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A2 verb #4,000 most common 11 min read

生育

shēngyù Top 4,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 生育 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 生育 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use '生育' (shēngyù) often. It is a bit too formal for basic conversations. Instead, you will mostly use '生' (shēng) to mean 'to have' a baby or 'to be born.' For example, '我有一个孩子' (I have a child) or '她生了一个儿子' (She had a son). However, you might see '生育' on very basic forms or in simple news headlines. At this stage, just remember that '生' is the root, and it is related to life and birth. If you see '生育,' think 'having babies' in a formal way. You might encounter it when learning about family members or basic life cycles. It is good to recognize it, but don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet. Focus on the simple character '生' first, as it appears in many common words like '学生' (student) and '生日' (birthday). '生育' is like the 'grown-up' version of '生' when talking about family.

At the A2 level, you are starting to talk about more topics like family planning and society. '生育' (shēngyù) becomes useful here because it allows you to talk about the concept of 'having children' more broadly. For example, you might learn about '生育政策' (shēngyù zhèngcè), which means 'birth policy.' This was a very important topic in China's history. You can use '生育' to say things like '他们想生育两个孩子' (They want to give birth to two children). It sounds more formal and polite than just saying '生'. You will also start to see it in compound words. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between '出生' (to be born) and '生育' (to give birth/procreate). Remember: you '出生' (are born) in a place, but a mother '生育' (gives birth to) a child. It's an active process from the parent's side. You might also hear it in discussions about health or the 'best age' to have a family.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using '生育' (shēngyù) in discussions about social issues or health. You will encounter it frequently in articles about the 'birth rate' (生育率) and how it affects the economy. You should be able to use it as both a verb and a noun. For instance, '生育对女性的职业生涯有很大的影响' (Giving birth has a big impact on a woman's career). Here, it acts as a gerund/noun. You should also understand related terms like '生育能力' (fertility/reproductive ability). In B1, you are expected to move beyond simple family talk and start discussing the 'why' and 'how' of societal trends. '生育' is a key word for this. You might also use it in more formal letters or essays. For example, when writing about the challenges of modern life, you could mention the '生育成本' (cost of childbearing). This level requires you to understand that '生育' is the professional standard for 'procreation.'

At the B2 level, '生育' (shēngyù) is a word you should use with precision. You should understand the difference between '生育' and its more clinical synonyms like '分娩' (parturition) or '生产' (delivery). You will likely use '生育' in debates about '生育权' (reproductive rights) or '生育自由' (reproductive freedom). You should be able to read complex news reports about demographic shifts using this term. For example, '随着生育率的持续走低，政府出台了新的生育补贴政策' (As the birth rate continues to decline, the government has introduced new birth subsidy policies). At this level, you should also be aware of the cultural nuances—how '生育' is viewed as a duty in some traditional contexts versus a personal choice in modern ones. You should be able to use it in academic writing or professional reports without hesitation. It is no longer just a word about babies; it is a word about population, economics, and law.

At the C1 level, you are expected to understand the historical and philosophical depths of the word '生育' (shēngyù). You will encounter it in literature and high-level academic papers. You should be able to discuss the '生育观' (view on procreation) of different generations and how these views have evolved from the 'many children, many blessings' (多子多福) era to the modern 'DINK' (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle. You should be able to use '生育' in nuanced arguments, such as discussing the '生育焦虑' (procreation anxiety) among urban youth. Your vocabulary should also include specific idioms or formal structures that use these characters. You will see '生育' in discussions about bioethics, such as '辅助生育技术' (assisted reproductive technology - ART). At this level, you are not just using the word; you are analyzing the social constructs surrounding it. You should be able to switch between '生育,' '繁殖,' and '诞生' based on the subtle emotional and logical requirements of your speech or writing.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '生育' (shēngyù) and its role in the Chinese linguistic landscape. You can interpret the word within the context of classical literature where '育' might have broader meanings of 'nurturing the spirit' or 'cultivating nature,' and contrast that with modern legalistic and demographic usage. You can engage in high-level policy analysis, discussing the '生育意愿' (procreative intent) across different socioeconomic strata with native-like fluency. You understand the implications of '生育' in the context of China's 'Great Leap Forward' versus the 'One-Child Policy' and the current 'Three-Child Policy.' You can use the word in complex rhetorical structures, perhaps in a speech about the future of humanity or the ethical implications of genetic engineering. At this level, '生育' is a tool for deep societal critique and philosophical inquiry. You are aware of every collocation and the exact weight each character carries in a sentence, allowing you to use it with perfect tone and register in any situation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

生育 in 30 Seconds

生育 (shēngyù) is a formal verb and noun meaning 'to give birth' or 'procreation,' used in medical, legal, and demographic contexts in Chinese.
It combines '生' (birth) and '育' (nurturing), though modern usage focuses primarily on the biological act of reproduction and related societal policies.
Commonly found in phrases like '生育率' (birth rate) and '生育政策' (birth policy), it is the professional alternative to the casual '生孩子.'
Learners must distinguish it from '出生' (to be born) and '生产' (delivery), ensuring it is used active-voice for the parent, not the child.

The Chinese term 生育 (shēngyù) is a formal and comprehensive verb that translates to 'to give birth to' or 'to procreate.' It is composed of two characters: 生 (shēng), meaning 'to be born' or 'to give birth,' and 育 (yù), meaning 'to raise,' 'to nurture,' or 'to educate.' Together, they form a word that encompasses the entire biological and social process of bringing new life into the world and caring for it during its earliest stages. While English speakers might use 'have a baby' in casual conversation, 生育 is often used in medical, legal, and sociological contexts, as well as in formal discussions about family planning and demographics.

Biological Context: In a biological sense, it refers to the physiological ability to reproduce. Doctors will use this term when discussing fertility or reproductive health.
Sociological Context: It is used to discuss birth rates (生育率) and population policies, such as China's historical family planning measures.

When you use 生育, you are often stepping away from the immediate, emotional act of childbirth (often expressed as 生孩子) and moving toward a more abstract or professional discussion. For instance, a news report would discuss the 'declining birth rate' using 生育率 rather than a more colloquial phrase. It implies a sense of responsibility and the broader cycle of life. It is important to note that while 生 focuses on the physical emergence of the child, 育 reminds the speaker of the nurturing that follows, though in modern usage, the combined term is primarily treated as 'to procreate.'

政府鼓励年轻人生育更多的孩子，以应对人口老龄化问题。(The government encourages young people to give birth to more children to address the problem of an aging population.)

Furthermore, the term is frequently paired with nouns to create complex concepts. For example, 生育年龄 (shēngyù niánlíng) refers to childbearing age, and 生育保险 (shēngyù bǎoxiǎn) refers to maternity insurance. This versatility makes it an essential word for anyone navigating adulthood in a Chinese-speaking environment, from filling out medical forms to understanding national news. In literature, it can take on a more poetic tone, representing the continuation of a lineage or the natural order of the world. Understanding the weight of 生育 helps a learner distinguish between the simple physical act and the broader societal role of reproduction.

女性在最佳生育年龄怀孕，对母婴健康都有好处。(It is beneficial for both mother and child if a woman conceives during her optimal childbearing age.)

Formal Usage: Found in legal documents regarding parental rights and medical records regarding obstetric history.

In summary, 生育 is a high-level term that provides a window into how Chinese culture views the intersection of biology and social duty. While it is a verb, its usage often feels like a noun or an adjective in English translations. Mastering this word allows you to discuss complex topics like reproductive rights, demographic shifts, and family planning with the appropriate level of sophistication. It is not just about 'having babies'—it is about the procreative capacity of a society.

Using 生育 (shēngyù) correctly requires an understanding of its formal register. Unlike the more common 生孩子 (shēng háizi), which is widely used in daily life, 生育 often appears in written Chinese or formal speeches. It can function as a verb, but it is frequently seen in noun-like phrases or as part of a compound. One of the most common ways to use it is with the word for 'child' or 'offspring,' but it can also stand alone to represent the concept of reproduction.

As a Verb: Subject + 生育 + Object (usually children). Example: 她生育了三个孩子 (She gave birth to three children).
As an Attributive (Adjective-like): 生育 + Noun. Example: 生育政策 (birth policy), 生育能力 (fertility).

When constructing sentences, pay attention to the level of formality. If you are talking to a friend about their new baby, you would say, '你什么时候生孩子？' (When are you having a baby?). If you are reading a medical report, it might say, '该患者具有正常的生育能力' (The patient has normal reproductive capacity). This distinction is crucial for sounding natural in Chinese. Using 生育 in a casual setting might sound overly clinical or stiff, similar to saying 'When do you plan to procreate?' in English.

由于经济压力，许多年轻人选择延迟生育。(Due to economic pressure, many young people choose to delay procreation.)

Another interesting grammatical point is how 生育 interacts with the word 育. While 生 is the biological start, 育 implies the raising. However, in modern legal terms like 生育权 (shēngyùquán - reproductive rights), the focus is entirely on the right to decide whether or not to have children. You will often see this word in the context of 'rights' and 'responsibilities.' For example, '生育是每个公民的权利' (Procreation is the right of every citizen). This highlights its status as a formal, legally recognized term.

医院为孕妇提供了全面的生育服务。(The hospital provides comprehensive maternity services for pregnant women.)

Finally, consider the use of 生育 in demographic discussions. You will frequently encounter phrases like 生育意愿 (shēngyù yìyuàn - desire to have children). In this context, it describes a person's mindset or intention regarding future children. By using 生育, the speaker is framing the conversation around broader social trends rather than individual, personal anecdotes. This shift in vocabulary allows for a more objective and analytical tone, which is necessary for academic or professional writing in Chinese.

You are most likely to encounter 生育 (shēngyù) in news broadcasts, government announcements, and medical environments. In China, where population policy has been a central part of national strategy for decades, this word is a staple of public discourse. When the government announces changes to the 'Three-Child Policy,' the term 生育政策 (shēngyù zhèngcè) is used exclusively. You won't hear a news anchor say 'the baby-making policy'; they will use the formal 生育 to maintain an air of authority and seriousness.

News & Media: Discussing 'fertility rates' (生育率) or 'demographic crises' (人口危机). It is a key term in reporting on societal changes.
Hospitals & Clinics: Used in departments of obstetrics (产科) and gynecology (妇科). Medical forms will ask about your '生育史' (reproductive history).

Another common place to hear this word is in workplace discussions regarding benefits. In China, employees are entitled to 生育津贴 (shēngyù jīntiē - maternity allowance). When talking to HR about maternity or paternity leave, the formal term is always used. This distinguishes the professional benefit from the personal event. Similarly, if you are watching a documentary about nature or biology, the narrator might use 生育 to describe the reproduction of animals in a scientific manner, highlighting its objective, biological roots.

根据最新统计，该地区的生育率有所下降。(According to the latest statistics, the birth rate in this region has decreased.)

In social media debates, you might see 生育 used in discussions about women's rights and the 'cost of reproduction' (生育成本). Modern Chinese youth often discuss the high costs of education and housing as barriers to 生育. In these heated online forums, the word serves as a formal label for the complex set of challenges associated with starting a family. It allows participants to discuss the issue as a systemic societal problem rather than just a personal choice. Therefore, while you might not use it to congratulate a friend on their new baby, you will certainly need it to understand the broader conversations happening in Chinese society today.

公司应该保障女性职员的生育权利。(The company should protect the reproductive rights of female employees.)

Lastly, in historical contexts, 生育 is used to describe the ancestral duty of continuing the family line. In traditional Chinese culture, 'unfilial conduct' included not having children to carry on the name. While modern usage is more scientific, the cultural undertone of 生育 as a significant life milestone and a duty remains. Whether in a history book or a modern policy document, the word carries the weight of history and the future of the nation.

The most common mistake learners make with 生育 (shēngyù) is using it in a context that is too casual. Because many learners translate it simply as 'to have children,' they might say '我昨天生育了一个儿子' (I gave birth to a son yesterday). While grammatically correct, this sounds incredibly strange to native ears—almost like saying 'I procreated a male offspring yesterday' in English. The correct casual phrase is '生了' or '生孩子'. Remember: 生育 is for the concept or the formal act, while 生 is for the event.

Confusion with '出生' (chūshēng): '出生' means 'to be born' (passive). '生育' means 'to give birth' (active). You cannot say '我生育在1990年'—it must be '我出生在1990年.'
Confusion with '养' (yǎng): '养' means to raise or nurture. While '生育' includes the '育' (nurture) character, its primary meaning in modern Chinese is the act of reproduction. If you want to talk about parenting after the birth, use '抚养' (fǔyǎng) or '照顾' (zhàogù).

Another mistake is neglecting the difference between 生育 and 生产 (shēngchǎn). In a medical context, 生产 specifically refers to the act of labor and delivery. If a woman is currently in the hospital giving birth, the doctor will say she is '正在生产'. If you use 生育 there, it sounds like you are discussing her general ability to have children rather than the immediate physical process occurring in the delivery room.

错误：他生育在北京。(Wrong: He procreated in Beijing - meant 'He was born in Beijing'). 正确：他出生在北京。(Correct: He was born in Beijing.)

Learners also struggle with the object of 生育. While you can '生育孩子' (give birth to children), you cannot '生育' inanimate objects or abstract ideas like '生育一个计划' (though in English you might 'give birth to a plan'). In Chinese, 生育 is strictly biological. For metaphorical births, Chinese uses terms like 诞生 (dànshēng) or 产生 (chǎnshēng). For example, '一个新的国家诞生了' (A new nation was born). Using 生育 in this context would be a major category error.

注意：不要把生育用在非生物上。(Note: Do not use 'shēngyù' for non-living things.)

Lastly, be careful with the word 育 on its own. While it means nurture, in modern Chinese, it almost always needs to be part of a compound like 教育 (education) or 体育 (physical education). Using 生育 to mean 'to educate' is a mistake based on the ancient meaning of the character 育. In modern Mandarin, 生育 is firmly tied to the biological start of life.

To truly master 生育 (shēngyù), you must understand how it fits into a family of related terms. Depending on the level of formality and the specific aspect of birth you are discussing, you might choose a different word. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives and how they differ from 生育.

生 (shēng): The most common, versatile word. It can mean 'to give birth' or 'to be born.' It is used in daily speech: '她生了个女儿' (She had a daughter).
生产 (shēngchǎn): While it also means 'to produce' (like in a factory), in a medical context, it specifically means 'delivery' or 'labor.' It focuses on the physical process of the baby coming out.
繁殖 (fánzhí): This means 'to breed' or 'to reproduce' and is used for animals, plants, or bacteria. Using this for humans is usually insulting or clinical, whereas '生育' is the appropriate term for human procreation.

If you are looking for a more poetic or grand term, you might use 诞生 (dànshēng). This is often used for the birth of great figures, ideas, or organizations. For example, '1921年，中国共产党诞生了' (In 1921, the Communist Party of China was born). 生育 would be completely inappropriate here because it implies a biological mother-child relationship. 诞生 carries a sense of monumental beginning.

相比于生育，'繁殖'更多用于动植物的后代产生。(Compared to 'shēngyù', 'fánzhí' is more often used for the reproduction of animals and plants.)

Another word often confused is 分娩 (fēnmiǎn). This is a very formal medical term for 'childbirth' or 'parturition.' It is even more clinical than 生产 and is almost exclusively found in medical textbooks or formal hospital reports. While 生育 covers the whole concept of having children, 分娩 is just the final stage of pregnancy. If you are discussing the biological mechanics, 分娩 is your word.

专家讨论了现代社会生育观念的变化。(Experts discussed the changes in procreation concepts in modern society.)

In summary, choose 生育 when you want to sound professional, objective, or when discussing the societal aspect of having children. Use its synonyms when you need to be more specific about the physical act (生产, 分娩), the subject (繁殖 for animals), or the register (生 for casual talk). Understanding these nuances will make your Chinese sound much more sophisticated and precise.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient texts, the character '育' was often used in the context of 'education' (教育) because raising a child was seen as inseparable from teaching them. This is why the same character '育' appears in '体育' (Physical Education) and '德育' (Moral Education).

Pronunciation Guide

UK ʃəŋ˥ y˥˩

US ʃəŋ˥ y˥˩

In Mandarin, stress is usually equal on both syllables, but the falling tone on 'yù' naturally makes it sound more emphatic.

Rhymes With

更 (gēng) 灯 (dēng) 风 (fēng - partial) 具 (jù) 去 (qù) 绿 (lǜ) 遇 (yù) 玉 (yù)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'shēng' like 'shing' (it should be an 'uh' sound).
Missing the fourth tone on 'yù' and pronouncing it as a flat tone.
Pronouncing 'yù' like 'you' (it should be the tight 'ü' sound).
Confusing the retroflex 'sh' with a soft 's'.
Failing to distinguish the high-flat start of the word from the sharp-falling end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are common but the formal context requires some vocabulary knowledge.

Writing 4/5

Writing '育' correctly requires attention to stroke order (top part first).

Speaking 3/5

Tones (1st and 4th) are distinct, but the 'ü' sound in 'yù' can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easy to recognize in news or medical contexts due to frequent use.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

生 (shēng) 孩子 (háizi) 家庭 (jiātíng) 女人 (nǚrén) 医生 (yīshēng)

Learn Next

分娩 (fēnmiǎn) 怀孕 (huáiyù) 政策 (zhèngcè) 人口 (rénkǒu) 补贴 (bǔtiē)

Advanced

人口红利 (Demographic dividend) 丁克家庭 (DINK family) 老龄化 (Aging population) 辅助生殖 (Assisted reproduction)

Grammar to Know

Verb-Object Structures

生育 (verb) + 孩子 (object).

Noun Compounds

生育 + 率 (rate), 生育 + 观 (view).

Resultative Complements

生育了 (le) indicating the completion of the act.

Passive Voice with '被'

生育权被剥夺 (Reproductive rights were stripped away).

Adverbial Modification

合法地生育 (Legally procreate).

Examples by Level

她生了一个可爱的宝宝。

She gave birth to a cute baby.

Here '生' is used instead of '生育' because it's a personal, casual context.

我是在北京出生的。

I was born in Beijing.

Use '出生' for 'to be born'.

小猫生了四只小猫。

The cat gave birth to four kittens.

Simple '生' is used for animals in casual talk too.

生育是自然的事。

Giving birth is a natural thing.

Using '生育' as a noun/concept.

医生说她很健康，可以生育。

The doctor said she is healthy and can have children.

Formal use of '生育' in a medical context.

我的生日是五月十号。

My birthday is May 10th.

Related word '生日' (birth-day).

他有三个孩子。

He has three children.

Basic way to talk about having children without using the verb 'to give birth'.

生孩子不容易。

Having a baby is not easy.

Common phrase '生孩子'.

他们计划明年生育一个孩子。

They plan to have a child next year.

Using '生育' to express a formal plan.

这个国家的生育率很高。

The birth rate of this country is very high.

'生育率' is a common compound noun.

女性的生育年龄很重要。

A woman's childbearing age is very important.

'生育年龄' refers to the biological window for having children.

政府鼓励人们生育。

The government encourages people to procreate.

Formal context: government policy.

她已经生育了两个孩子。

She has already given birth to two children.

'生育' followed by a number of children.

生育保险可以帮很多忙。

Maternity insurance can help a lot.

'生育保险' (Maternity insurance).

他关心生育政策的变化。

He is concerned about the changes in birth policy.

'生育政策' is a key vocabulary item.

生育是一个家庭的大事。

Procreation is a big event for a family.

Using '生育' as a formal subject.

随着经济的发展，生育意愿有所下降。

With economic development, the desire to have children has declined.

'生育意愿' refers to the subjective desire to procreate.

生育津贴是给新妈妈的经济支持。

Maternity allowance is financial support for new mothers.

'生育津贴' (Maternity allowance).

并非所有人都有生育能力。

Not everyone has the ability to reproduce.

'生育能力' (Fertility/Reproductive capacity).

生育假期的长短因公司而异。

The length of maternity/paternity leave varies by company.

'生育假期' (Maternity/Paternity leave).

晚婚晚育在城市里越来越普遍。

Marrying late and having children late is becoming more common in cities.

'晚育' (wǎnyù) specifically means having children at a later age.

生育过程虽然辛苦，但很值得。

The process of giving birth is hard, but worth it.

'生育过程' (The process of procreation/childbearing).

医院提供优质的生育服务。

The hospital provides high-quality maternity services.

'生育服务' (Maternity services).

我们需要讨论生育对环境的影响。

We need to discuss the impact of procreation on the environment.

Formal discussion about environmental impact.

法律保护女性的生育权。

The law protects women's reproductive rights.

'生育权' (Reproductive rights).

生育成本的增加导致了生育率的下降。

The increase in the cost of childbearing has led to a decline in the birth rate.

Linking '生育成本' and '生育率' in a causal sentence.

辅助生育技术帮助了许多不孕夫妇。

Assisted reproductive technology has helped many infertile couples.

'辅助生育技术' (Assisted Reproductive Technology - ART).

生育观念的转变反映了社会的进步。

The change in procreation concepts reflects social progress.

'生育观念' (Concepts/views on procreation).

政府正在考虑放开生育限制。

The government is considering lifting birth restrictions.

'生育限制' (Birth restrictions).

生育不仅是家庭事务，也是社会议题。

Procreation is not only a family matter but also a social issue.

Using '不仅...也...' to frame '生育' as a complex topic.

有些职业可能会损害工人的生育能力。

Some occupations may damage workers' reproductive capacity.

Discussing occupational health and '生育能力'.

生育补贴政策旨在减轻家庭负担。

The birth subsidy policy aims to reduce family burdens.

'生育补贴政策' (Birth subsidy policy).

生育焦虑在当今职场女性中十分普遍。

Procreation anxiety is very common among today's professional women.

'生育焦虑' (Procreation anxiety).

该论文探讨了生育率与房价之间的相关性。

The paper explores the correlation between birth rates and housing prices.

Academic context: '探讨...相关性'.

生育文明的建设需要全社会的共同参与。

The construction of a 'procreation civilization' requires the participation of the whole society.

'生育文明' (Procreation civilization/culture).

农村地区的生育观往往比城市传统。

Procreation views in rural areas are often more traditional than in cities.

Comparative analysis of '生育观'.

生育不仅仅是生物意义上的繁衍，更是文化的传承。

Procreation is not just biological reproduction, but also the inheritance of culture.

Philosophical take on '生育'.

生育政策的调整必须考虑长期的人口结构。

Adjustments to birth policies must consider long-term demographic structures.

Formal policy analysis vocabulary.

不应将生育作为衡量女性价值的唯一标准。

Procreation should not be used as the sole standard for measuring a woman's value.

Societal critique using '生育'.

生育史是病历中不可或缺的一部分。

Reproductive history is an indispensable part of a medical record.

'生育史' (Reproductive/Obstetric history).

在全球化背景下，生育率的波动牵动着各国的神经。

In the context of globalization, fluctuations in birth rates affect the nerves of all nations.

High-level metaphorical language ('牵动...神经').

生育伦理在克隆技术面前面临着前所未有的挑战。

Procreation ethics face unprecedented challenges in the face of cloning technology.

'生育伦理' (Procreation ethics).

该学者提出了“生育正义”这一概念，旨在保障所有人的权利。

The scholar proposed the concept of 'reproductive justice,' aimed at protecting everyone's rights.

'生育正义' (Reproductive justice).

生育行为在很大程度上受到社会资本和文化资本的制约。

Procreative behavior is largely constrained by social and cultural capital.

Sociological theory application ('社会资本', '制约').

生育意愿的低迷是深层次社会矛盾的集中体现。

The sluggish desire to procreate is a concentrated manifestation of deep-seated social contradictions.

Advanced abstract analysis ('集中体现').

通过大数据分析，我们可以更精准地预测未来的生育趋势。

Through big data analysis, we can more accurately predict future procreation trends.

Modern technological context ('大数据分析').

生育权的界定在法律界一直存在广泛的争议。

The definition of reproductive rights has always been a subject of widespread controversy in the legal community.

Legal nuance ('界定', '广泛的争议').

生育的本质是生命的延续与社会契约的履行。

The essence of procreation is the continuation of life and the fulfillment of a social contract.

Philosophical definition ('社会契约').

Common Collocations

生育率

生育政策

生育能力

生育保险

生育年龄

生育意愿

生育津贴

生育观念

生育成本

生育假期

Common Phrases

计划生育

— Family planning. Historically refers to China's population control policies.

计划生育曾是中国的一项基本国策。

优生优育

— Healthy birth and sound upbringing. A slogan for having healthy children and raising them well.

医院宣传优生优育的知识。

晚婚晚育

— Late marriage and late childbearing. Encouraged in the past to control population growth.

现代社会，晚婚晚育已成趋势。

生育史

— Obstetric history. A record of a woman's previous pregnancies and births.

医生详细询问了她的生育史。

生育权

— Reproductive rights. The right to decide whether to have children.

生育权是公民的基本人权之一。

生育补贴

— Birth subsidy. Financial aid provided by the government or employer for having a child.

政府发放了生育补贴以鼓励生育。

生育高峰

— Baby boom. A period with a significantly higher birth rate.

那个年代出现了一个生育高峰。

生育限制

— Birth restrictions. Legal limits on the number of children a family can have.

随着政策调整，生育限制逐渐取消。

生育自由

— Reproductive freedom. The ability to choose when and how many children to have.

社会应当尊重女性的生育自由。

生育意愿调查

— Fertility intention survey. A study to find out how many children people want to have.

最新的生育意愿调查结果显示意愿较低。

Often Confused With

生育 vs 出生 (chūshēng)

Means 'to be born.' Used for the child. '生育' is for the parent.

生育 vs 生产 (shēngchǎn)

Means 'delivery' or 'production.' Focuses on the physical act of labor.

生育 vs 养育 (yǎngyù)

Means 'to bring up/nurture.' Focuses on the years of raising the child.

Idioms & Expressions

"多子多福"

— Many children, many blessings. The traditional Chinese belief that a large family brings happiness.

过去的人们坚信多子多福。

Traditional / Colloquial

"传宗接代"

— To carry on the family line. Passing down the family name from generation to generation.

他觉得自己有责任为家族传宗接代。

Traditional / Formal

"儿孙满堂"

— To have a house full of children and grandchildren. A sign of a successful and happy old age.

老人家最大的愿望就是儿孙满堂。

Literary / Auspicious

"开枝散叶"

— To spread the branches and leaves. A metaphor for a family expanding through many children.

祝愿你们早日开枝散叶。

Literary / Auspicious

"生生不息"

— Endless reproduction; life goes on forever. Used to describe the continuity of nature or a nation.

中华民族生生不息，奋斗不止。

Formal / Literary

"养儿防老"

— To raise children to provide for one's old age. A traditional motivation for procreation.

养儿防老的观念在现代社会正在淡化。

Traditional / Colloquial

"望子成龙"

— To hope one's son becomes a dragon (highly successful). Related to the '育' (raising) aspect.

家长们总是望子成龙，望女成凤。

Common Idiom

"麟趾呈祥"

— The footprints of the qilin bring good luck. A traditional way to congratulate someone on having a son.

这幅画寓意麟趾呈祥，多子多孙。

Archaic / Formal

"弄璋之喜"

— The joy of playing with a jade scepter. A formal way to congratulate a family on the birth of a son.

恭贺您弄璋之喜。

Formal / Archaic

"弄瓦之喜"

— The joy of playing with a ceramic spindle. A formal way to congratulate a family on the birth of a daughter.

听闻贵府喜获千金，特来恭贺弄瓦之喜。

Formal / Archaic

Easily Confused

生育 vs 诞生

Both involve birth.

诞生 is poetic/grand and can be used for inanimate things like a country or a theory. 生育 is purely biological and human/animal focused.

新中国诞生了 (Correct) vs 新中国生育了 (Incorrect).

生育 vs 繁殖

Both involve reproduction.

繁殖 is for animals, plants, and bacteria. 生育 is for humans (though technically applicable to animals, it sounds more respectful/formal).

兔子繁殖很快 (Correct).

生育 vs 产生

Both start with 'shēng' or involve 'producing'.

产生 means to produce abstract things like an idea, a feeling, or a result. 生育 is only for offspring.

产生误会 (Create a misunderstanding).

生育 vs 生殖

Both are formal biological terms.

生殖 is the purely scientific term for 'reproduction' as a system. 生育 is more about the act and social concept.

生殖系统 (Reproductive system).

生育 vs 育儿

Both use '育'.

育儿 specifically means 'childcare' or 'parenting' after the birth has already happened.

他在学习育儿知识。

Sentence Patterns

我想生育...个孩子。

我想生育两个孩子。

...影响了生育率。

经济压力影响了生育率。

生育...是...的权利。

生育孩子是每个人的权利。

由于...导致生育意愿下降。

由于房价高，导致生育意愿下降。

政府出台了...生育政策。

政府出台了新的生育政策。

生育不仅是...更是...。

生育不仅是生物本能，更是社会责任。

针对...现象，应加强生育保障。

针对少子化现象，应加强生育保障。

生育伦理的界定取决于...。

生育伦理的界定取决于社会的价值观。

Word Family

Nouns

生育率 (Birth rate)

生育观 (View on procreation)

生育权 (Reproductive rights)

生育史 (Reproductive history)

Verbs

生 (to give birth)

育 (to raise/nurture)

出生 (to be born)

养育 (to nurture/bring up)

Adjectives

可生育的 (fertile/able to procreate)

晚育的 (having children late)

怀孕 (pregnant)

分娩 (childbirth)

产假 (maternity leave)

胎儿 (fetus)

婴儿 (infant)

How to Use It

frequency

High in news and professional contexts; medium in daily life.

Common Mistakes

我生育在上海。 → 我出生在上海。
You cannot use '生育' to say where you were born. '生育' is what the parent does. '出生' is what the child does.
她正在生育。 → 她正在生产。
To describe the physical act of giving birth (labor), '生产' or '分娩' is much more natural. '生育' refers to the general ability or act over time.
这个计划生育了很久。 → 这个计划酝酿了很久。
In English, you can 'give birth to a plan,' but in Chinese, '生育' is strictly biological. For ideas, use '诞生' or '产生'.
我们要生育这个小猫。 → 我们要养这只小猫。
If you mean you want to raise a kitten, use '养'. '生育' means the biological act of the cat having babies.
生育率很高在非洲。 → 非洲的生育率很高。
The word '生育率' (birth rate) is a noun and should be the subject of the sentence, usually following the location + '的'.

Tips

When in doubt, use '生'

If you are in a casual setting and aren't sure if '生育' is too formal, just use '生'. It is never wrong, whereas '生育' can sound weirdly clinical in a living room.

Watch the Object

The object of '生育' should always be '孩子' (children) or a number of children. Don't use it for ideas or animals unless you are being very formal.

Character Detail

The character '育' has a specific top part. Don't confuse it with the 'roof' radical (宀). It represents the head of a baby coming out.

Learn the Compounds

Most people encounter '生育' as part of '生育率' or '生育政策'. Learning these as single blocks of meaning is easier than analyzing the verb alone.

Policy Context

Understanding China's population history helps you see why '生育' is such a common word in the news. It's a national priority.

At the Doctor

If a doctor asks about your '生育史', they want to know how many times you have been pregnant and given birth. Be ready with numbers.

Tone Contrast

The contrast between the flat 1st tone (shēng) and the sharp 4th tone (yù) is very clear. Make sure you don't slur them together.

News Keywords

When you hear 'shēngyù', listen for the next word. If it's 'lǜ', it's about statistics. If it's 'zhèngcè', it's about politics.

Sensitive Topics

Talking about '生育意愿' (desire to have kids) is a common but sometimes sensitive topic for young Chinese people today due to high costs.

Use '生产' for the Hospital

If you are describing the actual birth happening *now* at the hospital, use '生产' (shēngchǎn) or '分娩' (fēnmiǎn) instead of '生育'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sheng' as a 'shining' new plant (birth) and 'Yu' as 'you' raising it. To 'Sheng-Yu' is to start the life and keep it going.

Visual Association

Imagine a seedling (生) being watered and cared for by a hand (育). The seedling is the birth, the watering is the nurturing.

Word Web

生 (Birth) 育 (Nurture) 孩子 (Child) 母亲 (Mother) 家庭 (Family) 人口 (Population) 政策 (Policy) 能力 (Ability)

Challenge

Try to use '生育' in a sentence about a national policy, then use '生' in a sentence about your own family. Notice the difference in 'feel'.

Word Origin

The word is a compound of two ancient Chinese characters. '生' (shēng) originally depicted a plant growing out of the earth, symbolizing life and birth. '育' (yù) in its oracle bone form depicted a woman giving birth to a child (inverted '子' below a 'mother' radical). Together, they have been used for centuries to describe the cycle of bringing forth and nurturing life.

Original meaning: To give birth and to raise a child.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when discussing '生育' in China, as it can be a stressful topic for young people facing high living costs, or a painful topic regarding past enforcement of birth limits.

In English, we often use 'have a baby' for almost everything. 'Procreate' sounds too scientific. In Chinese, '生育' is the perfect middle ground for formal but common discussion.

The 'One-Child Policy' (计划生育政策). Traditional idioms like '多子多福' (Many children, many blessings). Modern 'Three-Child Policy' (三孩政策).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Medical Checkup

生育史
生育能力
备孕
优生优育

News Report

生育率下降
生育政策调整
人口普查
奖励生育

Workplace/HR

生育津贴
生育假
产假待遇
报销生育费

Legal Discussion

生育权
非法生育
生育自由
法律保障

Social Debate

生育焦虑
生育成本
不婚不育
生育观念

Conversation Starters

"你觉得现在的生育政策怎么样？"

"在你的国家，政府会鼓励人们生育吗？"

"你认为生育的最佳年龄是多少岁？"

"现在的年轻人为什么生育意愿越来越低？"

"生育孩子对女性的职业发展有什么影响？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你对“多子多福”这种传统生育观的看法。

如果政府给你一大笔钱，你会愿意生育更多的孩子吗？为什么？

讨论一下生育成本对现代家庭的影响。

描述一下你理想中的家庭规模及生育计划。

你认为生育权是否应该受到法律的绝对保护？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically yes, but it sounds very formal. Usually, for animals, people use '生' or the scientific term '繁殖' (fánzhí). If you say your dog '生育' puppies, it sounds like a medical report.

It can be both. As a verb: '她生育了三个孩子.' As a noun: '生育是一件大事.' It is also frequently used as an adjective/attributive in compounds like '生育率'.

Formality. '生孩子' is what you say to your neighbor. '生育' is what you read in a newspaper or hear from a doctor.

Yes. While men don't physically give birth, they '生育' children in the sense of procreating or fathering. For example, '男性也有生育权' (Men also have reproductive rights).

Because '生育' includes the concept of '育' (nurturing/raising), which implies a social responsibility and a long-term demographic impact that '生' (the simple act of birth) does not capture.

The term still exists as the name of the government department (卫健委/计生局), but the policy itself has changed from limiting births to encouraging them.

No. You must use '出生' (chūshēng). '生育' is something a parent does. '出生' is something that happens to the baby.

You say '生育率' (shēngyùlǜ). This is the standard term used in all academic and news contexts.

It is maternity insurance, one of the five mandatory social insurances in China, covering medical expenses and providing a stipend during maternity leave.

Yes, but the characters were often used separately. The compound '生育' became much more common in the late Qing dynasty and modern era as scientific and demographic concepts were formalized.