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March 24, 2026
生长(生長)shēngzhǎng(sheng1zhang3)
生长 (shēngzhǎng) refers to the process of growth, often used in a biological or developmental context. It can describe the growth of plants, animals, and even personal or professional development, emphasizing a gradual increase in size or maturity.
Frequency#5953DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note
The concept of growth is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy, particularly in agriculture, where successful growth is seen as essential for prosperity. The Chinese New Year, for instance, is often associated with growth and renewal.
Memory Tip
Imagine a tree (生) reaching for the sky as it grows (长). The character生 looks like the roots of a plant, while 长 resembles a tree trunk growing upwards. Together, they symbolize the very essence of growth.
Meanings of 生长
shēngzhǎng(sheng1zhang3)
1to grow
Exercise 1 of 2
Listen & Choose the Meaning
Choose the correct answer:
About 生长
生长Simplified
生長Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#5953Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L5HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2
Podcast: 生长
Podcast: 生长
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AI Study Notes for 生长
Quick Contrast
成长 (chéngzhǎng) vs 生长 (shēngzhǎng) — use 成长 for personal or professional development, while 生长 is more commonly used for biological growth.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a tree (生) reaching for the sky as it grows (长). The character生 looks like the roots of a plant, while 长 resembles a tree trunk growing upwards. Together, they symbolize the very essence of growth.
Usage Notes
Common mistakes include confusing 生长 with 成长 (chéngzhǎng), which specifically refers to personal growth or maturation. 生长 is more formal and often used in scientific contexts, so be cautious of the register in conversation.
HSK Study Tips
As an HSK 5 word, 生长 connects to other terms related to growth and development. Students should focus on the context in which it is used, particularly in discussions about nature and education.
Cultural Note
The concept of growth is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy, particularly in agriculture, where successful growth is seen as essential for prosperity. The Chinese New Year, for instance, is often associated with growth and renewal.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mix up 生长 with the verb 长 (zhǎng) alone, which means 'to grow' but lacks the nuance of the full term. For example, saying '我长得很高' (wǒ zhǎng de hěn gāo) instead of using 生长 when discussing growth in a broader context.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 生长
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Grammar Patterns of 生长
生长 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.
Exercise 1 of 4
Complete the Sentence
在我____的伦敦，四周全是轰炸后的断壁残垣。
In London, where I grew up, we were surrounded by bomb sites.
Example Sentences for 生长 (10)
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1
在我生长的伦敦，四周全是轰炸后的断壁残垣。
zài wǒ shēng cháng de lún dūn， ， sì zhōu quán shì hōng zhà hòu de duàn bì cán。
In London, where I grew up, we were surrounded by bomb sites.
2
这种植物适应了这个环境，在草中生长得很好。
zhè zhǒng zhí wù shì yīng le zhè gè huán jìng， ， zài cǎo zhōng shēng cháng dé hěn。
The plant naturalises well in grass.
3
污水中的营养物确实会加快港口的海藻生长。
wū shuǐ zhōng de yíng yǎng wù què shí huì jiā kuài gǎng kǒu de hǎi zǎo shēng cháng。
Sewage nutrients do increase algal growth in the harbour.
Wine yeasts can grow in sweet wines even after bottling.
10
丁香树倚着边墙生长。
dīng xiāng shù yǐ zháo biān qiáng shēng cháng。
Lilacs grew against the side wall.
Cultural Notes for 生长
🏮Cultural insight
The concept of growth is deeply embedded in Chinese philosophy, particularly in agriculture, where successful growth is seen as essential for prosperity. The Chinese New Year, for instance, is often associated with growth and renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions about 生长
生长 refers to physical growth while 成长 emphasizes personal or emotional development.
While you can, it's less common; 成长 is preferred for describing human growth.
It is more common in formal or scientific contexts than in casual conversation.
