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March 24, 2026
成长(成長)chéngzhǎng(cheng2zhang3)
成长 (chéngzhǎng) refers to the process of maturing or growing, both physically and emotionally. It is commonly used to describe personal development, such as in children or young adults, as well as in contexts like career growth or societal progress.
Frequency#2718DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '成长' is often linked to the Confucian idea of continuous self-improvement and learning throughout one's life. Celebrations like a child's birthday often emphasize their growth and achievements over the past year.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree (树) that starts as a small seed but grows (长) into a tall, strong plant (成). The character '成' suggests becoming or achieving, while '长' indicates growth. Think of a tree growing taller and stronger over time, symbolizing personal or emotional maturity.
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AI Study Notes for 成长
Quick Contrast
成长 (chéngzhǎng) vs 发展 (fāzhǎn) — use 成长 when emphasizing personal or emotional growth, while 发展 focuses more on broader developmental progress, such as in economic or social contexts.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree (树) that starts as a small seed but grows (长) into a tall, strong plant (成). The character '成' suggests becoming or achieving, while '长' indicates growth. Think of a tree growing taller and stronger over time, symbolizing personal or emotional maturity.
Usage Notes
Be mindful that '成长' is often used in more formal contexts, such as discussions about education or psychological development. A common mistake is to use it interchangeably with '长大' (to grow up), which focuses more on physical growth. Remember that '成长' encompasses both physical and emotional aspects.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK Level 5 word, '成长' connects well with other words related to development and progress in this level, such as 发展 (fāzhǎn, development) and 成功 (chénggōng, success). Focus on using it in sentences that discuss experiences or changes over time.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, the concept of '成长' is often linked to the Confucian idea of continuous self-improvement and learning throughout one's life. Celebrations like a child's birthday often emphasize their growth and achievements over the past year.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse '成长' with '长大'. For instance, saying '我长大了很多' (I grew a lot) is correct, but using '成长' in the same context might sound awkward. Instead, use '成长' when discussing emotional or personal development.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 成长
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Grammar Patterns of 成长
成长 functions as a verb — the action or state of the sentence. The Chinese order is Subject + Verb + Object (我吃饭). Negate it with 不 (habitual / future) or 没(有) (completed action). Add aspect markers like 了, 过, 着 directly after the verb. It carries 3 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
In Chinese culture, the concept of '成长' is often linked to the Confucian idea of continuous self-improvement and learning throughout one's life. Celebrations like a child's birthday often emphasize their growth and achievements over the past year.
Frequently Asked Questions about 成长
'成长' is primarily used for living beings, but it can metaphorically apply to projects or businesses when discussing their development.
'成长' refers to overall growth and maturity, while '发育' specifically focuses on physical development.
You can say '他在这几年里成长了很多' (He has matured a lot over the past few years).
