Definition
招风 is a verb-object compound (离合词) meaning 'to attract trouble by being too conspicuous or prominent.' It comes from the saying 树大招风 (a tall tree catches the wind). As a separable verb, you can insert elements between 招 and 风, such as 招了风 (attracted trouble) or 招什么风 (what trouble are you attracting?). Use it to warn someone that being too flashy or successful will bring negative attention.
v.o.
to attract trouble by being too conspicuousto invite trouble through prominence
Examples
- ，。Tā tài chūmíng le, zhāo le bù shǎo fēng.He is too famous and has attracted a lot of trouble.
- 招风。Nǐ zhèyàng zuò huì zhāo fēng de.Doing this will attract trouble.
- ，招风。Tā zhème gāodiào, chízǎo huì zhāo fēng de.He is so high-profile; he will attract trouble sooner or later.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.