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B2 verb #4,500 most common 9 min read

合成

héchéng Top 4,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 合成 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 合成 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word '合成' (héchéng) yourself, but you might see it in simple contexts. Think of it as 'putting things together to make one thing.' Imagine you have two Lego blocks and you join them—that's the basic idea. In very simple Chinese, we usually just say '放在一起' (put together). However, if you see '合成' in a picture book or a simple science video, just remember it means 'to join' or 'to make.' For example, if you see a picture of a robot made of different parts, the word might be used to say the robot was 'made' from those parts. Don't worry about the difficult scientific meanings yet; just focus on the idea of 'making one thing from many pieces.'

At the A2 level, you can start to understand '合成' (héchéng) as a way to describe how things are made. You might see it on clothing tags or in simple tech descriptions. For instance, if you see '合成皮' (héchéng pí), it means 'synthetic leather' or 'fake leather.' It tells you the leather wasn't from an animal but was 'made' by people. You can remember it as 'join + become.' It's a bit more formal than '做' (make). You might use it when talking about simple school science experiments, like 'joining' two things to see what happens. Just remember: it's about making a new whole from different parts.

At the B1 level, you should recognize '合成' (héchéng) in more varied contexts, especially in technology and media. You will likely hear it when people talk about 'computer-generated' things. For example, '语音合成' (yǔyīn héchéng) means 'speech synthesis'—like how Google Translate speaks to you. You should also be able to use the basic sentence structure: 'A and B 合成 C.' This is very useful for describing processes. You are moving beyond just 'mixing' (混合) to 'synthesizing' (合成). You'll notice it in news articles about new materials or digital art. It's a key word for discussing how modern things are created artificially.

At the B2 level, which is the target level for this word, you need to use '合成' (héchéng) accurately in professional and academic settings. You must distinguish it from synonyms like '混合' (mix), '组成' (compose), and '融合' (fuse). You should be comfortable using it in the passive voice: '这件产品是由多种材料合成的' (This product is synthesized from various materials). You'll use it to discuss chemistry, computer science, and linguistics (合成词). You should also understand its use in photography and film (compositing). This word allows you to describe complex, intentional processes of creation and transformation, which is essential for upper-intermediate communication.

At the C1 level, you should be able to use '合成' (héchéng) in abstract and metaphorical ways. Beyond science and tech, you might use it to describe the 'synthesis' of different philosophical schools or political ideologies. You should understand the nuance it carries of being 'artificial' or 'constructed,' which can sometimes have a critical tone in social commentary (e.g., 'synthesized culture'). You should also be familiar with technical terms like '合成谬误' (fallacy of composition) in economics or logic. Your usage should be precise, reflecting an understanding of the word's formal register and its structural implications in complex sentences.

At the C2 level, '合成' (héchéng) becomes a tool for high-level academic and professional discourse. You can use it to discuss the intricacies of 'organic synthesis' in chemistry or 'granular synthesis' in advanced audio engineering with ease. You should be able to navigate the word's role in dialectical materialism or complex systems theory, where 'synthesis' is a pivotal stage of development. Your understanding of the word should include its historical etymology and its evolution in modern technical jargon. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are wielding it to describe the very nature of how complex systems and ideas are built and transformed.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

合成 in 30 Seconds

合成 (héchéng) means to synthesize or combine parts into a unified whole.
It is commonly used in chemistry, computer science, and linguistics.
It differs from 混合 (mixing) by implying a deeper, more permanent transformation.
The word is formal and suggests technical or intentional creation.

The Chinese verb 合成 (héchéng) is a sophisticated term primarily used to describe the process of combining separate elements to create a new, unified whole. While it can be used in general contexts, its most frequent applications are found in scientific, technical, and artistic fields. At its core, the character '合' (hé) means to join or close, and '成' (chéng) means to become or complete. Together, they imply a transformation where the individual components lose some of their distinct identity to become part of a larger, often more complex, entity. In the world of chemistry, this refers to 'synthesis'—the creation of a compound from simpler materials. In the digital age, we see it used for 'compositing' images or 'synthesizing' sound and speech. Understanding 合成 requires recognizing that the result is not just a mixture (like salad), but a integrated product (like a cake or a plastic polymer).

Scientific Synthesis: In laboratory settings, scientists 合成 new drugs or materials. This involves precise chemical reactions where precursors are bonded together.

这种新材料是由几种基础化学品合成的。 (This new material is synthesized from several basic chemicals.)

Digital and Audio Composition: When a computer generates a human-like voice or a movie editor combines CGI with live footage, they are performing 合成.

In a broader philosophical or logical sense, 合成 can refer to the dialectical process of taking a thesis and an antithesis and merging them into a synthesis. It is a word that suggests intentionality and a constructive process. You wouldn't use it for an accidental mess; you use it for a deliberate act of creation through combination. Whether it is 'synthetic fibers' (合成纤维) or 'speech synthesis' (语音合成), the word carries an air of technology and modern advancement. It is a staple of news reports on breakthroughs in biotechnology and artificial intelligence, making it an essential term for anyone reading professional or academic Chinese texts.

音乐家使用电子设备来合成独特的音效。 (Musicians use electronic equipment to synthesize unique sound effects.)

Abstract Integration: It can also describe the logical act of bringing different viewpoints together to form a comprehensive theory.

Finally, in the context of linguistics, 合成词 (compound words) are words formed by combining two or more roots. This shows the word's versatility across different domains of human knowledge. When you see 合成, think 'artificial' or 'constructed' in a positive, generative sense. It is the hallmark of human ingenuity—taking the raw materials of nature or data and forging them into something purposeful and new.

Using 合成 correctly depends on understanding its role as a transitive verb or a noun modifier. In its most basic form, the structure is 'A and B 合成 C'. This clearly denotes that the components A and B are the ingredients, and C is the final product. It is also very common to see it in the passive voice using '由...合成' (composed of/synthesized by). This structure is ubiquitous in scientific descriptions and product labels.

Basic Active Structure: [Component A] + [Component B] + 合成 + [Result]. Example: 氢气和氧气可以合成水。 (Hydrogen and oxygen can synthesize water.)

这两种化学物质在高温下会合成一种新的聚合物。

The '由...合成' Structure: [Object] + 由 + [Components] + 合成. This is the standard way to describe what something is made of when it's a synthetic product.

In more advanced contexts, 合成 functions as an attributive, modifying nouns to indicate their artificial or synthetic nature. For instance, 合成纤维 (synthetic fiber) or 合成洗涤剂 (synthetic detergent). In these cases, it acts like an adjective. In information technology, you will often encounter 语音合成 (speech synthesis) or 图像合成 (image synthesis). These terms are essential for discussing AI and multimedia production.

人工智能现在的语音合成技术已经非常接近真人了。

Abstract Synthesis: In social sciences: 这种理论是东西方思想合成的结果。 (This theory is the result of a synthesis of Eastern and Western thought.)

One nuance to watch for is the difference between 合成 and 综合 (zōnghé). While both involve 'combining', 综合 is more about summarizing or providing a comprehensive overview (like a 'comprehensive report' 综合报告), whereas 合成 is about the physical or structural merging of parts into a single entity. If you are making a new chemical, you use 合成; if you are summarizing three books into one review, you use 综合.

You will encounter 合成 in a variety of professional and everyday settings, particularly those involving technology and production. In the news, it frequently appears in stories about scientific breakthroughs. For example, a report might discuss the 'synthesis of a new vaccine' (合成一种新疫苗) or the development of 'synthetic fuels' (合成燃料) to combat climate change. In these contexts, 合成 signals that the substance is man-made rather than naturally occurring, highlighting human innovation.

Tech and AI Industries: Developers often talk about 'Speech Synthesis' (语音合成) when building voice assistants like Siri or XiaoAi. It describes the AI's ability to turn text into spoken audio.

这个视频里的声音是电脑合成的，不是真人录音。 (The voice in this video is computer-synthesized, not a real person's recording.)

Music and Entertainment: Electronic music producers use 'Synthesizers' (合成器) to create sounds. The word 合成 is the root for the name of the instrument itself.

In the manufacturing sector, 合成 is found on clothing labels and product descriptions. Materials like 'synthetic leather' (合成革) or 'synthetic rubber' (合成橡胶) are common. These terms tell the consumer that the item is a cost-effective or durable alternative to natural materials. If you are shopping in a Chinese mall, checking the fabric composition often involves looking for the character 合 in 合成纤维.

这件外套是用高科技合成纤维制成的，非常保暖。 (This jacket is made of high-tech synthetic fibers and is very warm.)

Academic and Philosophical Discussion: In university lectures, professors might discuss the 'synthesis of ideas' where different scholarly perspectives are 合成 into a new framework.

Finally, in sports or team management, you might hear about 'synthesizing' different strategies. While less common than scientific use, it emphasizes the creation of a unified plan from diverse suggestions. Overall, 合成 is a word that suggests complexity, precision, and the result of a deliberate process, making it a high-value word for professional communication.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is using 合成 when they simply mean 'to mix' (混合 hùnhé) or 'to assemble' (组装 zǔzhuāng). It's important to remember that 合成 implies a fundamental change or a technical creation. If you are mixing sugar into tea, that is 混合, not 合成, because the sugar and tea haven't formed a new chemical substance or a complex technical product.

Confusing with 混合 (hùnhé): 混合 is for physical mixtures where components can often be separated. 合成 is for chemical or digital synthesis where a new entity is created.

错误：我把红颜色和蓝颜色合成了紫色。 (Incorrect: I synthesized red and blue into purple.)
正确：我把红颜色和蓝颜色混合成了紫色。 (Correct: I mixed red and blue into purple.)

Confusing with 组装 (zǔzhuāng): 组装 is for mechanical assembly. You 'assemble' a computer or a desk. You 'synthesize' a chemical or a voice.

Another mistake involves the word 综合 (zōnghé). As mentioned before, 综合 is about 'comprehensiveness' or 'integration' of abstract things like data or opinions. If you say you are 'synthesizing' a report, and you use 合成, it sounds like you are using a chemical process on paper. Use 综合 for reports, summaries, and multifaceted evaluations. 合成 is reserved for the 'creation of a new whole from parts' in a more literal or technical sense.

错误：我们需要合成大家的意见。 (Incorrect: We need to 'synthesize' [chemical-style] everyone's opinions.)
正确：我们需要综合大家的意见。 (Correct: We need to integrate/summarize everyone's opinions.)

Grammar: Missing the '由': When describing what something is made of, learners often forget the '由' (by/from). It's not 'A 是 B 合成', but 'A 是由 B 合成的'.

Lastly, remember the register. 合成 is a relatively formal, B2-level word. In very casual conversation, people might just say '拼在一起' (pīn zài yīqǐ - piece together) or '做成' (zuòchéng - make into). Using 合成 while cooking dinner with a friend might sound a bit like you're a mad scientist in a lab!

To truly master 合成, you must be able to distinguish it from its synonyms. The Chinese language has many words for 'combining' or 'forming', each with its own specific domain. 合成 is unique because it emphasizes the artificial creation of a new substance or entity. Let's look at how it compares to other common terms.

合成 vs. 组成 (zǔchéng): 组成 focuses on the components that make up a whole (A, B, and C 组成 the team). 合成 focuses on the process of creating that whole from those components, often involving a change in state.

水是由氢和氧组成的。 (Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen - static fact.)
科学家在实验室里合成了这种物质。 (Scientists synthesized this substance in the lab - active process.)

合成 vs. 混合 (hùnhé): 混合 is a simple physical mixing where the original parts remain distinct. 合成 usually results in a new substance with different properties than its parts.

Another important alternative is 融合 (rónghé). This word translates to 'fusion' or 'blending' and is often used for abstract concepts like cultures, styles, or emotions. While 合成 feels technical and precise, 融合 feels organic and smooth. You would talk about the 融合 of jazz and classical music, but the 合成 of a digital sound effect.

这部电影完美地融合了动作和喜剧元素。 (This movie perfectly fused action and comedy elements.)

合成 vs. 制造 (zhìzào): 制造 means 'to manufacture' or 'to make' on a large scale. 合成 is the specific method of manufacturing via synthesis. A factory 制造 clothes, but the fabric might be 合成.

In summary, choose 合成 when you want to emphasize a technical, constructive, or transformative process that results in a new, unified entity. Use 混合 for simple mixing, 组成 for describing parts, 融合 for artistic or cultural blending, and 综合 for summarizing information. Mastery of these distinctions is what separates a B2 learner from a fluent speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word '合成' was used in ancient texts to describe the mixing of medicines, long before modern chemical synthesis existed.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /həʊ tʃʰəŋ/

US /hoʊ tʃʰəŋ/

Second syllable (chéng) receives the rising tone emphasis.

Rhymes With

成 (chéng) 诚 (chéng) 程 (chéng) 承 (chéng) 城 (chéng) 乘 (chéng) 惩 (chéng) 呈 (chéng)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'he' as 'hee'.
Confusing the tones: saying 'héchéng' as 'hèchéng'.
Not aspirating the 'ch' in 'cheng'.
Merging the two characters into one sound.
Pronouncing the 'e' in 'he' like the 'e' in 'bed'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The characters are common, but the technical contexts can be challenging.

Writing 4/5

Writing '合成' correctly requires practice with the stroke order of '成'.

Speaking 3/5

The tones are straightforward (2nd and 2nd).

Listening 3/5

Easily confused with '组成' or '综合' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

合成做混合组成

Learn Next

综合融合分解化学

Advanced

全合成光合作用辩证合成

Grammar to Know

Passive with 由 (yóu)

水是由氢和氧合成的。

Resultative complements

把它们合成一个整体。

Attributive '的' (de)

合成的纤维非常耐用。

Conjunction 和 (hé) with components

氢和氧合成水。

Prepositional phrase with 用于 (yòngyú)

这种机器用于合成药物。

Examples by Level

我们要把这些零件合成一个机器人。

We want to combine these parts into a robot.

Simple S + V + O structure.

红色和蓝色合成紫色。

Red and blue combine to make purple.

Using 'and' (和) with '合成'.

这个词是由两个小词合成的。

This word is made of two small words.

Intro to '由...合成' structure.

两队合成一个大队。

Two teams combine into one big team.

General use for groups.

医生合成了一种新药。

The doctor synthesized a new medicine.

Simple active voice.

他们合成了一张照片。

They combined into one photo.

Simple object.

大家合成一股力量。

Everyone combines into one force.

Metaphorical but simple.

声音和画面合成视频。

Sound and pictures combine into a video.

Basic technology context.

这双鞋是用合成皮做的。

These shoes are made of synthetic leather.

Using 'synthetic' as an adjective.

这种材料是由塑料合成的。

This material is synthesized from plastic.

Passive structure '由...合成'.

电脑可以合成人的声音。

Computers can synthesize human voices.

Modal verb '可以' + '合成'.

这张照片是合成的，不是真的。

This photo is synthesized, it's not real.

'合成的' as an adjective.

科学家们合成了一种新纤维。

Scientists synthesized a new fiber.

Past action with '了'.

请把这两部分合成一个整体。

Please combine these two parts into a whole.

Request with '请'.

这种肥料是人工合成的。

This fertilizer is artificially synthesized.

Adding '人工' (artificial) for precision.

我们的意见合成了一个方案。

Our opinions combined into one plan.

Abstract but clear components.

这种新型洗涤剂是由多种化学物质合成的。

This new detergent is synthesized from various chemicals.

More complex '由...合成' structure.

目前的语音合成技术已经非常先进了。

Current speech synthesis technology is already very advanced.

Using '合成' in a technical compound noun.

我们可以通过合成不同的元素来创造新材料。

We can create new materials by synthesizing different elements.

Using '通过...来' (through... to) structure.

这首曲子使用了大量的合成音效。

This piece of music uses many synthesized sound effects.

Focus on music production.

在化学课上，我们要学习如何合成氨。

In chemistry class, we will learn how to synthesize ammonia.

Specific chemical context.

这张海报是由几张不同的图片合成的。

This poster is a composite of several different pictures.

Describing creative work.

合成词在汉语中占有很大的比例。

Compound words account for a large proportion of Chinese.

Linguistic terminology.

这种药物可以在实验室里大规模合成。

This drug can be synthesized on a large scale in the lab.

Adverbial '大规模' (large-scale).

该聚合物是由单体通过聚合反应合成的。

The polymer is synthesized from monomers through a polymerization reaction.

Technical scientific terminology.

电影制作中常用图像合成技术来创造特效。

Image compositing technology is often used in filmmaking to create special effects.

Using '常用...来' (often used... to).

这种天然产物现在已经可以完全人工合成了。

This natural product can now be completely synthesized artificially.

Adverbs '完全' and '人工'.

他的理论合成了前人的研究成果。

His theory synthesized the research results of his predecessors.

Abstract synthesis of ideas.

合成橡胶比天然橡胶具有更好的耐磨性。

Synthetic rubber has better wear resistance than natural rubber.

Comparative sentence structure.

利用语音合成，我们可以为残障人士提供帮助。

By using speech synthesis, we can provide help for people with disabilities.

Starting with '利用' (utilizing).

这种新药的合成过程非常复杂且耗时。

The synthesis process of this new drug is very complex and time-consuming.

Noun form: '合成过程'.

这些数据被合成了一个完整的市场报告。

These data were synthesized into a complete market report.

Passive voice with '被'.

后现代建筑往往是多种风格的巧妙合成。

Postmodern architecture is often an ingenious synthesis of multiple styles.

Abstract noun use in arts.

我们需要合成各方的利益，才能达成一致。

We need to synthesize the interests of all parties to reach an agreement.

Diplomatic/Business context.

全合成（total synthesis）是有机化学中的一个重要领域。

Total synthesis is an important field in organic chemistry.

Highly technical term.

这个虚构的世界是作者根据现实生活合成的。

This fictional world was synthesized by the author based on real life.

Creative process description.

该软件能够实时合成高分辨率的 3D 图像。

The software is capable of synthesizing high-resolution 3D images in real-time.

Focus on high-tech capability.

合成谬误是指认为对局部正确的事物对整体也正确。

The fallacy of composition refers to the belief that what is true for the part is true for the whole.

Philosophical/Logical term.

这种新材料的合成成功标志着该领域的一大进步。

The successful synthesis of this new material marks a major step forward in the field.

Formal announcement style.

我们需要合成新的证据来驳斥对方的观点。

We need to synthesize new evidence to refute the opponent's view.

Strategic/Argumentative context.

在辩证法中，合题是建立在命题与反命题合成基础之上的。

In dialectics, the synthesis is built upon the synthesis of the thesis and antithesis.

Highly abstract philosophical use.

通过核聚变合成更重的元素是恒星演化的核心过程。

Synthesizing heavier elements through nuclear fusion is the core process of stellar evolution.

Astrophysics context.

生物合成途径的揭示为基因工程奠定了理论基础。

The revelation of biosynthetic pathways laid the theoretical foundation for genetic engineering.

Biological science context.

这种跨学科的研究方法合成了社会学与心理学的精髓。

This interdisciplinary research method synthesizes the essence of sociology and psychology.

Academic methodology.

合成生物学旨在通过设计和构建新的生物零件来改造自然。

Synthetic biology aims to transform nature by designing and constructing new biological parts.

Cutting-edge science field.

图像合成中的光影匹配是达到视觉真实感的关键。

Light and shadow matching in image synthesis is key to achieving visual realism.

Professional VFX terminology.

该政策是综合了多项调研数据后合成的战略性指导意见。

This policy is a strategic guidance synthesized after integrating multiple survey data.

High-level administrative language.

全人工合成牛胰岛素是中国科学史上的一个里程碑。

The total synthesis of bovine insulin was a milestone in the history of Chinese science.

Historical/Scientific reference.

Synonyms

组合混合综合构成编制

Antonyms

分解拆散

Common Collocations

人工合成

语音合成

图像合成

化学合成

合成词

合成橡胶

合成器

全合成

光合作用

有机合成

Common Phrases

合成照片

— A composite or doctored photo.

这张合成照片看起来很假。

合成材料

— Synthetic materials.

这种运动服使用了新型合成材料。

合成声音

— Synthesized voice.

导航系统使用的是合成声音。

合成纤维

— Synthetic fiber.

这件衣服是100%合成纤维。

合成药物

— Synthetic drug.

合成药物的副作用较小。

合成燃料

— Synthetic fuel.

科学家正在研究合成燃料。

合成树脂

— Synthetic resin.

这种胶水含有合成树脂。

合成洗涤剂

— Synthetic detergent.

这种合成洗涤剂去污力强。

合成皮革

— Synthetic leather.

这个包是用合成皮革做的。

合成洗发水

— Synthetic shampoo.

他不喜欢用合成洗发水。

Often Confused With

合成 vs 混合

Physical mixing vs. deep synthesis.

合成 vs 组成

Static composition vs. active process.

合成 vs 综合

Summary of ideas vs. creation of substances.

Idioms & Expressions

"巧夺天工"

— Superb craftsmanship that rivals nature; often used for synthetic creations that look real.

这件合成玉雕巧夺天工。

Literary

"浑然一体"

— To blend into one whole; perfect synthesis.

新旧建筑合成后，显得浑然一体。

Formal

"取长补短"

— To combine strengths and offset weaknesses; a logical synthesis.

两家公司合成一家，可以取长补短。

Common

"珠联璧合"

— A perfect pair or combination.

他们的才华合成在一起，真是珠联璧合。

Literary

"相辅相成"

— To complement each other; working together in synthesis.

理论与实践合成，相辅相成。

Formal

"推陈出新"

— To weed out the old and bring forth the new through synthesis.

他在老技术基础上合成新技术，推陈出新。

Formal

"万众一心"

— Thousands of people with one heart; a human synthesis.

全国人民的力量合成一股，万众一心。

Common

"博采众长"

— To draw on the strengths of many to synthesize something better.

他博采众长，合成了一套独特的拳法。

Formal

"融会贯通"

— To achieve mastery by synthesizing different pieces of knowledge.

只有把知识合成体系，才能融会贯通。

Academic

"别出心裁"

— To adopt an original approach in synthesis.

他合成这些素材的方式别出心裁。

Formal

Easily Confused

合成 vs 混合 (hùnhé)

Both mean 'combine'.

混合 is physical (salad); 合成 is chemical or structural (plastic).

混合沙子和水。

合成 vs 综合 (zōnghé)

Both translate to 'synthesize' in English.

综合 is for abstract data/opinions; 合成 is for physical/technical objects.

综合大家的看法。

合成 vs 组成 (zǔchéng)

Both describe a whole and its parts.

组成 describes the status; 合成 describes the action of making.

水由氢氧组成。

合成 vs 组装 (zǔzhuāng)

Both mean putting parts together.

组装 is for machinery/furniture; 合成 is for substances/data.

组装电脑。

合成 vs 融合 (rónghé)

Both mean blending.

融合 is organic/artistic; 合成 is technical/artificial.

文化融合。

Sentence Patterns

A 和 B 合成 C

红色和蓝色合成紫色。

这是合成的...

这是合成皮。

由...合成的

这种药是由草药合成的。

利用...合成...

利用新技术合成新材料。

合成...谬误

这属于合成谬误。

全人工合成...

全人工合成牛胰岛素。

通过...合成...

通过化学反应合成聚合物。

...合成技术

语音合成技术很发达。

Word Family

Nouns

合成器 (héchéngqì) - Synthesizer

合成物 (héchéngwù) - Synthetic substance

合成词 (héchéngcí) - Compound word

Verbs

合成 (héchéng) - To synthesize

Adjectives

合成的 (héchéng de) - Synthetic/Composite

组合 (zǔhé)

组成 (zǔchéng)

合力 (hélì)

合作 (hézuò)

成就 (chéngjiù)

How to Use It

frequency

Common in news, science, and tech; less common in daily casual chat.

Common Mistakes

我合成了一杯咖啡。 → 我泡了一杯咖啡。
You don't 'synthesize' coffee; you 'brew' (泡) it.
氢气和氧气混合成水。 → 氢气和氧气合成水。
Water is a chemical synthesis, not just a mixture.
我们要合成一个新团队。 → 我们要组建一个新团队。
Teams are 'formed' (组建), not 'synthesized'.
这是由塑料合成皮。 → 这是由塑料合成的皮。
Missing the '的' at the end of the passive structure.
合成大家的建议。 → 综合大家的建议。
Suggestions are abstract; use '综合' for summarizing them.

Tips

Using '由'

Always use '由...合成' to sound natural when describing materials.

Technical Feel

Use 合成 to give your speech a more professional or scientific tone.

Photography

If a photo looks fake, use '合成的' to describe it.

Synthesis vs Summary

Remember: 合成 for materials, 综合 for summaries.

The 'Cheng' Connection

Connect '成' (become) with the idea that the components 'become' something new.

Labels

Look for '合成' on labels of clothes and shoes to practice.

Compound Words

Learn '合成词' to understand how Chinese words are built.

Synthesizers

Associate '合成器' with electronic music to remember the word.

Fallacy

Learn '合成谬误' for advanced logical discussions.

Formal Reports

Use 合成 when writing about laboratory results or data integration.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'He' (合) as 'Holding hands' and 'Cheng' (成) as 'Creating.' When things hold hands, they create something new: 合成.

Visual Association

Imagine two separate chemical flasks pouring their contents into a third flask to create a glowing new liquid.

Word Web

Chemistry AI Voice Synthesizer Synthetic Leather Compound Word Photoshopping Materials Integration

Challenge

Try to find three items in your house that are '合成' (synthetic) and name them in Chinese.

Word Origin

Composed of two characters: 合 (hé) and 成 (chéng). 合 originally depicted a lid and a container, signifying joining or closing. 成 depicted a weapon and a phonetic part, evolving to mean 'to complete' or 'to become'.

Original meaning: To join together and complete a new entity.

Sino-Tibetan (Chinese).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using it to describe human relationships as it sounds too robotic.

In English, 'synthetic' can sometimes mean 'fake' or 'unnatural' in a negative way. In Chinese, '合成' is more neutral or even positive, implying high technology.

The synthesis of bovine insulin (1965). Synthesizer music in C-Pop. AI voice synthesis for public announcements.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Science Lab

合成新药
化学合成
合成路径
人工合成

Tech/AI

语音合成
图像合成
合成智能
实时合成

Manufacturing

合成纤维
合成皮革
合成橡胶
合成材料

Music

电子合成器
合成音效
合成旋律
音色合成

Linguistics

合成词
词根合成
语义合成
合成规则

Conversation Starters

"你觉得现在的语音合成技术听起来自然吗？"

"这种合成材料的质量比天然的好吗？"

"这张照片是合成的还是实拍的？"

"科学家为什么要合成这种新元素？"

"你喜欢用电子合成器做的音乐吗？"

Journal Prompts

描述一个你见过的非常逼真的合成图像，并讨论它的影响。

讨论一下合成材料（如塑料）对环境的利与弊。

如果你能合成一种新的物质，你希望它有什么特性？

分析语音合成技术在未来可能如何改变我们的生活。

写一段关于你如何在学习中合成不同知识点的经历。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Usually no. Cooking is 混合 (mixing) or 烹饪 (cooking). Using 合成 makes it sound like a lab experiment.

Yes, it refers to words made of two or more roots, like 'fireplace' or '电脑'.

It is Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology, where a computer generates spoken words.

Yes, it can mean 'synthesis' as a process or a result.

You say '合成皮' (héchéng pí) or '人造革' (rénzào gé).

Yes, for 'composition of functions' (函数的合成).

No, use '联合' (unite) or '组队' (form a team) instead.

Yes, it is a formal B2-level word.

The opposite is 分解 (fēnjiě), which means to decompose.

Yes, for synthesized sounds and synthesizers (合成器).