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生存 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
生存shēngcúnto existHSK 5, v, rank #2342, Medium
生存shēngcúnto surviveHSK 5, v, rank #2342, Medium
shēngcún(sheng1cun2) T1
  1. 1to exist
  2. 2to survive
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March 24, 2026
生存shēngcún(sheng1cun2)

生存 (shēngcún) means to exist or to survive, often in the context of living beings facing challenges in their environment. It can refer to both physical survival and the broader concept of existing in society, emphasizing resilience and adaptation.

Frequency#2342DifficultyMedium
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of survival is often tied to historical struggles, such as those faced during wars or famines, and is reflected in literature and philosophy emphasizing resilience.

Memory Tip

Picture a '生' (life) force that is constantly seeking to '存' (store) energy and resources to keep going. Imagine a plant pushing through concrete to survive, symbolizing the struggle for existence.

Meanings of 生存

shēngcún(sheng1cun2)
1to exist
2to survive
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About 生存

生存Simplified
—Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#2342Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L5ElementaryTOCFLL3HSKKL2CEFRA2

Podcast: 生存

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Podcast: 生存

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AI Study Notes for 生存

Quick Contrast

生存 (shēngcún) vs 存在 (cúnzài) — use 生存 for the act of surviving in challenging conditions, while 存在 refers to the state of existence without the survival aspect.

Memory Mnemonic

Picture a '生' (life) force that is constantly seeking to '存' (store) energy and resources to keep going. Imagine a plant pushing through concrete to survive, symbolizing the struggle for existence.

Usage Notes

生存 is often used in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious with its tone; it should be pronounced with a steady and clear sound to convey seriousness. Common collocations include '生存环境' (living environment) and '生存能力' (survival ability).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 生存 connects to other advanced vocabulary about life and survival. Focus on using it in different contexts, such as environmental discussions or personal experiences of overcoming hardship.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, the concept of survival is often tied to historical struggles, such as those faced during wars or famines, and is reflected in literature and philosophy emphasizing resilience.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 生存 with 生活, using them interchangeably. For instance, saying '我过得很好，生存' instead of '我过得很好，生活' is incorrect; 生存 is more about the act of surviving rather than living well.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 生存

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Component Characters

生shēngto be born
HSK 45 strokes生
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存cúnto exist
HSK 46 strokes子
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Write 生存

生
存

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Grammar Patterns of 生存

生存 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 2 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.

Related grammar lessons1
Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

除非减少开支，不然公司很难____下去。

Unless expenses are reduced, the company will have difficulty surviving.

Example Sentences for 生存 (8)

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1
从务实角度来说，音乐电视网的生存依赖于把年轻人市场卖给广告商。

cóng wù shí jiǎo dù lái shuō， ， yīn lè diàn shì wǎng de shēng cún yī lài yú bǎ nián qīng rén shì cháng mài gěi guǎng gào。

Pragmatically, MTV's survival depends on selling the youth market to advertisers.
2
他关心人类生存环境的改善。

tā guān xīn rén lèi shēng cún huán jìng de gǎi shàn。

He was concerned with the enhancement of the human condition.
3
它通过最大限度地降低运营成本生存了下来。

tā tōng guò zuì dà xiàn dù dì jiàng dī yùn yíng chéng běn shēng cún le xià lái。

It has survived by cutting its costs to the bone.
4
大型工厂正试图通过削减成本以维持生存。

dà xíng gōng chǎng zhèng shì tú tōng guò xiāo jiǎn chéng běn yǐ wéi chí shēng cún。

The big factories are trying to stay alive by cutting costs.
5
水是鱼能生存的环境.

shuǐ shì yú néng shēng cún de huán jìng.

Water is the medium in which fish can live.
6
这只熊依靠这棵树的树叶生存.

zhè zhī xióng yī kào zhè kē shù de shù yè shēng cún.

This bear feeds off the leaves of the tree.
7
各位, 她叫瑞秋, 另一位从林肯高中生存下来的人.

gè wèi, , tā jiào ruì, qiū , lìng yī wèi cóng lín kěn gāo zhōng shēng cún xià lái.

Okay , everybody, this is Rachel, another Lincoln High survivor.
8
在丛林中, 他们为了生存被迫采取极端行动.

zài cóng lín zhōng, , tā mén wéi le shēng cún bèi pò cǎi qǔ jí duān háng.

In the jungle, they were driven to extremes in order to survive.

Cultural Notes for 生存

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, the concept of survival is often tied to historical struggles, such as those faced during wars or famines, and is reflected in literature and philosophy emphasizing resilience.

Frequently Asked Questions about 生存

Yes, it can refer to emotional or social survival, not just physical existence.