Chéngzhǎng describes the process of growing from immaturity to maturity, applicable to living beings and abstract concepts.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To grow up or develop.
- From small/immature to mature/strong.
- Applies to people, things, and abilities.
Overview
“成长”这个词在中文里非常常用，用来描述生命体、事物或能力的发展和壮大过程。它涵盖了从量变到质变，从简单到复杂，从弱小到强大的演变。这个词既可以用于具体的事物，如植物的生长，也可以用于抽象的概念，如孩子的成长、公司的成长、思想的成长等。
“成长”通常用作不及物动词，后面可以直接跟名词或代词表示成长的对象，也可以跟表示成长方向或程度的状语。例如：“孩子在茁壮成长。”“他的能力得到了很大的成长。”“公司正在快速成长。”
这个词经常出现在关于家庭教育、个人发展、商业管理、经济发展等话题的讨论中。例如，父母会谈论孩子的成长，学生会关注自己的学习成长，企业家会讨论公司的成长战略，社会学家会研究人口的成长。
与“成长”相似的词语包括“生长”、“发展”、“进步”等。“生长”更侧重于生物体由小变大的自然过程，如“植物生长”。“发展”的含义更广泛，可以指事物在空间、规模、水平或能力上的扩展和提高，如“经济发展”、“技术发展”。“进步”则强调朝好的方向前进，取得成就，如“学习进步”。“成长”则更强调一个内在的、从不成熟到成熟的完整过程，尤其常用于描述生命体和个人能力的发展。
Examples
看着孩子们健康快乐地成长，是我们最大的心愿。
everydayWatching the children grow up healthy and happy is our greatest wish.
人工智能技术的快速成长正在改变我们的生活。
academicThe rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology is changing our lives.
这家初创公司经过几年的努力，终于迎来了快速成长期。
businessAfter several years of effort, this startup company has finally entered its rapid growth phase.
通过这次旅行，我感觉自己的心智有了很大的成长。
informalThrough this trip, I feel my mindset has matured significantly.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
茁壮成长
grow up strong and healthy
陪伴成长
grow up with someone (accompanying)
见证成长
witness growth
Often Confused With
'Shēngzhǎng' focuses on biological growth (plants, animals, people physically getting bigger). 'Chéngzhǎng' is broader, encompassing psychological, skill-based, and overall development.
'Fāzhǎn' is about expansion, progress, and unfolding potential, often used for economies, technologies, or broader societal changes. 'Chéngzhǎng' is more about the process of maturing and becoming fully developed from an initial state.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Usage is generally positive and neutral. It can be used in formal contexts like business reports or academic papers, as well as informal daily conversations. It's a versatile word applicable to many subjects.
Common Mistakes
Confusing 'chéngzhǎng' (growth, maturation) with 'shēngzhǎng' (biological growth) is common. Also, using 'chéngzhǎng' for abstract concepts where 'fāzhǎn' (development, expansion) might be more precise, though overlap exists.
Tips
Focus on the Process
Remember 'chéngzhǎng' emphasizes the journey from an earlier stage to a later, more developed one. It's about the transformation.
Avoid 'Shēngzhǎng' for Abstract Ideas
While plants 'shēngzhǎng', abstract concepts like companies or skills 'chéngzhǎng'. Stick to 'chéngzhǎng' for development beyond mere physical growth.
Valuing Growth
In Chinese culture, 'chéngzhǎng' is highly valued, especially for children. Parents invest significant effort and resources to foster their children's growth in all aspects.
Word Origin
The character '成' (chéng) means to complete, succeed, or become. The character '长' (zhǎng/cháng) means long, or to grow/increase. Together, they signify the process of completing growth or becoming larger/more mature.
Cultural Context
The concept of 'chéngzhǎng' is central to raising children in Chinese culture, where parents often prioritize their children's holistic development – academic, moral, and physical – seeing it as a key responsibility and source of pride.
Memory Tip
Think of 'chéngzhǎng' as '成' (accomplish, become) + '长' (long, grow). You accomplish growth, becoming longer/bigger/more mature over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questions“生长”主要指生物体由小到大、由弱到强的自然生理过程，例如植物的生长、婴儿的生长。而“成长”则更侧重于一个更全面的发展过程，不仅包括生理上的长大，还包含心理、能力、知识、经验等方面的成熟和进步，常用于人或事物的全面发展。
“成长”可以用在很多对象上。最常见的是人，特别是孩子（如：孩子的成长）。此外，也可以用于植物（如：树木的成长）、动物，以及抽象的事物，如公司的成长、事业的成长、思想的成长、技术的成长等。
是的，“成长”通常是褒义词。它描述的是一个积极的、向好的发展过程，意味着变得更强大、更成熟、更有能力或更有价值。
可以。“成长”不仅指身体上的长大，也指能力、知识、经验等方面的提升和成熟。例如，我们可以说“他在工作中成长了很多”，意思是他的工作能力和经验得到了显著的提升。
Test Yourself
看着孩子一天天______，父母感到非常欣慰。
这里描述的是孩子从幼小到逐渐成熟的过程，包含了生理和心理等多方面，用“成长”最合适。
这家科技公司在过去五年里取得了惊人的______。
公司作为一个组织，其规模、业务、能力等方面的提升，用“成长”来形容最为贴切，它包含了从初创到壮大的过程。
他 / 很多 / 成长 / 在工作中
这个句子描述了“他”在工作过程中能力和经验得到了显著提升，符合“成长”的用法。
Score: /3
Summary
Chéngzhǎng describes the process of growing from immaturity to maturity, applicable to living beings and abstract concepts.
- To grow up or develop.
- From small/immature to mature/strong.
- Applies to people, things, and abilities.
Focus on the Process
Remember 'chéngzhǎng' emphasizes the journey from an earlier stage to a later, more developed one. It's about the transformation.
Avoid 'Shēngzhǎng' for Abstract Ideas
While plants 'shēngzhǎng', abstract concepts like companies or skills 'chéngzhǎng'. Stick to 'chéngzhǎng' for development beyond mere physical growth.
Valuing Growth
In Chinese culture, 'chéngzhǎng' is highly valued, especially for children. Parents invest significant effort and resources to foster their children's growth in all aspects.
Examples
4 of 4看着孩子们健康快乐地成长，是我们最大的心愿。
Watching the children grow up healthy and happy is our greatest wish.
人工智能技术的快速成长正在改变我们的生活。
The rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology is changing our lives.
这家初创公司经过几年的努力，终于迎来了快速成长期。
After several years of effort, this startup company has finally entered its rapid growth phase.
通过这次旅行，我感觉自己的心智有了很大的成长。
Through this trip, I feel my mindset has matured significantly.
