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B1 verb #3,500 most common 7 min read

生效

shengxiao Top 3,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 生效 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 生效 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of '生效' (shēngxiào) as a way to say something 'starts working' or 'becomes real.' Even though it looks like a big word, it is made of two simple parts. '生' means 'to give birth' or 'to start,' and '效' means 'effect.' You can use it to talk about simple things, like a coupon at a store or a new rule at school. For example, if your teacher says a new rule starts today, you can say it '生效' today. It helps you understand when things like tickets or simple plans become active. Don't worry about the legal side yet; just remember it means 'to start being valid.'

At the A2 level, you should start using '生效' to describe the timing of rules and simple agreements. You might see this word on posters or in apps. For example, if you change your password, the app might say the change has '生效' (taken effect). You can use the pattern '[Time] + 生效' to say when something will happen. For instance, '明天生效' means 'takes effect tomorrow.' It is also useful when talking about medicine. If you take a headache pill, you can ask '什么时候生效？' to find out when you will feel better. It is a step up from just saying '开始' (start) because it specifically refers to rules or effects.

At the B1 level, '生效' becomes an essential word for professional and daily administrative tasks. You will use it when discussing contracts, insurance policies, and office regulations. You should understand that '生效' is an intransitive verb, meaning it doesn't take an object directly. You wouldn't say 'I 生效 the contract'; you would say 'The contract 生效-ed.' You should also begin to distinguish it from '有效' (yǒuxiào), which means 'to be valid' as a quality. '生效' is the action of becoming valid. This is the level where you use it in sentences like '自签字之日起生效' (Effective from the date of signing), which is common in business correspondence.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use '生效' with precision in formal writing and debate. You should be comfortable with its nuances in legal, medical, and social contexts. You can use it to discuss the onset of legislative changes or the activation of international treaties. You should also be able to distinguish it from synonyms like '起效' (used for medicine), '见效' (used for visible results), and '奏效' (used for successful strategies). In a B2 context, you might discuss why a policy '未见生效' (has not yet shown signs of taking effect) or how to ensure a regulation '立即生效' (takes effect immediately). Your vocabulary should reflect the formal tone that '生效' carries.

At the C1 level, '生效' is a tool for nuanced legal and academic discussion. You will encounter it in complex texts regarding jurisprudence, where the '生效要件' (requirements for taking effect) of a contract or law are debated. You should understand the theoretical difference between '生效' (becoming valid) and '生效' in the context of '溯及力' (retroactive effect). You will also see it used in scientific papers to describe the specific pharmacological window of a drug. At this level, you should be able to use the word in sophisticated structures, such as '生效日期延迟' (delay of the effective date) or '该条款的生效取决于...' (the taking effect of this clause depends on...).

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of '生效' and its place within the broader framework of Chinese formal language. You can discuss the philosophical and legal implications of '生效' in constitutional law or international diplomacy. You understand the subtle shift in register when '生效' is replaced by more archaic or specialized terms in classical-style legal prose. You can analyze the conditions under which a legal act might be '部分生效' (partially effective) versus '全部生效' (fully effective). Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker with a high degree of education, using the word effortlessly in high-stakes negotiations or complex legal drafting where every word regarding timing and validity is critical.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

生效 in 30 Seconds

Used for laws, contracts, and rules becoming valid.
Used for medicine starting to work in the body.
An intransitive verb; the subject 'becomes' active.
Common in formal documents and administrative notices.

The Chinese term 生效 (shēngxiào) is a formal and semi-formal verb that translates to 'to take effect,' 'to become operative,' or 'to become valid.' It is composed of two characters: 生 (shēng), meaning to give birth to, arise, or happen, and 效 (xiào), which refers to effect, result, or efficacy. Together, they describe the moment a plan, law, contract, or even a medication begins to produce its intended result or becomes legally binding. Understanding this word is crucial for navigating professional, legal, and medical environments in Chinese-speaking regions.

Legal and Formal Context: In the world of law and business, 生效 is the standard term used to denote when a document or regulation starts being enforceable. For instance, when two parties sign a contract, they might specify a future date when the terms will 生效. Until that moment, the contract is signed but not yet 'active' in a legal sense.

这项法律将于下个月一号正式生效。(This law will officially take effect on the first of next month.)

Medical Context: While often used in legal settings, 生效 is also applied to medicine and treatments. If you take a pill and it begins to work on your symptoms, a doctor might describe this as the medicine '生效.' However, in casual conversation, terms like '起效' or '见效' are more common for health, whereas 生效 retains a slightly more technical or formal tone.

Furthermore, 生效 is frequently used in the context of digital security and policy updates. If a website updates its privacy policy, the notification will often state that the changes have already 生效. It implies a transition from a state of preparation or proposal to a state of active application. It is the opposite of 失效 (shīxiào), which means to expire or lose effectiveness. Mastering this word allows you to discuss timelines, obligations, and results with precision.

合同自签字之日起生效。(The contract takes effect from the date of signing.)

Using 生效 correctly requires understanding its role as an intransitive verb. It describes the state of the subject (a law, a rule, a chemical) without needing a direct object. You don't '生效' something; rather, the thing '生效' by itself or through an external timeline. Below are several structures and nuances for using this word effectively in both written and spoken Chinese.

Structure: [Subject] + [Time] + 生效: This is the most common way to describe when something will become valid. You place the time element directly before the verb. Example: '新规定明天生效' (The new regulation takes effect tomorrow).

你的会员卡还没有生效。(Your membership card has not yet become valid/active.)

Formal Usage: 自...起生效: In legal documents, the '自...起' (from... onwards) pattern is standard. For example, '自发布之日起生效' (Effective from the date of issuance). This sounds professional and authoritative.

When discussing medicine, 生效 indicates the pharmacological action has begun. If a patient asks, '这药什么时候生效？' (When will this medicine take effect?), they are asking about the onset of the drug's action. In contrast, '有效' (yǒuxiào) would mean the medicine is effective/works in general, while '生效' is about the specific point of starting to work. This distinction is vital for clear communication in healthcare settings.

这种药通常在服用半小时后生效。(This medicine usually takes effect half an hour after taking it.)

You will encounter 生效 in various real-world scenarios in China. From administrative notifications to corporate contracts, it is a ubiquitous term for defining the 'active' state of an agreement or rule. Here are the primary environments where you will hear or see this word used frequently.

Government and Public Policy: Whenever a new traffic law, tax regulation, or public health policy is announced on news channels like CCTV, the announcer will specify the date it will 生效. For example, '新个税法已正式生效' (The new individual income tax law has officially taken effect).

这项禁令将立即生效。(This ban will take effect immediately.)

In the Workplace: In a corporate setting, Human Resources might send an email about changes to the employee handbook or health insurance plans. The email will almost always contain the phrase '从下周一生效' (Effective starting next Monday). It clarifies when employees should start following the new rules.

In the travel industry, 生效 is used for visas and insurance policies. When you apply for a Chinese visa, the validity period might differ from the date it actually 生效. If you are at an airport and there is a problem with your insurance, the agent might say, '您的保险单尚未生效' (Your insurance policy has not yet taken effect), meaning you aren't covered yet. Being aware of this word helps you avoid legal and financial pitfalls.

该协议在双方签字盖章后生效。(The agreement takes effect after both parties sign and seal it.)

While 生效 is straightforward, learners often confuse it with other words that share the character 效. Understanding these distinctions is key to sounding like a native speaker and avoiding ambiguity in formal communication.

Mistake 1: Confusing 生效 with 有效 (yǒuxiào): '生效' is a verb meaning 'to start being valid' (a change in state). '有效' is an adjective meaning 'to be valid' or 'to be effective' (a current state). You would say '这个合同是有效的' (This contract is valid), but '这个合同明天生效' (This contract takes effect tomorrow).

Incorrect: 这种药很有生效。
Correct: 这种药很有效。(This medicine is very effective.)

Mistake 2: Using it as a Transitive Verb: Learners sometimes try to say 'I will make this law take effect' by saying '我会生效这个法律.' This is incorrect. 生效 cannot take an object. Instead, you should say '我会让这个法律生效' (I will make this law take effect).

Another common error is confusing it with 见效 (jiànxiào). While both can be used for medicine, '见效' specifically emphasizes seeing the results (seeing the effect), whereas '生效' is more about the technical start of the effect. If a treatment is working and you can see the patient getting better, '见效' is more appropriate. If you are discussing the pharmacological window, '生效' is the term.

这种治疗方法已经见效了。(This treatment method has already shown results/started working.)

To truly master 生效, it is helpful to compare it with its synonyms and related terms. Each has a specific nuance that makes it suitable for different contexts.

生效 vs. 起效 (qǐxiào): '起效' is almost exclusively used for medicine and chemical reactions. It is slightly less formal than '生效.' While you can say a medicine '生效,' you would never say a contract '起效.' '生效' has a broader legal and administrative application.

生效 vs. 奏效 (zòuxiào): '奏效' means 'to prove effective' or 'to work as intended.' It is often used for strategies, plans, or methods. For example, '他的计谋奏效了' (His scheme worked). '生效' is about the start of validity, while '奏效' is about the success of the outcome.

他的新方法很快就奏效了。(His new method quickly proved effective.)

Another word to consider is 施行 (shīxíng), which means 'to put into operation' or 'to implement.' While '生效' describes the state of becoming valid, '施行' describes the action of carrying it out. A law might '生效' (become valid) on January 1st, and the police will '施行' (implement/enforce) it from that day forward.

新法规将于元旦起施行。(The new regulation will be implemented starting from New Year's Day.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The character '效' originally depicted a person being hit to make them do something, which evolved into the concept of 'result' or 'imitation.'

Pronunciation Guide

UK shēng xiào

US shēng xiào

The emphasis is balanced, but the fourth tone on 'xiào' makes it sound more forceful.

Rhymes With

精巧 (jīngqiǎo) 微笑 (wēixiào) 巧妙 (qiǎomiào) 有效 (yǒuxiào) 学校 (xuéxiào) 报告 (bàogào - loose rhyme) 外貌 (wàimào) 忠告 (zhōnggào)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'sh' as 's'.
Using the third tone for 'shēng' instead of the first.
Confusing 'x' with 'sh' in 'xiào'.
Failing to drop the tone sharply on 'xiào'.
Pronouncing 'iao' as 'io'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Characters are common, but the context is often formal.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the stroke order for '效'.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce if you know pinyin.

Listening 3/5

Distinct sound, but can be confused with other 'xiao' words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

生 (shēng) 效 (xiào) 开始 (kāishǐ) 法律 (fǎlǜ) 合同 (hétóng)

Learn Next

失效 (shīxiào) 起效 (qǐxiào) 见效 (jiànxiào) 奏效 (zòuxiào) 法律效力 (fǎlǜ xiàolì)

Advanced

溯及力 (sùjílì) 颁布 (bānbù) 履行 (lǚxíng) 违约 (wéiyuē)

Grammar to Know

Intransitive Verb Usage

合同生效。(The contract takes effect.)

Time Before Verb

明天生效。(Takes effect tomorrow.)

Using '了' for State Change

已经生效了。(It has already taken effect.)

Conditional '如果...就'

如果法律生效，我们就得遵守。(If the law takes effect, we must obey.)

Prepositional Phrase '自...起'

自今日起生效。(Effective from today.)

Examples by Level

这个规定明天生效。

This rule takes effect tomorrow.

Subject + Time + Verb structure.

药生效了吗？

Has the medicine taken effect?

Question with '了' indicating a change of state.

新密码已经生效了。

The new password has already taken effect.

Adverb '已经' + Verb + '了'.

法律下个月生效。

The law takes effect next month.

Simple time expression '下个月'.

优惠券还没生效。

The coupon hasn't taken effect yet.

Negative '还没' indicating something hasn't happened yet.

今天开始生效。

It takes effect starting today.

Using '开始' (start) with '生效'.

什么时候生效？

When does it take effect?

Simple question structure.

合同现在生效。

The contract takes effect now.

Subject + Adverb of time + Verb.

新规定从下周一开始生效。

The new regulation takes effect starting next Monday.

Using '从...开始' to specify the start time.

这种药半小时后会生效。

This medicine will take effect in half an hour.

Future intent with '会'.

你的会员卡已经生效了。

Your membership card has already become valid.

Indicating a completed change of state.

这项禁令立即生效。

This ban takes effect immediately.

Adverb '立即' (immediately) directly before the verb.

这个合同还没生效，不能签字。

This contract hasn't taken effect yet; you can't sign it.

Compound sentence with '还没...不能'.

新政策对大家都有生效。

The new policy has taken effect for everyone.

Using '对...生效' to show who is affected.

修改后的条款已经生效。

The modified terms have already taken effect.

Noun phrase '修改后的条款' as subject.

什么时候才能生效呢？

When will it finally take effect?

Adding emphasis with '才' and '呢'.

合同自双方签字之日起生效。

The contract takes effect from the date both parties sign.

Formal structure '自...之日起'.

该法律将于明年一月一日正式生效。

The law will officially take effect on January 1st next year.

Formal future marker '将于'.

如果药没有生效，请立即联系医生。

If the medicine doesn't take effect, please contact a doctor immediately.

Conditional '如果...请' structure.

保险单在支付保费后生效。

The insurance policy takes effect after the premium is paid.

Temporal clause '...后'.

这项协议需要得到批准才能生效。

This agreement needs to be approved before it can take effect.

Using '需要...才能' to show necessity.

新税法生效后，大家的收入会有变化。

After the new tax law takes effect, everyone's income will change.

Describing consequences after the verb '生效'.

该条款在特殊情况下不生效。

This clause does not take effect under special circumstances.

Specifying conditions with '在...情况下'.

请确认您的账户更改是否已经生效。

Please confirm whether your account changes have already taken effect.

Using '是否' (whether) in a formal request.

由于程序错误，新的安全协议未能如期生效。

Due to a programming error, the new security protocol failed to take effect as scheduled.

Using '由于' (due to) and '未能' (failed to).

这项国际条约在获得足够多的成员国签署后生效。

This international treaty takes effect after being signed by a sufficient number of member states.

Complex subject and conditional clause.

医生认为治疗方案已经开始生效，病人的情况有所好转。

The doctor believes the treatment plan has begun to take effect, and the patient's condition has improved.

Using '有所' to indicate a degree of improvement.

该法规的生效日期被推迟到了下个季度。

The effective date of the regulation has been postponed until the next quarter.

Passive structure with '被'.

除非另有规定，否则本协议自发布之日起生效。

Unless otherwise specified, this agreement takes effect from the date of publication.

Formal '除非...否则' (unless... otherwise) structure.

该药剂的生效速度取决于患者的代谢水平。

The speed at which the agent takes effect depends on the patient's metabolic rate.

Using '取决于' (depends on).

我们将采取一切必要措施确保新政策顺利生效。

We will take all necessary measures to ensure the new policy takes effect smoothly.

Verb '确保' (ensure) followed by a clause.

一旦该法律生效，旧的规定将自动作废。

Once the law takes effect, the old regulations will automatically become void.

Using '一旦...将' (once... then).

法律效力的溯及力通常意味着法律在生效前不具约束力。

The retroactivity of legal effect usually means that a law is not binding before it takes effect.

High-level legal terminology (溯及力, 约束力).

合同的生效要件包括当事人具备相应的民事行为能力。

The requirements for a contract to take effect include the parties having the corresponding capacity for civil conduct.

Academic term '生效要件' (requirements for taking effect).

该行政命令的生效引发了社会各界的广泛关注和辩论。

The taking effect of the executive order triggered widespread concern and debate across all sectors of society.

Using '引发' (trigger) for social consequences.

在某些法系中，遗嘱必须经过公证才能正式生效。

In some legal systems, a will must be notarized to officially take effect.

Specific legal context (公证, 遗嘱).

尽管该药已生效，但其副作用也不容忽视。

Although the drug has taken effect, its side effects cannot be ignored.

Concessive clause '尽管...但'.

该协议的生效取决于是否能达成多边共识。

The taking effect of the agreement depends on whether a multilateral consensus can be reached.

Abstract noun phrase '多边共识'.

由于缺乏必要的法律支撑，该条款实际上并未生效。

Due to a lack of necessary legal support, the clause has not actually taken effect.

Using '实际上' (actually) and '并未' (has not).

相关部门正在研究如何让该项扶持政策更早生效。

Relevant departments are studying how to make the support policy take effect earlier.

Object clause following '研究'.

关于该法律草案的生效，法学界存在着深刻的理论分歧。

Regarding the taking effect of the draft law, there are profound theoretical disagreements in the legal community.

C2 level abstract discussion structure.

该项国际公约的生效，标志着全球环境治理迈出了关键一步。

The taking effect of this international convention marks a key step forward in global environmental governance.

Using '标志着' (signifies) to show historical importance.

在这一法律框架下，合同生效的条件被严格限制在几个核心范畴内。

Under this legal framework, the conditions for a contract to take effect are strictly limited to several core categories.

Passive structure with '被' and precise limiting language.

该项新政虽已生效，但在执行层面仍面临诸多掣肘。

Although the new policy has taken effect, it still faces many constraints at the execution level.

Using literary word '掣肘' (constraints/impediments).

法律的生效不仅在于其文字的颁布，更在于社会对其权威的认同。

The effectiveness of a law lies not only in the promulgation of its text but also in the society's recognition of its authority.

Correlative conjunction '不仅在于...更在于'.

该裁决自送达之日起立即生效，且为终审裁决。

The ruling takes effect immediately upon delivery and is a final judgment.

Legal jargon '送达' (delivery) and '终审' (final trial).

倘若该协议未能如期生效，地缘政治格局或将面临剧变。

If the agreement fails to take effect as scheduled, the geopolitical landscape may face drastic changes.

Using literary '倘若' (if) and '或将' (perhaps will).

探讨生效的时间节点对于界定法律责任至关重要。

Exploring the time point of taking effect is crucial for defining legal liability.

Gerund-like subject phrase '探讨...节点'.

Common Collocations

立即生效

正式生效

合同生效

法律生效

尚未生效

自动生效

开始生效

药力生效

协议生效

条款生效

Common Phrases

生效日期

— The date on which something becomes valid.

合同的生效日期是三月一号。

生效要件

— The legal requirements for something to take effect.

这是合同生效的必要要件。

生效范围

— The scope or area where the effect applies.

该政策的生效范围仅限本市。

生效时间

— The specific time something becomes active.

请查阅该通知的生效时间。

已经生效

— Something has already become valid.

新规定已经生效了。

即将生效

— Something is about to become valid.

新政策即将生效，请做好准备。

确认生效

— To confirm that something has taken effect.

我们需要确认更改已经生效。

生效期限

— The period during which something remains in effect.

该禁令的生效期限为三个月。

暂未生效

— Not taking effect for the time being.

该功能在您的地区暂未生效。

如何生效

— How something takes effect.

你能解释一下这项法律是如何生效的吗？

Often Confused With

生效 vs 有效 (yǒuxiào)

有效 is 'to be valid' (adjective), while 生效 is 'to become valid' (verb).

生效 vs 见效 (jiànxiào)

见效 emphasizes seeing the results, whereas 生效 is about the start of the effect.

生效 vs 失效 (shīxiào)

失效 is the direct antonym, meaning to lose effectiveness or expire.

Idioms & Expressions

"立竿见影"

— To get instant results. While '生效' is the verb, this idiom describes a very fast '生效'.

这种新药的效果立竿见影。

Literary

"药到病除"

— The medicine works as soon as it arrives. A specific type of '生效' for medical cures.

他开的药真是药到病除。

Common

"行之有效"

— Effective in practice. Related to things that have '生效' and proven themselves.

这是一个行之有效的方法。

Neutral

"雷厉风行"

— To carry out actions with the speed of thunder and wind. Often used when a policy '生效' very quickly.

政府雷厉风行地实施了新政。

Formal

"实事求是"

— To seek truth from facts. Often used when evaluating if a policy has actually '生效' in reality.

我们要实事求是地评估政策效果。

Formal

"名存实亡"

— Existing in name only. Used when something has technically '生效' but doesn't work in reality.

这个协议已经名存实亡了。

Literary

"废纸一张"

— A piece of waste paper. Used for contracts that failed to '生效' or have become '失效'.

没有签字，这个合同就是废纸一张。

Informal

"卓有成效"

— Highly effective. Describes the state after something has '生效' successfully.

他的工作卓有成效。

Formal

"一劳永逸"

— To do something once and for all. Used for rules that '生效' and solve problems permanently.

这不是一个一劳永逸的办法。

Literary

"事半功倍"

— Half the effort, twice the result. Describes a very efficient '生效' process.

用对方法可以事半功倍。

Neutral

Easily Confused

生效 vs 生效 (shēngxiào)

Both relate to things working.

生效 is the start of validity. 奏效 is the success of a plan.

法律生效了，但计划没奏效。

生效 vs 起效 (qǐxiào)

Very similar meanings.

起效 is mostly for medicine/chemicals. 生效 is broader (law/contracts).

药起效了。(More natural than 药生效了 in casual talk).

生效 vs 施行 (shīxíng)

Both used for laws.

生效 is the 'state' of being valid. 施行 is the 'action' of implementation.

法律生效后开始施行。

生效 vs 实施 (shíshī)

Both used for policies.

实施 is the process of carrying it out. 生效 is the point in time it becomes valid.

政府正在实施已经生效的政策。

生效 vs 有效 (yǒuxiào)

Same character '效'.

有效 describes a current status (Is it valid?). 生效 describes a transition (When does it start?).

合同是有效的，因为它已经生效了。

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] [Time] 生效。

法律明天生效。

[Subject] 还没生效。

会员卡还没生效。

自 [Event] 之日起生效。

自签字之日起生效。

[Subject] 将于 [Time] 正式生效。

协议将于下周正式生效。

一旦 [Subject] 生效，就 [Result]。

一旦新规生效，旧的就作废。

确保 [Subject] 顺利生效。

我们要确保政策顺利生效。

[Subject] 的生效取决于 [Condition]。

法律的生效取决于投票结果。

[Subject] 虽已生效，但 [Contrast]。

新政虽已生效，但阻力很大。

Word Family

Nouns

效力 (xiàolì) - effectiveness/legal force

效果 (xiàoguǒ) - effect/result

效率 (xiàolǜ) - efficiency

Verbs

效仿 (xiàofǎng) - to imitate

效劳 (xiàoláo) - to serve

效命 (xiàomìng) - to devote one's life to

Adjectives

有效 (yǒuxiào) - valid/effective

高效 (gāoxiào) - highly efficient

生命 (shēngmìng)

产生 (chǎnshēng)

生活 (shēnghuó)

功效 (gōngxiào)

成效 (chéngxiào)

How to Use It

frequency

High in legal, medical, and administrative contexts.

Common Mistakes

我生效了这个规定。 → 我让这个规定生效了。
生效 is intransitive and cannot take a direct object like '规定'.
这个法律是生效的。 → 这个法律是有效的。
To describe a current state of validity, use the adjective '有效'.
药力见效了。 → 药力生效了。
While '见效' is possible, '生效' is the standard way to describe the onset of drug action.
合同明天开始起效。 → 合同明天开始生效。
'起效' is specifically for medicine, not legal documents.
生效日期在昨天。 → 生效日期是昨天。
Use '是' (is) to link the subject to the date, or just say '昨天生效了'.

Tips

Don't use an object

Remember that '生效' is intransitive. Say '法律生效,' not '生效法律'.

Legal phrases

Learn '自...起生效' as a single chunk for business and legal writing.

Medicine context

If you're asking a pharmacist when a pill works, '什么时候生效？' is perfect.

News keywords

In Chinese news, '生效' is often preceded by '正式' (officially).

Character help

The character '效' appears in many words like '效果' and '效率'. Master it once to unlock many words.

Officialdom

Chinese administrative culture relies heavily on the '生效' date for bureaucratic clarity.

UI Translation

If you're translating an app, '生效' is the standard translation for 'Take effect' or 'Apply changes'.

Contrast with 失效

Learn '生效' and '失效' together as a pair of opposites to double your vocabulary.

The 'Birth' logic

Always associate '生' with 'start/birth' to remember that '生效' is about the *beginning* of an effect.

Avoid '有效'

Don't say '这药生效吗？' if you mean 'Is this medicine good?'. Use '这药有效吗？' for quality.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of '生' as a baby being born and '效' as 'effect.' When a law is born, its effect '生效's.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel. The moment it hits the wood, the word '生效' appears in glowing letters.

Word Web

生效 (Take effect) 失效 (Lose effect) 有效 (Valid) 效果 (Result) 效力 (Force/Power) 起效 (Start working) 见效 (See results) 正式 (Official)

Challenge

Write three sentences about a medicine, a contract, and a rule using '生效'.

Word Origin

The term combines '生' (to arise/to be born) and '效' (effect/result). It appears in early modern legal and administrative Chinese to describe the 'birth' of a rule's power.

Original meaning: To bring about an effect or to start having a result.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese)

Cultural Context

Be careful when using '生效' in sensitive legal disputes; ensure you know the exact date to avoid misunderstandings.

English speakers often say 'kick in' for medicine or 'go live' for websites. '生效' is more formal than 'kick in' but less technical than 'promulgate'.

The Basic Law of Hong Kong (生效 date is July 1, 1997). The Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (生效 date January 1, 2021). Common phrases in Chinese dramas when a divorce decree '生效's.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Legal/Contracts

合同自签字起生效
法律正式生效
条款尚未生效
生效日期

Medical

药力生效
什么时候生效？
药已经生效了
快速生效

Administrative/Rules

新规定生效
立即生效
从下周生效
通知已生效

Technology/Apps

修改已生效
设置生效
更新后生效
重启后生效

Insurance/Visas

保单生效
签证生效日期
尚未生效的保单
延期生效

Conversation Starters

"你知道这项新法律什么时候生效吗？"

"你吃的药生效了吗？感觉好点没？"

"我们的合同什么时候正式生效？"

"为什么我的优惠券还没有生效？"

"新规定生效后，我们需要注意什么？"

Journal Prompts

写一写你最近签署的一个合同，它是从什么时候生效的？

如果你可以制定一个立即生效的法律，那会是什么？

描述一次你等药生效的经历，当时你是什么感觉？

讨论一下为什么有些政策生效后却没有达到预期的效果。

反思一下你生活中哪些习惯的变化已经开始生效并改变了你。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, you can. When you change your password, the system might say '新密码已生效' (The new password has taken effect).

Not exactly. '开始' (kāishǐ) is generic for any beginning. '生效' is specifically for rules, laws, medicine, and validity.

You say '立即生效' (lìjí shēngxiào). This is a very common phrase in announcements.

No. Only inanimate things like laws, rules, chemicals, or plans can '生效'.

The most common opposite is '失效' (shīxiào), which means to lose effect or expire.

It is neutral to formal. It's used in news and contracts, but also in daily life for medicine or app settings.

No. You should say '生效的合同' (The contract that has taken effect) or '合同生效' (The contract takes effect).

见效 means 'to see results.' If a medicine works, you see it '见效'. 生效 is the technical term for when it starts to work.

Yes. '优惠券生效日期' is the date the coupon becomes usable.

No, but it often does. You can say '它生效了' (It has taken effect) without specifying when.