‘惹事’ (rě shì) is a verb meaning ‘to cause trouble,’ especially by provoking conflict, arguments, or fights. The first character 惹 (rě) means ‘to provoke’ or ‘to invite (unwanted attention or consequences),’ while 事 (shì) means ‘matter’ or ‘affair’—here specifically referring to trouble or troublemaking. Together, they form an idiomatic compound implying intentional or careless behavior that leads to discord, often in social or public settings.

This word carries a negative connotation and is commonly used in warnings, reprimands, or observations about someone’s disruptive behavior—especially among young people, in schools, or crowded places. It’s not neutral: saying someone ‘惹事’ suggests blame and implies avoidable, often reckless action. It’s rarely used in formal writing but appears frequently in spoken Mandarin, news reports about altercations, and parental or teacher admonishments.