To grow up, referring to the process of development from young to mature.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Describes the process of growing up.
- Covers physical and mental development.
- Can metaphorically mean maturation.
Overview
“长大”是汉语中最基本和最常用的词汇之一，描述了生命体从婴儿期、儿童期到成年期的生理和心理发展过程。它不仅仅指身体上的增高和成熟，也包含了心智上的成熟、独立和责任感的增加。在更广泛的意义上，“长大”也可以用来形容事物从萌芽、发展到成熟的阶段。
“长大”通常用作不及物动词，后面可以直接跟名词（指长大的对象）或不跟。例如：“孩子长大了。”（The child has grown up.）“我希望快点长大。”（I hope to grow up quickly.）它也可以与表示时间的副词连用，如“从小到大”（from childhood to adulthood）或“已经长大了”（already grown up）。
这个词在日常生活中非常普遍，常用于谈论家庭、教育、个人成长和人生阶段。例如，父母会谈论孩子的成长，青少年会憧憬长大后的生活，成年人会回忆自己长大的经历。在描述植物生长或项目发展时，也可以用到“长大”的比喻用法，例如：“这个项目终于长大了。”（This project has finally matured.）
与“长大”意思相近的词有“成长”。“成长”比“长大”更侧重于过程和发展，包含学习、进步和成熟的含义，适用范围更广，可以用于人、事、物。例如，“他的音乐才能得到了成长。”（His musical talent has developed.）“长大”则更侧重于生理上的成熟和年龄的增长，但两者在很多情况下可以互换使用，尤其是在描述人的发展时。
还有一个词是“成熟”。“成熟”强调的是心智、情感或生理上的完全发展和稳定，是“长大”过程的结果之一。例如，“他已经长大了，也很成熟。”（He has grown up and is also mature.）
Examples
孩子终于长大了，可以独立生活了。
everydayThe child has finally grown up and can live independently.
随着时间的推移，这个想法也逐渐长大，变得更加完善。
academicAs time went by, this idea gradually matured and became more complete.
我小时候总盼着快点长大。
informalWhen I was little, I always wished I could grow up quickly.
从呱呱坠地到独立自主，每一个生命都在努力长大。
formalFrom birth to independence, every life strives to grow up.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
我长大了
I've grown up.
孩子长大了
The child has grown up.
希望快点长大
Hope to grow up quickly.
Often Confused With
'成长' (chéngzhǎng) emphasizes the process of development, learning, and progress, applicable to people, things, and concepts. '长大' (zhǎngdà) primarily refers to the physical and chronological maturation, especially of humans and animals.
'成熟' (chéngshú) refers to the state of being fully developed, mature (mentally, emotionally, or physically), often seen as a result of '长大'. One can grow up but not necessarily be mature.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Generally used in informal and neutral contexts. It's a fundamental verb for describing personal development. Avoid using it in highly technical or abstract discussions unless the context is about biological growth.
Common Mistakes
Using '长大' transitively (e.g., '长大一个孩子') is incorrect. The correct phrasing would be '养大一个孩子' (raise a child) or '看着一个孩子长大' (watch a child grow up). Confusing its direct meaning with the broader concept of '成长'.
Tips
Focus on the process
Remember that '长大' emphasizes the transition and process from being young to being an adult.
Avoid direct object
Generally, '长大' is intransitive. Don't try to use it with a direct object like '长大孩子'.
Milestone in life
Growing up is a significant milestone in Chinese culture, often celebrated and discussed.
Word Origin
The character '长' (zhǎng) means to grow, increase, or elder. '大' (dà) means big or large. Together, '长大' literally means 'to grow big', describing the process of maturation.
Cultural Context
In Chinese culture, the concept of 'growing up' is deeply intertwined with filial piety and responsibility. Becoming an adult signifies not only personal independence but also the ability to take on family duties.
Memory Tip
Imagine a plant getting taller and bigger – it's '长' (zhǎng - grow) and '大' (dà - big). You are literally growing big!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“长大”更侧重于生理上的成熟和年龄的增长，而“成长”更强调过程、发展和进步，适用范围更广，可以指人、事、物的发展。
“长大”主要用在人或动物身上，描述它们从年幼到成熟的过程。有时也可以比喻性地用于事物的发展。
通常情况下，“长大”用作不及物动词，后面不直接跟宾语。可以说“孩子长大了”，但一般不说“长大孩子”。
“成熟”是“长大”过程可能达到的一个结果，特指心智、情感或生理上的完全发展和稳定。一个人长大后，不一定意味着他已经成熟。
Test Yourself
我希望我能快点______，这样就可以做更多的事情。
这句话描述的是从年幼到能做更多事情的生理和心理发展过程，用‘长大’最合适。
看着孩子们______，父母感到很欣慰。
父母看到孩子从小孩变成大人，这个过程被称为‘长大’，这让他们感到欣慰。
他 / 已经 / 长大 / 了
“已经”是副词，修饰动词“长大”，“了”是助词，表示状态的变化，正确的语序是“主语 + 已经 + 动词 + 了”。
Score: /3
Summary
To grow up, referring to the process of development from young to mature.
- Describes the process of growing up.
- Covers physical and mental development.
- Can metaphorically mean maturation.
Focus on the process
Remember that '长大' emphasizes the transition and process from being young to being an adult.
Avoid direct object
Generally, '长大' is intransitive. Don't try to use it with a direct object like '长大孩子'.
Milestone in life
Growing up is a significant milestone in Chinese culture, often celebrated and discussed.
Examples
4 of 4孩子终于长大了，可以独立生活了。
The child has finally grown up and can live independently.
随着时间的推移，这个想法也逐渐长大，变得更加完善。
As time went by, this idea gradually matured and became more complete.
我小时候总盼着快点长大。
When I was little, I always wished I could grow up quickly.
从呱呱坠地到独立自主，每一个生命都在努力长大。
From birth to independence, every life strives to grow up.
