' (chùfā jīzhì - trigger mechanism) is a very common term in economics and science. For example, '我们需要建立一个自动触发机制来应对紧急情况' (We need to establish an automatic trigger mechanism to handle emergencies). This adds a level of sophistication to your Chinese that simpler verbs cannot provide.

If you live in a modern Chinese city or work in a Chinese-speaking professional environment, you will encounter 触发 (chùfā) daily. It has moved from specialized technical fields into common parlance due to the ubiquity of smartphones, smart homes, and automated services.

In Technology and Apps
When using apps like WeChat or Alipay, developers often talk about '触发条件' (trigger conditions). For instance, '触发红包雨' (triggering a red envelope rain) during a festival. UI/UX designers use it to describe what happens when a user swipes or clicks.
In News and Media
Financial news frequently uses 触发 to describe market reactions. '美联储的决定触发了股市大跌' (The Fed's decision triggered a stock market crash). It provides a sense of inevitability and speed to the event described.

电影中的那个场景触发了观众的强烈共鸣。

— That scene in the movie triggered a strong resonance among the audience.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it when people discuss smart home devices. '走进房间会自动触发灯光' (Entering the room will automatically trigger the lights). It is also common in gaming; '触发剧情' (chùfā jùqíng) means to trigger a story event or cutscene. If you are a gamer playing games in Chinese, this is a word you will see constantly in walkthroughs and guides.

Finally, in more formal or academic settings, 触发 is used in scientific discussions. Biologists might talk about how a virus '触发免疫反应' (triggers an immune response). In these contexts, the word carries a weight of scientific precision. It describes a biological switch being flipped. Whether you are reading a tech blog, a medical journal, or a gaming forum, 触发 is the key to understanding how one thing leads to another.

While 触发 (chùfā) is a powerful word, learners often misuse it by confusing it with other verbs that mean 'cause' or 'start.' Precision is key in Chinese, and using the wrong 'cause' verb can make your sentence sound unnatural or technically incorrect.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 引起 (yǐnqǐ)
引起 is more general and often used for attracting attention or causing a state (like '引起注意' - attract attention). 触发 specifically implies a mechanism or a chain reaction. You wouldn't say '触发注意' because attention isn't a mechanical or systemic process.
Mistake 2: Confusing with 导致 (dǎozhì)
导致 usually leads to a negative result or a long-term consequence (like '导致失败' - lead to failure). 触发 is about the immediate spark or the start of the process, regardless of whether the outcome is good or bad.

错误：他的话触发了我很不开心。
正确：他的话让我很不开心。

— Explanation: '触发' cannot be followed by an adjective/state phrase like '很不开心'. It needs a noun object like '负面情绪' (negative emotions).

Another common error is using 触发 for simple physical movements. For example, if you just touch something, you should use '触碰' (chùpèng) or '摸' (mō). 触发 is only appropriate if that touch results in something else happening (like an explosion or a computer command). If you touch a screen and nothing happens, you didn't 触发 anything; you just 触碰-ed it.

Lastly, learners sometimes forget that 触发 is quite formal. In very casual speech, people might just say '碰了' (pèng le - touched) or '开了' (kāi le - turned on/started). Overusing 触发 in daily life can make you sound like a technical manual. Use it when you want to emphasize the 'trigger' aspect specifically.

To truly master 触发 (chùfā), you must see how it sits within a family of similar 'causative' verbs. Choosing the right one depends on the nuance of the situation.

触发 vs. 引起 (yǐnqǐ)
触发: Instantaneous, systemic, trigger-based. (e.g., triggering a trap).
引起: General, can be gradual, often used for attention or interest. (e.g., causing a sensation).
触发 vs. 触动 (chùdòng)
触发: Focuses on the start of an action or system.
触动: Focuses on the emotional impact. '触动心灵' (touching the soul) is a common poetic expression.
触发 vs. 诱发 (yòufā)
诱发: Often used in medical or biological contexts, meaning to induce or bring out a latent condition. (e.g., '诱发疾病' - inducing a disease).

这首歌触动了我的心弦，也触发了我写诗的欲望。

— This song touched my heartstrings and also triggered my desire to write poetry.

In business or technical documentation, you might see 启动 (qǐdòng) used as an alternative. While 触发 is the spark, 启动 is the act of starting up or launching. For example, you '触发' an event that then '启动' the main program. Understanding this sequence is vital for technical fluency.

Other less common alternatives include 肇发 (zhàofā) (very formal, used for the start of a war or disaster) and 引发 (yǐnfā) (similar to 引起 but often used for chain reactions). By choosing 触发, you are specifically highlighting the 'switch-like' nature of the event—one small action leading to a larger, pre-defined consequence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient times, '发' was purely about archery. Today, it's used for everything from sending emails to triggering nuclear reactors!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tʃuː fɑː/
US /tʃuː fɑː/
The emphasis is slightly stronger on the first syllable 'chù' due to its falling tone.
Rhymes With
入发 (rùfā) 出发 (chūfā) 爆发 (bàofā) 突发 (tūfā) 奋发 (fènfā) 阐发 (chǎnfā) 越发 (yuèfā) 并发 (bìngfā)
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'chù' as 'chū' (1st tone) which changes the meaning.
  • Pronouncing 'fā' as 'fǎ' (3rd tone), making it sound like 'law'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

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

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of specific collocations and the transitive nature of the verb.

Speaking 3/5

Useful for explaining how things work, though simpler words exist for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Distinct pronunciation makes it relatively easy to hear in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

开始 (start) 碰 (touch) 机器 (machine) 如果 (if) 感觉 (feel)

Learn Next

机制 (mechanism) 反应 (reaction) 导致 (lead to) 引起 (cause) 启动 (launch)

Advanced

诱发 (induce) 肇发 (originate) 连锁反应 (chain reaction) 感应 (induction)

Grammar to Know

Transitive Verbs with Abstract Objects

触发 + 灵感/回忆/讨论

Passive '被' Construction

警报被触发了。

Conditional '如果...就' with Triggering

如果你碰它，就会触发警报。

Causative '

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Examples by Level

1

他触发了警报。

He triggered the alarm.

Subject + Verb + Object

2

不要触发这个开关。

Don't trigger this switch.

Negative command with '不要'

3

灯光是怎么触发的？

How are the lights triggered?

Question with '怎么'

4

他触发了陷阱。

He triggered the trap.

Simple past action

5

手摸这里会触发音乐。

Touching here will trigger music.

Condition + Verb + Object

6

谁触发了门铃？

Who triggered the doorbell?

Question with '谁'

7

小猫触发了传感器。

The kitten triggered the sensor.

Subject (Animal) + Verb

8

点击这里触发下载。

Click here to trigger the download.

Imperative sentence

1

如果不小心，你会触发报警器。

If you're not careful, you will trigger the alarm.

Conditional '如果...就...'

2

这个按钮可以触发拍照功能。

This button can trigger the photo function.

Potential '可以'

3

烟雾触发了自动喷水系统。

Smoke triggered the automatic sprinkler system.

Natural cause as Subject

4

系统被非法登录触发了。

The system was triggered by an illegal login.

Passive voice with '被'

5

他的动作触发了感应灯。

His movement triggered the induction light.

Abstract subject '动作'

6

我不想触发任何麻烦。

I don't want to trigger any trouble.

Abstract object '麻烦'

7

这种药会触发过敏反应。

This medicine will trigger an allergic reaction.

Biological trigger

8

传感器没能触发警报。

The sensor failed to trigger the alarm.

Negative potential '没能'

1

那张旧照片触发了他的思乡之情。

That old photo triggered his nostalgia.

Psychological trigger

2

政府的决定触发了大规模抗议。

The government's decision triggered large-scale protests.

Social/Political trigger

3

这个软件有一个自动触发的机制。

This software has an automatic trigger mechanism.

Noun phrase '触发的机制'

4

他的话触发了我对童年的回忆。

His words triggered my childhood memories.

Abstract object '回忆'

5

温度升高可能会触发森林火灾。

Rising temperatures might trigger forest fires.

Possibility with '可能会'

6

这个漏洞触发了安全警告。

This vulnerability triggered a security warning.

Technical context

7

他的失败触发了新一轮的思考。

His failure triggered a new round of reflection.

Abstract sequence

8

点击链接会触发恶意脚本。

Clicking the link will trigger a malicious script.

Cybersecurity context

1

该政策的实施触发了房地产市场的剧烈波动。

The implementation of the policy triggered intense fluctuations in the real estate market.

Economic terminology

2

某种特定的气味能触发大脑中的深度记忆。

A specific scent can trigger deep memories in the brain.

Scientific context

3

这种化学反应是由高温触发的。

This chemical reaction is triggered by high temperatures.

Passive voice '是由...触发的'

4

这次意外触发了我们对产品安全的重新评估。

This accident triggered our re-evaluation of product safety.

Professional context

5

为了防止误触发，我们需要增加验证步骤。

To prevent false triggers, we need to add verification steps.

Compound '误触发' (false trigger)

6

经济危机触发了全球范围内的失业潮。

The economic crisis triggered a global wave of unemployment.

Societal impact

7

该程序在满足特定条件时会自动触发。

The program will automatically trigger when specific conditions are met.

Temporal clause '在...时'

8

他的言论在社交媒体上触发了激烈的辩论。

His remarks triggered a heated debate on social media.

Modern communication context

1

地缘政治紧张局势触发了金价的飙升。

Geopolitical tensions triggered a surge in gold prices.

Advanced geopolitical vocabulary

2

这一发现触发了科学界对宇宙起源的新探讨。

This discovery triggered new explorations into the origin of the universe in the scientific community.

Academic discourse

3

该条款的触发条件非常严苛。

The trigger conditions for this clause are very stringent.

Legal/Contractual context

4

深层心理创伤往往由微小的生活细节触发。

Deep psychological trauma is often triggered by small details of daily life.

Psychological nuance

5

这种自动化工作流可以由多种事件触发。

This automated workflow can be triggered by multiple events.

IT Architecture terminology

6

这次选举触发了国家政治结构的根本性变革。

This election triggered a fundamental transformation of the country's political structure.

Structural change

7

艺术家试图触发观众潜意识中的情感。

The artist attempts to trigger emotions in the audience's subconscious.

Art criticism context

8

算法的偏见可能会触发一系列不公平的决策。

Algorithmic bias may trigger a series of unfair decisions.

Ethical/Tech context

1

系统性风险的累积最终触发了金融海啸。

The accumulation of systemic risk eventually triggered a financial tsunami.

Complex noun phrases

2

该实验旨在研究哪些神经元被特定的视觉刺激所触发。

The experiment aims to study which neurons are triggered by specific visual stimuli.

Formal research language

3

历史的偶然性往往是触发宏大叙事变迁的关键。

Historical contingency is often the key to triggering shifts in grand narratives.

Philosophical/Literary register

4

这一外交辞令被视为触发潜在冲突的信号。

This diplomatic rhetoric was seen as a signal triggering potential conflict.

Diplomatic nuance

5

某些基因的表达是由环境压力触发的表观遗传现象。

The expression of certain genes is an epigenetic phenomenon triggered by environmental stress.

High-level scientific terminology

6

这种叙事技巧旨在触发读者对现实权力的解构。

This narrative technique aims to trigger the reader's deconstruction of real-world power.

Post-modern literary theory

7

量子纠缠的特性触发了对信息传递速度极限的重新审视。

The properties of quantum entanglement triggered a re-examination of the limits of information transmission speed.

Physics context

8

微小的扰动在混沌系统中触发了不可预知的剧变。

Tiny perturbations triggered unpredictable cataclysms in the chaotic system.

Chaos theory terminology

Common Collocations

触发警报
触发机制
触发灵感
触发反应
触发条件
触发地雷
触发剧情
触发回忆
误触发
触发开关

Common Phrases

触发点

— The specific point or threshold at which something is triggered.

这是危机的触发点。

自动触发

— To trigger automatically without human intervention.

系统会自动触发更新。

事件触发

— Triggered by a specific event (common in programming).

这是事件触发的程序。

条件触发

— Triggered only when certain conditions are met.

该奖励是条件触发的。

被动触发

— Triggered passively or indirectly.

技能是被动触发的。

实时触发

— Triggered in real-time.

警报是实时触发的。

连锁触发

— A chain reaction of triggers.

这会导致连锁触发。

手动触发

— To trigger something manually.

你可以手动触发备份。

意外触发

— To trigger something by accident.

警报被意外触发了。

逻辑触发

— Triggered by logical deduction or code.

这是逻辑触发的结果。

Idioms & Expressions

"一触即发"

— On the verge of breaking out; extremely tense situation.

局势紧张，战争一触即发。

Formal
"触景生情"

— To be moved by what one sees; memories triggered by scenery.

回到故乡，他触景生情。

Literary
"触类旁通"

— To grasp a typical example and apply it to others; triggered learning.

他很聪明，能触类旁通。

Neutral
"感触良多"

— Triggered many deep feelings or reflections.

看完电影，我感触良多。

Neutral
"触目惊心"

— Shocking to the eye; triggering a sense of horror.

现场惨状触目惊心。

Formal
"触手可及"

— Within reach; triggering a sense of closeness.

梦想似乎触手可及。

Literary
"引火烧身"

— To trigger trouble for oneself; to bring fire upon oneself.

这样做只会引火烧身。

Informal
"牵一发而动全身"

— A tiny trigger affecting the whole system.

这个问题牵一发而动全身。

Formal
"点石成金"

— To trigger a magical transformation.

他的修改简直是点石成金。

Literary
"触底反弹"

— To trigger a rebound after hitting rock bottom (often economic).

股市终于触底反弹了。

Neutral

Word Family

Nouns

触发器 (chùfāqì - trigger/actuator)
触发点 (chùfādiǎn - trigger point)

Verbs

触动 (chùdòng)
触碰 (chùpèng)
触及 (chùjí)

Adjectives

可触发的 (kě chùfā de - triggerable)

Related

感应 (gǎnyìng - induction/sensing)
响应 (xiǎngyìng - response)
机制 (jīzhì - mechanism)
导致 (dǎozhì - lead to)
启动 (qǐdòng - start up)
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Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'CHOO-CHOO' train. You 'CHÙ' (touch) the track and the train 'FĀ' (flies/starts) forward.

Visual Association

Imagine a finger touching a red button that sets off a firework. The finger is '触' and the firework is '发'.

Word Web

Button Sensor Alarm Memory Code Logic Reaction Spark

Challenge

Try to find three things in your house that are '触发' by sensors (like lights, faucets, or soap dispensers).

Word Origin

The word is a modern compound. '触' (chù) originally depicted a horn (角) and a person, implying butting or touching with horns. '发' (fā) originally depicted shooting an arrow from a bow.

Original meaning: To touch or strike something so that it is released or sent out, much like releasing an arrow.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '触发' for psychological trauma; while correct, '触动' or '引起' might sometimes be softer depending on the context.

English speakers might use 'trigger' in a psychological sense more often, whereas Chinese speakers use '触发' very frequently in technical and neutral causal contexts.

The term '一触即发' is often used in Chinese history books to describe the start of the Sino-Japanese War. In the sci-fi novel 'The Three-Body Problem', '触发' is used to describe the activation of cosmic signals. Modern Mandopop lyrics often use '触发' to describe the moment love begins.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Technology

  • 触发事件
  • 触发代码
  • 触发条件
  • 触发器

Security

  • 触发警报
  • 误触发
  • 触发感应器
  • 被动触发

Psychology

  • 触发回忆
  • 触发情绪
  • 触发创伤
  • 触发点

Economics

  • 触发危机
  • 触发波动
  • 触发阈值
  • 触发机制

Gaming

  • 触发剧情
  • 触发任务
  • 触发技能
  • 触发彩蛋

Conversation Starters

"你知道这个感应灯是怎么触发的吗？"

"那部电影有没有触发你的一些感触？"

"在你的国家，什么样的事情会触发公众的讨论？"

"你觉得这个软件的触发机制好用吗？"

"有没有哪种味道会触发你的童年回忆？"

Journal Prompts

写一写今天让你触发灵感的一件事。

描述一个你曾经不小心触发警报的尴尬瞬间。

讨论技术如何通过自动触发机制改变了我们的生活。

反思一下，什么样的言论最容易触发你的愤怒？

想象一个未来的世界，一切都是由意念触发的。

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